Importing & Customs 9 min read

How to Transfer a Korean Car Title

July 23, 2026 Updated September 6, 2026

Quick Answer:

Gather the original Korean title (with English translation), bill of lading, commercial invoice, and EPA/DOT conformity letters.
Complete U.S. Customs entry using a licensed broker — expect duties of 2.5% on passenger vehicles.
Submit the state title application with proof of ownership, customs clearance (Form 7501), and compliance documents.
For Korean brands like Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, Genesis Motor, or KG Mobility, ensure the title lists the exact Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — mismatches are the #1 delay.

The short version

The core stack is deceptively small — until you realize one missing form can stall everything for weeks.
Customs clearance happens before you even touch the title transfer.
Here’s the part that trips up most buyers: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require proof that your imported Korean car meets U.S.
Once you have the customs 7501 and compliance letters, head to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — or equivalent agency.

What documents do you need to transfer a Korean car title after import?

The core stack is deceptively small — until you realize one missing form can stall everything for weeks. After importing a used car from Korea (I’ve done this with an Elantra and a Kia Sorento), you’ll need these five documents:

1. Original Korean title — issued by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT).

If it’s in Hangul only, get a certified English translation from a state-approved translator.
2. Bill of lading — shows you are the consignee.
3. Commercial invoice — proves purchase price and transaction date.
4. EPA and DOT conformity letters — for any vehicle built after 1968, especially models from Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, Genesis Motor, or KG Mobility.
5. U.S. Customs Form 7501 — the entry summary you’ll get after clearing customs.

Pro Tip: Keep three copies of every document — one for customs, one for the DMV, and one for your broker. I lost my Korean title for a Hyundai Sonata once, and reissuing from Korea took 8 weeks.

The VIN must match perfectly on the Korean title. If yours is an older Hyundai Tucson or a KG Mobility model, double-check that the VIN is 17 characters and compliant with U.S. format. A single transposed digit will trigger a title application rejection.

How do you complete U.S. Customs clearance for your Korean import?

Used Korean vehicle on a dealer lot in South Korea

Customs clearance happens before you even touch the title transfer. You must file an entry within 15 calendar days of the vessel’s arrival. I recommend using a licensed customs broker — they know the nuances for brands like Hyundai Motor Group and its affiliates.

The key forms: CBP Form 3461 (entry/immediate delivery) and later CBP Form 7501 (entry summary). You’ll pay duties based on the car’s transaction value. For passenger vehicles from Korea, the rate is generally 2.5% ad valorem. If you’re importing a commercial truck from KG Mobility, expect 25%.

Most brokers charge $150–$300 per filing. But here’s where it gets interesting: if you imported a Hyundai Motor Company vehicle under the KORUS Free Trade Agreement, you may qualify for duty-free treatment if the vehicle’s origin is certified.

Key Takeaway: File customs entry within 15 days, use a broker, and check KORUS eligibility. Delays here ripple into every subsequent step.

Once customs releases the vehicle, you’ll get the stamped 7501 — that’s your golden ticket for state titling.

How do you handle NHTSA and DOT compliance for Korean cars from Hyundai Motor Group?

A hand stamping a vehicle ownership document

Here’s the part that trips up most buyers: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require proof that your imported Korean car meets U.S. safety and emissions standards. For vehicles built after 1968, this is non-negotiable.

If your car is a model that was officially sold in the U.S. — like a Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Tucson, or Kia Sorento — you can usually use a letter of conformity from the manufacturer. Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, and Genesis Motor issue these letters through their U.S. offices.

However, if your car was never sold in the U.S. market (common with certain KG Mobility models or Korean-market-only trims), you must work with a Registered Importer (RI) to modify the vehicle and obtain a DOT/EPA bond.

Expect to spend $1,500–$5,000 for compliance work if your car needs modifications. A Korean-market Kia Sorento typically requires headlight swaps, speedometer conversion, and an OBD-II port check, which runs $1,500–3,000 through an RI in California.

Authority: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, publishes guidance on how transfer korean car title and related care practices.

Warning: Never buy a Korean car title transfer that promises “no EPA/DOT paperwork.” You’ll fail state inspection. I made this mistake on my first import — ended up storing the car for 4 months.

How do you obtain a state title for a Hyundai, Kia, or Genesis imported car?

Once you have the customs 7501 and compliance letters, head to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — or equivalent agency. State-by-state rules vary, but the general process is:

1. Fill out the title application (e.g., California’s REG 343).
2. Submit the original Korean title with a certified English translation.
3. Provide the bill of lading and commercial invoice to prove ownership trail.
4. Attach the CBP Form 7501 and all EPA/DOT letters.
5.

Pay the state’s title fee and sales tax (typically 6–10% of the purchase price).

If your car is a Hyundai Motor Company model that was previously titled in another U.S. state, you can skip some steps. But for a direct import from Korea, the DMV will scrutinize the chain of ownership.

Genesis Motor vehicles are newer and often have digital titles, so ensure the VIN matches your physical title.

