Complete documents = a shipment that doesn't stall. Most avoidable delays come down to one thing: a bank release letter requested too late. Get everything below sorted early and the process runs smoothly.
Quick Checklist
Original or certified copy. The owner's name should match the sender (or include an authorisation letter).
Front and back photocopy of the registered owner's identity card.
Both must be valid throughout transit — the car is driven on/off the vessel and at the port.
Required if the car is still under hire-purchase / finance. Issued by the financing bank. Takes 3-7 working days — request early.
If the sender isn't the registered owner — a short letter authorising shipment on the owner's behalf.
A signed booking form authorising us to ship and handle customs clearance for your vehicle.
Each Document Explained
- 📋 Vehicle registration (VOC): proof of ownership. Original or certified copy. Make sure the name matches the sender, or include an authorisation letter.
- 🪪 Copy of owner\'s IC: front & back, to verify the registered owner.
- 🛡️ Road tax & motor insurance: both must be valid — the car is driven at the port and on/off the vessel.
- 🏦 Bank release letter: mandatory if the car is still financed. See the next section.
- ✍️ Authorisation letter: if the sender isn\'t the registered owner.
- 📝 Rentaka booking form: authorises us to ship & clear customs on your behalf.
Bank Release Letter — Don't Forget It
This is the document that most often causes delays. If your car is still under hire-purchase (HP) or a loan, the financing bank is the actual registered owner — so you need a release/authorisation letter from the bank to ship the car to Sabah or Sarawak.
If the car is already on full settlement (no loan) and the registration is in your name, this letter isn't needed.
Avoiding Delays
- 📅 Have all documents ready before the pickup date — not on shipping day.
- 🏦 Request the bank release letter first (longest to process).
- 🔄 Make sure road tax & insurance don\'t expire during transit.
- 📷 Keep digital copies of all documents for easy reference.
Not sure your documents are complete? See the how-long-does-it-take guide, or WhatsApp us and we'll review the checklist with you.
FAQ
What documents are mandatory to ship a car to Sabah/Sarawak?
Vehicle registration, a copy of the owner's IC, valid road tax & motor insurance, and the Rentaka booking form. If the car is still financed, you also need a bank release letter. If the sender isn't the owner, include an authorisation letter.
Do I need a bank release letter if my car still has a loan?
Yes, it's mandatory. If the car is still under hire-purchase (HP), the financing bank must issue a release/authorisation letter for the car to be shipped to Sabah or Sarawak. This usually takes 3-7 working days, so request it at least 2 weeks before your shipping date.
Can I ship if the registration isn't under my name?
Yes, but include an authorisation letter from the registered owner along with a copy of the owner's IC. This confirms you're permitted to ship the vehicle.
My road tax has expired — can I still ship?
Road tax and motor insurance must be valid throughout transit because the vehicle is driven at the port and on/off the vessel. Renew them before shipping to avoid issues.
Who handles insurance during transit?
We include Allianz Marine all-risk insurance on every shipment — warehouse-to-warehouse cover during loading, sailing, and discharge. Your normal motor insurance still applies for on-road driving.
When do I submit the documents?
Have all documents ready before the pickup date. The bank release letter takes the longest — sort it early. We'll review the checklist with you at booking.
📄 Documents ready? Let's ship.
We'll review the document checklist with you and handle customs clearance from start to finish.
// Rentaka Logistics — vehicle shipping since 2023
