Over 196,000 Audi vehicle units were sold throughout the U.S. in 2024. These are the official numbers from Audi of America, not including private sales or used car dealerships. When you add everything up, that's hundreds of thousands of vehicles requiring car transport to reach consumer homes.
Audi frequently ranks at the top of consumer reports for luxury, road testing, reliability, and comfort. It’s no mistake that people love how these cars ride. The problem is after you purchase a new Q5 or RS6, you want it to arrive at your home in pristine condition. That can be a little challenging, given the varying state laws and regulations.
Navigating Cross-State Regulations: What Audi Owners Need to Know
Moving from state to state is more than geography. What is legal in Montana may not be equally legal in Tennessee or New York.Plenty of Audi owners seek vehicles with custom trims, performance packages, or specialty features that could pose a problem in a new home. That is why paying close attention to pickup and delivery logistics is crucial to getting the car of your dreams. Here are some tips when working with professional transport carriers for your Audi.
#1 – Verify a Dealer’s Shipping Policy
When you’re scrolling through the long list of online inventory for a dealership, used Audi provider, or private sale, pay close attention to any shipping policies. Not all locations are the same, and you could get stuck with in-house delivery options that are overpriced and won’t protect your purchase.You want to know who is responsible for shipping, what the fees will include, if there is a guarantee, and if you’re allowed to use a third-party option for domestic transport. Another good idea is to confirm whether your Audi will be registered on your behalf in the state of origin or the state where you currently reside.
The scope of the dealer’s/seller’s role is crucial to how you arrange additional car transport delivery services.
#2 – Prepare for Tax & Registration Processes
From the moment your Audi leaves the lot, you want to legally own the property. It must be “road-ready” for your state of residence or where you plan on spending an extended vacation. That could include a wide range of red tape like:
- Is there an additional state tax you must pay?
- Does your state require car insurance, and if so, what level of coverage is needed?
- Will there be Smog or Emissions tests (like in California and New Jersey)?
- Does your Audi require safety inspections (like those in Pennsylvania or North Carolina)?
A good example of these concerns is buying an Audi in New Hampshire and moving to Maine. These are “sister states” that share a border, but New Hampshire doesn’t have a sales tax. Maine has a 5.5% base rate, with additional percentages applied for the local city where your car will be registered.
It’s a good idea to work with your car transport quote or estimate and then contact the destination's DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to review any specific requirements so you don’t end up with delays.
#3 – Double Check Feature Legality
Audis make fantastic cars because they are luxury-oriented. It is common to have privacy glass, aftermarket lighting, performance exhausts, and custom license plate placement. All of these options have legally gray areas in most states.Driving an Audi in Alaska provides up to 70% tint on the front windows because of the sun's reflection on the snow. Take that same vehicle to Arkansas, which only has a 25% tint grade allowance, and you could face a severe fine.
Even though local police departments are aware of checking license plates for out-of-state travelers, it helps to know this information ahead of time so you’re not stuck dealing with a ticket when you could be enjoying a local restaurant or vacation hotspot.
#4 – Compare Shipping Methods
Your Audi is worth a significant amount of money, especially if you own a custom model or a hard-to-find edition in the U.S. Keeping it safe is essential, but not all fleet management companies offer the same shipping options.
The best way to ensure your Audi has premium car transport services is to check if the company offers enclosed delivery. That means your car is behind walls and under a ceiling in a truck. That will prevent flying highway rocks, road debris, or harsh weather from damaging your vehicle.
You can go with open options as well. Those will be easier to book and a little less money, but you’ll risk your Audi to physical and UV damage.
A good pro tip is to work with a third-party delivery timeframe that includes “Driveaway Service.” This can sometimes mean your Audi is delivered directly to your location’s parking lot or driveway, depending on the capabilities of the company you select.
#5 – Confirm FMCSA & USDOT Compliance
Two organizations govern interstate commerce along the roadway. The first is the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They oversee safety standards and licensing. Compliance with the FMCSA means your company will have proper insurance, qualified drivers, maintained vehicles, and likely use ELDs (electronic logging devices). They should provide an MC number you can verify.USDOT is the United States Department of Transportation. A car transport company should have a USDOT number. Compliance in this area will reduce the risk of delays and exposure to fraudulent practices.
Running either the MC or USDOT numbers also allows you to identify potential red flags, such as recent safety violations, revoked licenses, or non-compliance. It’s a good way to filter amateur companies from the best auto transport services.
#6 – Do Your Due Diligence
The last tip for car transport with your Audi is to complete your due diligence. A little planning ahead of time goes a long way to keeping your luxury vehicle in pristine condition. Most cross-country car shipping providers will have their own checklist, but here is a good place to get started:Prep Your Documents:
- Car registration
- Title or bill of sale
- Photo ID
- Insurance paperwork
- Shipping contract or bill of lading
Prep Your Vehicle:
- Tire pressure
- Fluid levels
- Battery charge
- Interior/exterior cleaning
- Clear of personal items
- Disabled alarms & toll tags
- Fold in mirrors
Selecting the Right Car Transport Service: Key Considerations for Your Audi
The best car shipping company for your Audi is one with experience managing luxury and European model vehicles. There is a particular attention to detail that becomes evident when working with car transport that knows the difference between an Audi S7 and a standard Honda or Toyota.A reputable company will have its insurance policies clearly displayed, including coverage limits and the process for filing damage claims. You’ll find those policies reflected in positive online reviews discussing professionalism and communication.
One easy way to ensure you’re working with the best car transport companies is to check the delivery or pickup clearance levels. Plenty of Audis have unique low ground clearance requiring lift gates or some other accommodation. If the company you’re considering doesn’t understand that, move on to someone more experienced.
Keep Your Audi Travel Ready
Transporting your prized Audi doesn’t have to be a hassle. Just because you’re moving from state to state doesn’t mean you need a nail-biting experience. Take your time to ensure you’re working with a reliable and knowledgeable car transport provider directly experienced with luxury and European models.Working with a professional auto transport company helps ensure a smoother and more secure relocation experience. That is how you’ll avoid any delays due to local and regulatory compliance from state to state so you can worry less and focus more on enjoying the full power and comfort of your Audi vehicle.
