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Bonds, DOT & NHTSA — how release works
A non-conforming vehicle enters the U.S. under a DOT conformity bond — a guarantee it will be brought into FMVSS compliance. Here's how the pieces fit and what “bond release” actually means.
The conformity bond
When a registered importer brings in a non-conforming vehicle, they post a DOT bond (typically 1.5× the dutiable value). It's held until NHTSA confirms the vehicle conforms.
Bringing it into conformity
The RI performs and documents any required modifications, captures the compliance labels and data, and assembles the conformity package.
NHTSA submission & release
The package is submitted through NHTSA (VISTA) for review. Once accepted, the bond is released and the vehicle is fully road-legal.
What you'll need
- A registered importer to post the bond
- Conformity modifications & documentation
- Compliance labels and VIN data
- NHTSA VISTA submission
Ready to import?
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