Buying an import? Confirm it’s eligible — to the month.
The US 25-year rule keys off the month a car was built — not its model year. A car sold as “25 years old” can still be months away from legal, so before you wire a cent, confirm the exact month the car you’re eyeing becomes importable. Enter its build month below — free. (Valuation and cross-market arbitrage are for members.)
Confirm it’s eligible before you wire a cent.
Don’t take the listing’s word for it. The rule is month-exact, so a car sold as “25 years old” can still be months away from eligibility — and that date is only as good as the build date you can prove.
Get the build plate
Ask the seller for a clear photo of the data plate (door jamb or firewall) showing the month of manufacture — not the model year on the title.
Match it to the car
Cross-check the chassis / VIN on the plate against the car’s chassis stamp, so the plate wasn’t swapped from another car.
Run the build month
Enter it as YYYY-MM below for the exact month it’s legal — and whether it’s legal now or still counting down.
Mind the rest
The 25-year rule is the NHTSA (safety) side. EPA needs 21+ years and original, unmodified condition — so an engine-swapped car can still trip emissions. Your state’s titling/emissions rules apply too. An indicator, not legal advice — use a licensed importer or customs broker.