How to Import a Car from the USA: The Complete 2026 Guide (Copart, IAAI, Customs)

Importing a car from the USA has become increasingly popular in Azerbaijan in recent years — at the Copart and IAAI auctions you can find vehicles at far better prices and in a much wider range. But to make the process a success, you need to understand every stage in detail. In this guide, the AutoMakler team walks you through it step by step.

1. Why buy at US auctions?

Every year, millions of used cars in the USA are put up for sale at the Copart and IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions) auctions. These are mainly:

• Cars declared a total loss by insurance companies (salvage title)
• Vehicles repossessed by banks and leasing companies
• Used cars put up for sale by dealers
• Government and corporate fleet vehicles

As a result, you can get a high-quality car 30–60% below the market price.

2. Which auction: Copart or IAAI?

It is important to understand the difference between these two giants. We have written about it in more detail in our Copart vs IAAI comparison, but in short:

• Copart — a large inventory, more dealers, and a simpler paperwork process
• IAAI — specializes in insurance vehicles, prices are often more affordable, but there can be differences in domestic transport

3. Choosing a car and checking the VIN

Always check the history of any car that catches your eye at the auction. To do this:

1. Carfax report — accident history, odometer, previous owners (starting from 2 AZN at AutoMakler)
2. Title status — Clean or Salvage?
3. Lot photos — from every angle, at least 20–30 images
4. Reserve price — the minimum price the seller will accept (AutoMakler finds this out for you)

4. Calculating the shipping cost

The cost of shipping to Azerbaijan varies depending on where the car is located in the USA. There are three stages:

• Domestic transport (auction → US port, for example Georgia or New Jersey)
• Sea freight (US port → Poti, Georgia)
• Inland transport (Poti → Baku or another city)

For an exact price, use the AutoMakler calculator — enter the lot number or VIN and you will instantly see the final amount.

5. Bidding at the auction

AutoMakler bids at the auction on your behalf. What we need from you:

• The car's lot number or VIN
• Your maximum budget
• A down payment (usually 10–15% of the car's value)

If the bid is successful, you will need to pay the remaining amount within 2–5 business days.

6. Paperwork and shipping preparation

Once the car is purchased, the AutoMakler team:

1. Prepares the Bill of Sale
2. Obtains the Title
3. Delivers the car to the US port
4. Completes the export documents

7. Sea freight (30–45 days)

Cars are mostly shipped on RoRo vessels (drive-on, drive-off) or in a container. Typical transit time:

• East Coast (NJ, GA) → Poti: ~35 days
• West Coast (CA, WA) → Poti: ~50 days

Container insurance is included as standard — if you need additional coverage, let us know when placing your order.

8. Poti customs and inland transport

After customs clearance at the port of Poti, the car is delivered to Baku by truck (1–2 days). Final clearance then takes place at Azerbaijani customs.

9. Registration and customs duty in Azerbaijan

The customs duty is calculated based on the car's age, engine displacement and fuel type. In our calculator, the customs portion on the results page is based on the official DGK rates.

Required documents: inspection report, customs declaration, Bill of Lading, Title, Bill of Sale, and the buyer's passport.

Final tips

• Calculate the cost in advance — so there are no hidden expenses
• Always check the Carfax — don't rely on the auction photos
• Ask for the reserve price — if it fits your budget, place a bid
• Choose a reliable broker — a registered company, a real office, and customer reviews

AutoMakler is a new-generation online brokerage platform for importing cars from the USA. Transparent pricing, full-service support, and assistance in Azerbaijani. Get in touch with us and our team will give you all the support you need.