Japan to Texas · Houston JDM importer

Import a car from Japan to Texas

Walltap Garage handles the whole route from a Japanese auction to your Texas driveway: finding the car, export, the ocean crossing, US customs and getting it home. Here's how each stage works and what to expect.

Start my import Call or text Andre · (281) 745-8884

The route, start to finish

  1. Find the car. We search Japanese auctions, dealer stock and exporter inventory against your brief, read the auction sheet with you, and bid only up to the limit you approve. How auction sourcing works.
  2. Check eligibility. The car must be at least 25 years old from its build month to skip US safety standards, and clear EPA rules too. The 25-year rule explained.
  3. Export from Japan. After purchase, the car is moved to the port and its export paperwork is prepared.
  4. Ship to the US. By roll-on/roll-off vessel or in a container (below).
  5. Clear US customs with the entry documents, NHTSA Form HS-7 and EPA paperwork where it applies.
  6. Deliver and title in Texas. Port pickup or truck delivery, then inspection, VIN check and title at your county tax office.
Toyota Chaser from Walltap Garage

RORO or container?

RORO (roll-on/roll-off)Container
How it worksThe car is driven onto a vehicle-carrying ship and off again at the US portThe car is loaded into a container and secured to the floor or a rack
Best forRunning carsCars that need an enclosed trip or special handling
Watch forNon-running or special-handling cars need carrier approval; loose parts and belongings are usually restrictedNeeds proper loading, securing and unloading; acceptance depends on the vehicle and service

Don't pack parts or belongings inside the car unless the shipping provider has accepted them in writing.

Can it ship straight to Texas?

Sometimes. A Texas arrival depends on current sailings, space and handling. Delivery to a Texas address doesn't always mean a direct Japan-to-Texas sailing; sometimes another US port plus a truck is the better total. We compare the whole route, including port charges and onward transport, not just the ocean freight price.

Ocean transit time depends on the route and vessel schedule. Keep it separate from the time spent waiting for export documents, a vessel booking and customs release. Carrier tracking is usually available once the booking is issued.

Getting it home

  • Port pickup: possible once the terminal allows it and the car is released. Confirm documents, appointments and fees first, and don't plan to drive it on public roads before it's titled and registered.
  • Delivery to your home or business: give us the ZIP code and address type. Narrow roads or low clearance may mean meeting the truck nearby.
  • Enclosed transport: available on request. Tell us the ground clearance, modifications and whether it runs.

Once it's here, the car needs a Texas safety inspection (plus emissions in Harris County), a law-enforcement VIN inspection, and a title application at your county tax office within 30 days of arriving in Texas, per TxDMV. The full checklist is in our 25-year rule and Texas title guide, and the costs are in the JDM import cost guide.

Questions buyers ask

How do I import a car from Japan to Texas?

Find an eligible car (25+ years old by build month), buy it at auction or from a dealer in Japan, export it, ship it by RORO or container, clear US customs with an HS-7 and EPA paperwork where it applies, then inspect and title it at your Texas county tax office. Walltap handles the route for you.

How are cars shipped from Japan?

Usually by roll-on/roll-off vessel or in a container. The choice depends on the car's condition and size, the route, carrier acceptance and the full quote.

Can you ship directly to Texas?

It depends on current sailings, space and handling. We compare a Texas port against other ports plus truck transport and pick the better total route.

How long does shipping from Japan take?

Ocean transit depends on the route and vessel schedule. Waiting for export documents, a vessel booking and customs release adds time on top of the crossing.

Can I pick the car up at the port?

Often, once the terminal permits it and the car has been released. Confirm documents, appointments and fees first, and arrange transport if it isn't road-legal yet.

Can you deliver to my house or business?

Yes, where a carrier can safely reach and unload. Share the ZIP code, address type and any access limits so we can quote it.

Can I put parts inside the car?

Not without written acceptance from the shipping provider. Many RORO services restrict personal items and loose parts.

Do you only import to Texas?

No. We're based in Houston and import for buyers across the United States. Texas buyers get local help with titling and delivery.

Keep reading

The 25-year rule, explainedEligibility, EPA and the Texas title checklist.How much does it cost to import a JDM car?Every cost from the bid to a Texas title.Japan car auction sourcingHow we find and bid on your car.

Your next step

Start your import

Tell us the car, your budget and your Texas ZIP code. We'll map out the route and the costs before anything is bought.

Find my next car

Or reach Andre directly: Call · Text · WhatsApp · (281) 745-8884