Permission to Ship: Overseas to U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions & Important Titling Information
This page applies to members shipping a vehicle from overseas to the United States with Service Federal Credit Union listed as lienholder.
Vehicle Titling and Registration Requirements
Please be advised that once you are settled in the United States, you must register and title your vehicle stateside and ensure the title is issued correctly with Service Credit Union listed as the lienholder.
Timely and accurate titling is critical to:
- Protect your ownership interest, and
- Ensure your vehicle loan remains properly secured.
What You Need to Do (As Soon as Possible)
Provide Your Permanent Stateside Address
If you already know your permanent U.S. address, please notify us so we can update our records accordingly.
Start the Registration and Titling Process
When you are ready to register and title your vehicle in the U.S.:
- Contact your local DMV, and
- Inform them that Service Federal Credit Union is your lienholder.
Ensure the Lienholder Is Listed Correctly
You are responsible for confirming the following:
- Service Federal Credit Union is listed as the lienholder on the stateside title, and
- All lienholder information is accurate and complete.
Incorrect or missing lienholder information may cause delays and serious complications.
Have the DMV Contact Us If Needed
If the DMV requires documentation or lien verification, they may contact us directly:
- Email: titles@servicecu.org
- Fax: 603-422-8391
Why Is This Urgent?
It is imperative that we receive a valid stateside title reflecting our lien. Without proper title documentation, you may be unable to:
- Sell or transfer the vehicle
- Obtain or maintain insurance coverage
- Receive payment in the event of a total loss, depending on insurer or state requirements
Responsibility for Documentation and Corrections
Any documentation that is incomplete, inaccurate or inconsistent overseas may delay or prevent successful titling and registration in the U.S.
You are solely responsible for:
- Ensuring the vehicle is titled with Service Credit Union recorded as lienholder, and
- Providing or ensuring delivery of all required title documentation associated with your vehicle loan.
It is your responsibility to work with any previous dealerships, sellers or other involved parties to correct the issue and obtain the documents required for the DMV to issue a valid stateside title if documentation gaps or errors exist from a prior transaction, including:
- Vehicle purchase
- Trade-in
- Prior registration
- Lien documentation
What is the turnaround time?
Permission to Ship requests are processed in the order they are received.
Standard processing time is based on volume and completeness of documentation.
If your request is urgent, please submit the request through online banking then call 800-936-7730 ext. 1610 so it can be addressed appropriately.
If You Have Already Submitted a Request to the DMV
If you have already submitted a request to the DMV to issue a title in your state or jurisdiction, please provide the following information:
- Submission date
- DMV location
- Reference or receipt number, if available
- Any estimated processing timeline provided by the DMV
This information helps us assist you more efficiently.
If You Need Help or Encounter Delays
If you experience delays or have questions during the titling or registration process, please contact us immediately so we can help verify what is needed and reduce the risk of complications:
- Phone: 800-936-7730 ext. 1610