Pro tip: The DMV may require a VIN verification (Form 2261 in some states). Many police stations or licensed vehicle verifiers can do this for $20–$50)Skip before your appointment to save time.

Pro Tip: Schedule a DMV appointment specifically for “Imported Vehicle Titling.” The regular counter clerks often don’t know the process. I wasted 3 hours standing in the wrong line for my Hyundai Tucson.

What should you do if the Korean title is not in English for your KG Mobility or older Hyundai?

This is a common hurdle, especially for older models from KG Mobility or Hyundai Motor Company built before 2000. The Korean National Police Agency issues titles in Hangul only. You cannot take a Hangul title to the DMV directly.

Here’s the fix: Get a certified translation from a translator accredited by the American Translators Association (ATA). The translation must include the VIN, owner name, date of issue, and any liens. A typical translation costs $75–$150 and takes 2–3 business days.

Some DMVs accept a sworn affidavit from a bilingual notary, but not all. The safest route is an ATA-certified translator. I used one for a 2005 Hyundai Elantra I imported — the DMV accepted it on the first try.

If the Korean title has been lost entirely, you must apply for a duplicate from the Korean MOLIT. That process takes 6–10 weeks (trust me, don’t lose the title).

Step	Time Needed	Key Materials	Estimated Cost
1. Gather documents & translate title	1–3 days	Original Korean title, ATA translator	$75–$150
2. Customs clearance	2–7 days	Bill of lading, invoice, broker	$150–$300 + duties
3. NHTSA/DOT compliance	2–8 weeks	Manufacturer letter or RI modification	$0–$5,000
4. State DMV title application	1–4 weeks	All docs, VIN verification, payment	$50–$300 + sales tax

What common mistakes do importers make when transferring a Korean car title?

Even seasoned importers trip up. Here are the four worst offenders:

1. Assuming all Korean cars are EPA-compliant. Most Hyundai Motor Group models (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis) sold in the U.S. market are fine, but Korean-market trims often lack OBD-II compatibility. Get the conformity letter before you buy.

2. Not translating the Korean title before customs. Customs doesn’t need an English translation, but your state DMV will. Translate it early to avoid a mail loop.

3. Forgetting to check for liens on the Korean title. A surprising number of used cars from Korea still have financing. The Korean title will show a lien holder’s name. You must have that lien released before the title clears U.S. customs.

I saw a Kia Sorento seized at port because of an unpaid loan from Busan.

4. Using the wrong VIN on the title application. The VIN on the Korean title must match the car’s actual dashboard and door jamb.

One Hyundai Elantra I imported had a VIN that started with “KMF” (Kia) but was labeled as a Hyundai — turned out a previous owner swapped plates. DMV flagged it immediately.

Warning: Never accept a Korean title that lists the chassis number instead of the full 17-character VIN. Some older KG Mobility models only have a 10-digit chassis number. In that case, you must get a VIN assignment from NHTSA — an expensive and time-consuming process.

Expert insight: What do customs brokers recommend for smooth title transfer?

I spoke with three licensed customs brokers who specialize in Korean vehicle imports. Their consensus: Start EPA/DOT compliance six weeks before the car arrives. That way, you have letters in hand when you file Form 7501.

Authority: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, publishes guidance on how transfer korean car title and related care practices.

Additionally, brokers recommend using a centralized document prep service. Some companies will gather your Korean title, bill of lading, and compliance letters, then prepare the entire state title package for a flat fee of $200–$500. It’s worth it if you’re not familiar with your state’s specific forms.

Key Takeaway: Start compliance early, use a broker, and consider a document prep service. The title transfer itself is the last mile — don’t let a small form trip you up.

Frequently asked questions about transferring Korean car titles

Can I use the Korean title as is at the U.S. DMV?

No. The DMV will require either a certified English translation or an affidavit of translation. The original Korean title alone is not accepted.

How long does the whole process take from ship arrival to title in hand?

Typically 4–12 weeks. Customs clearance takes 2–7 days, compliance letters 2–8 weeks (if not pre-arranged), and DMV processing 1–4 weeks. With a Hyundai Motor Company or Kia that sold in the U.S. market, expect the shorter end.

Do I need to pay U.S. sales tax on a Korean import?

Yes. Most states charge sales tax based on the vehicle’s declared value (the purchase price on the commercial invoice). Some states like Oregon and Montana have no sales tax — you may consider registering there if your residency allows it.

What if the Korean title lists a different owner than me?

You need a notarized bill of sale from the previous owner and proof of shipment to you. If the car was bought through an export company, that company should provide a chain-of-ownership document.

KG Mobility titles often require extra proof because they can be registered to a company, not an individual.

Can I transfer the title without a DOT letter if the car is 25 years old?

Yes. Vehicles older than 25 years are exempt from DOT and EPA requirements. This is the easiest path — you only need the Korean title, customs clearance, and a standard title application. I imported a 1997 Hyundai Elantra under this rule and had the title in three weeks.