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NHTSA / DOT U.S. Agent Services for Foreign Manufacturers

NHTSA U.S. Agent Overview

 

Foreign manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment intended for import into the United States must designate a U.S. Agent under 49 CFR § 551.45.
This requirement ensures that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have a reliable domestic contact for safety-related notices, defect investigations, recall communications, and service of process.
 
As your designated NHTSA U.S. Agent, we serve as the official point of contact for all safety-related correspondence from NHTSA or other federal transportation authorities. We ensure that any notifications, requests, or legal documents sent to your company are received promptly and forwarded without delay.

NHTSA / DOT U.S. Agent Requirements

Foreign manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment must designate a U.S. Agent under 49 CFR § 551.45 before importing regulated products into the United States.

This designation ensures that NHTSA and the U.S. Department of Transportation have a reliable domestic contact for safety-related communications, defect investigations, and service of process.

 

Your NHTSA U.S. Agent must:

 

  • Be a U.S. resident individual or a domestic U.S. firm as required under § 551.47

  • Accept service of process, which is legally considered service on the manufacturer under § 551.66

  • Receive and forward NHTSA safety communications, defect notices, and recall-related correspondence

  • Maintain a physical U.S. address and be available during U.S. business hours

  • Provide a designation letter that meets § 551.53 requirements (English language, signed by both parties)

  • Continue to serve as agent until formally replaced under § 551.52

  • Not assign or transfer the agent role to another party unless officially replaced under the regulation (§ 551.51)

 

 

Failure to designate a compliant U.S. Agent may prevent a foreign manufacturer from importing, selling, or distributing vehicles or equipment in the U.S., and may delay safety-related communications or compliance actions.

Your Responsibilities

 

  • Ensure all vehicles and equipment comply with applicable FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards)

  • Submit manufacturer identification information to NHTSA as required

  • Maintain records of defect reports, recall information, and compliance documents

  • Respond to NHTSA inquiries or information requests related to safety or compliance

  • Manage your own engineering, certification, and regulatory filings

  • Provide accurate and up-to-date company and product data to your U.S. Agent

  • Issue an official designation letter naming your U.S. Agent (as required under §§ 551.45–551.53)

Our Responsibilities as Your U.S. Agent

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  • Serve as your official U.S. Agent as required under 49 CFR Part 551, Subpart D

  • Receive and forward safety-related communications, defect notices, or recall correspondence from NHTSA

  • Accept service of process, which is legally binding on your company (§ 551.66)

  • Maintain a permanent U.S. address and availability during standard U.S. business hours

  • Ensure your designation letter meets the requirements of § 551.53 (English, signed, identifies manufacturer and agent)

  • Continue acting as your agent until you formally replace us as described under § 551.52

  • Not assign our duties to another party unless formally replaced as agent (§ 551.51)

  • Notify you immediately of any communication from NHTSA or DOT

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