Required Documents for Shipping a Car from USA to Kenya Customs

Shipping a car from the USA to Kenya can be an exciting venture—finding that perfect vehicle at a reasonable price and imagining it cruising through Nairobi or Mombasa streets is thrilling. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned after helping friends and doing it myself, it’s that the paperwork can be trickier than the shipping process itself. Skipping, misfiling, or misunderstanding even one document can lead to frustrating delays at Kenyan customs, or worse, extra fees that were never part of your budget.

I remember my first attempt. I had just bought a used SUV from California, and I thought, “How hard can this be? Just ship it and clear customs.” Fast forward two weeks, I was on a frantic call with the shipping agent, trying to sort out missing paperwork that I didn’t even realize was required. Since then, I’ve gotten a solid understanding of the essential documents you need and why they matter.

1. Original Title and Registration

At the very top of the list is the original vehicle title. This is the single most important document because it proves legal ownership. Without it, the car technically isn’t yours in the eyes of customs or shipping companies.

If the car has a lien—say you bought it through financing—the title might be held by the lender. In that case, you’ll need a lien release document to show that the loan is fully paid and that ownership can legally transfer.

The registration papers are also needed. These verify the vehicle’s legal existence and match it to the title. In one case, a friend had mismatched registration and title details, and the Kenyan customs office held the car until the discrepancy was resolved. Lesson learned: double-check these before shipping.

2. Bill of Sale

Think of the bill of sale as the handshake agreement in paper form. It outlines the transaction: who sold the car, who bought it, the sale price, and the date of purchase. For customs, this document helps calculate taxes and duties.

I once came across a bill of sale that simply said “sold as-is” with no price listed. Kenyan customs immediately questioned it, and it delayed clearance for almost a week. A detailed bill of sale prevents such headaches. I personally like to include extra details like the car’s VIN, make, model, year, and mileage at the time of sale—small things that can smooth the process.

3. Proof of Payment

Whether you paid via wire transfer, credit card, or cashier’s check, keep proof of payment. Customs may want to see evidence that you legitimately purchased the vehicle at the declared price.

Here’s a personal anecdote: I had a friend who used multiple partial payments and didn’t consolidate the receipts. When the shipping agent submitted documents, Kenyan customs questioned the total amount. It was nothing serious, but the delay cost extra days in port storage fees. I always recommend keeping a single, clear proof of payment, if possible.

4. Export Declaration (Shipper’s Export Declaration, or SED)

The Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) is a US customs document. It essentially declares that the car is leaving the United States and provides shipping details, including the value, destination, and method of transport.

Most shipping companies handle this for you, but you should confirm. I’ve seen cases where the SED wasn’t filed correctly, causing a mismatch with the Bill of Lading—this leads to extra paperwork and delays once the vehicle reaches Kenya.

5. Bill of Lading

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is your receipt from the shipping company. It proves that the car is on the vessel and outlines details such as the port of departure, estimated arrival, and shipping method (RoRo or container).

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is cheaper but exposes your car to more environmental stress. Container shipping offers extra protection but is pricier. Either way, customs will want a copy of the BOL to verify that your vehicle matches the shipment.

A quick tip: keep multiple copies. I learned this the hard way when the port officer needed three originals, and I had only brought one. Extra copies save time and stress.

6. Import Declaration Form (Kenya Customs Form C61)

Once your car arrives in Kenya, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Import Declaration Form (IDF C61) comes into play. You can fill it out online before the car even leaves the US, and it essentially registers your vehicle for import.

You’ll need details like the car’s VIN, engine size, year of manufacture, and shipping info. Accuracy is key here—small errors, like mistyping the VIN, can delay clearance. I’ve had a friend who accidentally reversed two digits, and it took an extra week to correct at the port.

7. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN Certificate

Customs requires a KRA PIN to process import duties and taxes. This applies even if you already have one; ensure it’s active and valid. You can register online if you don’t have one.

It’s a small thing, but missing or invalid PINs can cause unnecessary back-and-forth. In my experience, pre-checking this before the vehicle arrives makes the process smoother.

8. Insurance and Inspection Documents

Kenya may require insurance documents for the vehicle, even before registration. A copy of your Kenyan insurance policy or temporary coverage is usually sufficient.

Additionally, some vehicles may need inspection certificates, especially if imported from a non-EU country or if they are older models. While this isn’t always strictly enforced, having these documents ready can prevent last-minute surprises.

I remember an older SUV I shipped: the shipping agent suggested getting an inspection certificate before arrival to avoid delays. It added a small cost but saved a lot of stress at the port.

9. Power of Attorney (If Using an Agent)

If you’re not personally handling the shipment or customs clearance, a Power of Attorney (POA) authorizing an agent to act on your behalf is essential.

I’ve used agents in Mombasa before, and having a clear POA meant they could sign for customs, pay duties, and collect the car without me being physically present. Without it, your vehicle could sit at the port until you arrive, racking up storage fees.

10. Additional Documents for Specific Cases

Depending on your situation, a few extra documents might be required:

Emission Certificates: Some vehicles might need proof they meet environmental standards.

Recall or Service Records: Helpful if customs or the port asks for verification.

Foreign Tax Receipts: If applicable, proving that US taxes have been paid on the vehicle.

While not always mandatory, these documents can make the process smoother and prevent unnecessary questioning.

Wrapping It Up: Organization is Key

Looking back, the biggest takeaway is organization. I’ve learned that even a minor oversight—a missing document, a mismatched number, or unclear receipt—can delay your car’s release for days or even weeks.

My personal workflow involves:

Creating a dedicated folder (physical and digital copies).

Double-checking every detail: VIN, engine size, dates.

Sending copies to my shipping agent in advance.

Having extra photocopies on hand at the port.

This approach has saved me countless headaches and keeps the shipping process as smooth as possible.

Shipping a car from the USA to Kenya is exciting, but paperwork is the backbone of the process. Treat it with the attention it deserves, and the thrill of seeing your car arrive safely in Kenya will be all the more satisfying.

Published on: Sep 08, 2025

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