Transferring Your Car Title in Puerto Rico

When you send a vehicle from the United States to Puerto Rico, it is necessary to register your car title through the Department of Public Works (CESCO) .

• By Stephanie from Piloto151
• May 27, 2022

• 8 min read

When you send a vehicle from the United States to Puerto Rico, it is necessary to register your car title through the Department of Public Works (CESCO) . This document certifies who is the registered owner of the vehicle. The title also preserves and organizes the indexes or records that are necessary to facilitate the ordering of the information on that specific vehicle. It is issued by the Secretary of Transportation and authorizes the motor vehicle to be driven on the public roads and highways of Puerto Rico.

Like most states, Puerto Rico offers you a 30-day window to register your car after your move, and some states require you to purchase a new vehicle title, as well.

The documents you need to register your vehicle:

• Updated and valid identity documents (original and copy)
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must have a passport or other document that proves that you are a foreigner.
  • Social Security
  • Valid photo ID

  If you are a company or corporation, you need:

  • Evidence from the Department of State of PR or the country where the company originates
  • Employer Social Security Evidence
  • Letter from the company authorizing a representative to carry out the transaction
  • Valid photo identification
  • You can apply for vehicle registration by visiting the Department of Public Works website.

  To register your vehicle from a state that uses the title system, a property title must be presented that gathers the following data:

  • The name of the applicant
  • Identify if the title was transferred or if there are any liens
  • If there is a lien:
    • The lien must appear canceled, or
    • Include a certification from the entity that financed the purchase of the vehicle, stating its authorization for it to be transferred to Puerto Rico
    • The person must pay the Secretary the corresponding money