To ship a car to a family member, you book a carrier from your address to theirs, have an adult at each end to sign the Bill of Lading, and handle the title and insurance paperwork if the car is changing hands. You do not need to be present at either end, and you can pay for the shipment yourself even if the car belongs to someone else. Most family shipments cost about $500–$1,900 on an open carrier and take 1–3 days for short routes or 7–10 days coast to coast.
Key takeaways
- Anyone can book and pay for the shipment; it does not have to be the car's owner.
- An adult (18+) must be at pickup and delivery to inspect the car, sign the Bill of Lading and hand over or receive keys.
- If you are gifting the car, the title transfer, registration and insurance are separate from shipping and follow state rules.
- Keep the car's title out of the vehicle. Send it separately by tracked mail or hand it over in person.
- Give the shipping company both names and phone contacts so the driver can coordinate smoothly.
Common reasons people ship a car to family
Families ship cars for all kinds of reasons. A few of the most common:
- Gifting a car to a child, grandchild or sibling who lives in another state.
- Sending a car to a college student. See our college car shipping guide.
- Passing down a car after a parent stops driving or after an estate is settled.
- Lending a car to a relative for a few months during a move or new job.
- Helping a service member get their vehicle to a new base. See military car shipping.
- Delivering a car you bought for a family member online or at an auction.
The shipping part works the same in every case. What changes is the paperwork around ownership, registration and insurance.
How shipping a car to a relative works, step by step
The process follows the standard car shipping process, with a few extra points of coordination because two households are involved.
Step 1: Get a quote
Share the pickup ZIP, delivery ZIP, vehicle year, make and model, whether it runs, and your preferred dates. Our car shipping cost calculator gives a fast estimate.
Step 2: Book and share contacts
When you book, list the person releasing the car at pickup and the person receiving it at delivery, with a phone number for each. The driver will call ahead to set a time. CTS requires $0 deposit to book.
Step 3: Prepare the car
Wash it, take dated photos, remove personal items and leave about a quarter tank of fuel. Our vehicle shipping checklist covers the details.
Step 4: Pickup
The driver and the person at pickup inspect the car together and sign the Bill of Lading. That person hands over one key.
Step 5: Transit
The car is on its way. CTS provides 24/7 in-transit updates, so both you and your relative can follow along.
Step 6: Delivery
Your relative inspects the car against the pickup report, notes any new damage on the Bill of Lading, signs and gets the keys.
Who has to be there for pickup and delivery?
Neither you nor the car's owner has to be present. What matters is that a responsible adult is there at each end. That person will:
- Walk around the car with the driver and agree on its condition.
- Sign the Bill of Lading, which is the inspection report and receipt.
- Hand over or receive the keys.
- Pay any balance due at delivery, if that is how the order was set up.
If you are shipping from your home and cannot be there, a neighbor, friend or another relative can stand in. Tell your shipping company who it will be. The same goes for delivery: if your relative is at work or class, a roommate or neighbor can receive it.
Shipping a car to a teen or young adult
The person signing should be at least 18. If the car is going to a younger driver, have a parent, guardian or other adult receive it. For college students, check whether the campus allows drivers to deliver on site or if an off-campus address works better.
Shipping a car from a parent's home or an estate
When a parent stops driving or a relative passes away, the car may sit at a home where no one lives full time. Plan ahead so pickup goes smoothly:
- Arrange for a relative, neighbor or estate representative to meet the driver with the key.
- Check that the battery and tires are in good shape. A car that has sat for months may need a jump or air before it can roll onto the truck.
- If the car will not start or roll, tell your shipping company so they send a truck with a winch.
- For an estate car, the title usually transfers through the estate process. The executor or court documents may be needed, so check with your state agency or the estate's attorney.
Gifting a car: title, registration and taxes
If the car is becoming your relative's car, there is paperwork beyond the shipment. Shipping moves the car. The title moves the ownership. They are separate steps.
The title transfer
In most states, the current owner signs the title over to the new owner, and the new owner takes it to their state's motor vehicle agency to title and register the car. Some states also require a bill of sale or a gift affidavit, even when no money changes hands.
- Fill out the title carefully. Errors or cross-outs can make a title invalid in some states.
- If there is a loan on the car, the lender holds the lien and must release it before the title can transfer.
