Puerto Rico Car Import Tax & Registration Guide

Puerto Rico charges an excise tax (Arbitrios) of 6.6% to 17.5% on all imported vehicles, calculated based on your car’s total value including shipping costs. After paying this tax through the SURI online system, you must register your vehicle at a local DTOP office within 30 days. The entire process typically takes 1-2 weeks and requires specific documents including your original title, bill of lading, and proof of tax payment.

What Is the Puerto Rico Car Import Tax?

The Puerto Rico car import tax is called “Arbitrios” or excise tax. Unlike customs duties (which don’t apply since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory), this excise tax applies to all vehicles brought from the mainland.

Hacienda, Puerto Rico’s Treasury Department, calculates this tax based on your vehicle’s assessed value. This value includes the purchase price plus shipping costs plus insurance—not just what you paid for the car.

The tax is separate from your car shipping costs and must be paid before you can take possession of your vehicle at the port.

How Much Is the Excise Tax on Imported Vehicles?

Puerto Rico uses a tiered tax system where rates increase at specific value thresholds:

Important: Manual calculations often underestimate actual taxes because Puerto Rico’s tiered structure means higher portions of your vehicle’s value get taxed at progressively higher rates.

For example, a $25,000 vehicle doesn’t simply pay 15.5%. Instead, the first $5,000 is taxed at 6.6%, the next $10,000 at 9.5%, and so on. This is why the official SURI calculator is essential for accurate estimates.

How Do You Calculate Your Puerto Rico Import Tax?

The most accurate way to calculate your tax is using the official SURI (Sistema Unificado de Rentas Internas) calculator:

• Visit: suri.hacienda.pr.gov
• Navigate to: the vehicle tax calculator (Arbitrios)
• Enter your vehicle’s VIN: for the most accurate assessment
• Include total value: purchase price + shipping + insurance

Using your VIN rather than just make/model/year provides precise results because SURI’s database accounts for specific features, engine size, and other factors that affect valuation.

Pro tip: Many people report actual taxes being slightly lower than SURI estimates, so budget for the calculator amount but don’t be surprised if you pay less.

Where and How Do You Pay the Excise Tax?

You can pay your excise tax online through SURI using ACH transfer or credit card. Here’s the process:

• Get your bill of lading – Your shipping company provides this when your vehicle arrives at San Juan port
• Access SURI – Log in at suri.hacienda.pr.gov
• Complete the Official Excise Tax Document – Available through the SURI system
• Pay online – ACH or credit card accepted
• Save your receipt – You’ll need proof of payment to retrieve your vehicle

If you’re working with a reliable car shipping company, they can guide you through the documentation timing.

Note: In-person payments at Hacienda Centro de Servicios (2 Avenida Juan Ponce de León, San Juan) may be available, but online payment through SURI is faster and recommended.

What Documents Do You Need to Register Your Car?

Before visiting DTOP (Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas), gather these documents:

Required documents:

• Original vehicle title (must be lien-free or have lender authorization)
• Bill of lading from shipping company
• Proof of excise tax payment from SURI
• Valid driver’s license
• Social Security card
• Proof of Puerto Rico auto insurance
• Vehicle inspection certificate

For financed vehicles: Contact your lender before shipping. You’ll need written authorization to transport the vehicle to Puerto Rico, and some lenders require notification when registering in a new jurisdiction.

How Do You Register Your Vehicle at DTOP?

Once you’ve paid your excise tax and collected your vehicle from the port, complete registration at DTOP:

• Get a safety inspection – Visit an authorized inspection station (Estación de Inspección). Cost is $25-$40.
• Obtain Puerto Rico insurance – Required before registration. Get quotes from local insurers or national companies operating in PR.
• Visit your local DTOP office – Bring all documents listed above.
• Pay registration fees – $200-$400 depending on vehicle weight and type.
• Receive your PR license plates – You must display these within 3 days of paying excise tax. Driving with mainland plates beyond this period can result in fines.

The entire registration process typically takes 1–3 hours at DTOP if you have all documents ready. If you’re active-duty military and shipped your vehicle through a military-friendly auto transport service, you may also qualify for expedited processing at certain locations.

Conclusion

Importing a car to Puerto Rico requires paying the excise tax (6.6%-17.5% based on vehicle value) through SURI before you can take possession at the port. After paying, you have 30 days to complete registration at DTOP, which includes getting a safety inspection and Puerto Rico insurance.

Use the official SURI VIN calculator for accurate tax estimates—manual calculations typically underestimate due to the tiered tax structure. Budget $3,000-$8,000 total for taxes and registration fees on a typical vehicle, separate from your shipping costs.