- If the car is going to another state, the new owner usually registers it in their home state.
Sales tax and fees on a gifted car
Many states reduce or waive sales or use tax on cars gifted between close family members, such as parents, children, spouses and siblings. Rules differ a lot, including which relatives qualify and which forms you need. Title and registration fees typically still apply. Check with the motor vehicle agency in the state where the car will be registered.
Inspections and emissions
Some states require a safety inspection, emissions test or VIN verification when an out-of-state car is registered for the first time. California, for example, has its own smog and registration rules for cars coming from other states. Our California car shipping page has more on that route. Always confirm current rules with the official agency.
Where to put the title during shipping
Do not leave the title in the glovebox. Send it separately by a tracked mail service, or hand it over in person. Keep a copy of the signed title for your records. The driver does not need the title, only the keys and access to the car.
Insurance when shipping to family
Insurance comes up twice: during transport and after delivery.
During transport
While the car is on the truck, the carrier's insurance is the main coverage for transport damage. CTS works with licensed and insured carriers, and coverage up to $2M is available for high-value vehicles.
After delivery
- If you are gifting the car: Your relative should have their own insurance in place before they drive it. Many states require proof of insurance to register a car.
- If you are lending the car: Call your insurer. Some policies cover family members who borrow your car occasionally, but a car kept at another address for months may need changes to your policy.
- Do not cancel your own coverage too early. Keep it active until the new owner's insurance and registration are in place, or ask your insurer how to handle the switch.
Who pays for the shipment?
Anyone can pay. Families often split it, or the gift giver covers shipping as part of the gift. Just be clear at booking about who is paying and how, especially if a balance is due at delivery. If you are paying from home while your relative receives the car, ask about paying the full amount in advance so they do not need to handle payment with the driver.
Typical costs
| Route type | Typical open price | Typical enclosed price | Typical transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short regional (under 500 miles) | Lower end of $500–$1,900 | Lower end of $800–$2,900 | 1–3 days |
| Mid-distance (500–1,500 miles) | Middle of the range | Middle of the range | About 3–6 days |
| Coast to coast | Upper end of the range | Upper end of the range | 7–10 days |
Exact prices depend on distance, route, season and vehicle size. Larger trucks and SUVs cost more. A car that does not run needs a winch or forklift and costs extra. CTS also offers a Best Price Guarantee: show a lower written quote and we will match or beat it.
Open or enclosed for a family car?
Most family cars ship on an open carrier. It is affordable and safe for everyday vehicles. If you are passing down a classic, a collectible or a high-end car, consider enclosed shipping. A grandparent's restored classic often deserves the extra protection. Our classic car shipping guide explains what to expect.
Family car shipping checklist
- Confirm pickup and delivery addresses and a truck-friendly spot at each.
- Choose an adult at each end and share their contacts at booking.
- Decide who pays and when.
- Wash the car and take dated photos and video.
- Remove personal items, toll tags and garage door openers.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel; make sure the battery and tires are good.
- If gifting: sign the title, prepare any bill of sale or gift form, and mail the title separately.
- Line up insurance for the new driver before they drive the car.
- At delivery, inspect the car and note any new damage on the Bill of Lading.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ship a car that is not in my name?
Yes. You can book and pay for shipping a car owned by a family member. The person releasing the car just needs access to it and the keys.
Does my relative need to be home for delivery?
Someone 18 or older must be there to inspect the car, sign the Bill of Lading and take the keys. It can be your relative, a roommate, a neighbor or another adult they trust.
Should I put the title in the car?
No. Keep the title out of the car and send it separately by tracked mail or in person. The driver does not need it.
Do I pay sales tax when I gift a car to family?
Many states reduce or waive sales tax on gifts between close relatives, but the rules and forms vary. Check with the motor vehicle agency in the state where the car will be registered.
How long does it take to ship a car to a relative?
Transit typically takes 1–3 days for routes under 500 miles and 7–10 days coast to coast, after pickup. Pickup usually happens within a few days of your first available date.
Can I surprise someone with a car delivery?
Yes, but plan carefully. A trusted adult still needs to receive the car and sign for it, so let one person in on the surprise and give the driver their contact details.
Ready to get the car to your loved one? Get a free quote with $0 deposit and live updates for everyone involved.
Updated November 4, 2026