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This version of the form is not currently in use and is provided for reference only. Download this version of
CBP Form 4457
for the current year.
CBP Form 4457 Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad
What Is CBP Form 4457?
CBP Form 4457, Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad , is used to register your personal equipment before traveling outside the United States. The form was issued by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). A new fillable CBP Form 4457 was issued on August 1, 2016 , and is available for download below.
Alternate Name:
- CBP Certificate of Registration.
If you travel abroad and take along items with serial numbers on them, register these items at the CBP before your journey. This is necessary in order to clear customs easily when coming back with these items to the U.S. The items that require registration may include a camera, laptop, computer, watch, gun, rifle, or ammunition. The signed and stamped Certificate of Registration (CBP Form 4457) is your proof that you had the listed items before you left the U.S. and did not buy them abroad. Consequently, you do not need to pay any U.S. duty tax. However, if your items have been repaired or altered outside the U.S., you need to declare that to the customs, as such alterations are dutiable.
CBP Form 4457 Instructions
General CBP Form 4457 instructions can be found on the second page of the form. The step-by-step filing guide is provided below. If you need to register one or more items, you can do so in one of the two ways:
- Download the CBP 4457, complete it, and bring it to any CBP office for verification;
- Come to the nearest CBP office and a CBP official will fill out the form for you.
In both cases, you need to bring the items listed in the form with you. A CBP official will check the description, sign, and stamp the form. Fill out only the original document.
The form can be used for multiple trips, as long as it goes for the same items. Take the completed form with you every time you leave the U.S. with the listed items. You can use the form for more than one item. However, you cannot add other items at a later stage. If you buy any new items, register them using the new CBP Form 4457. This certificate cannot be transferred. The new owner is not allowed to use your form and will need to register items separately. The CBP advises you to register your personal items beforehand or give yourself at least 2-3 hours if you need to complete the form in the course of travel.
How to Fill Out CBP Form 4457?
You can register your items at any port of entry or at the port you are departing from. The addresses and phone numbers of all ports are provided on the CBP official website. It is better to call and verify the address of the port you can register your equipment at. The CBP Certificate of Registration is easy to fill out:
- Leave the box "Number" blank.
- Indicate your name and address in the boxes "Name of Owner" and "Address of Owner."
- Enlist and briefly describe articles in the box "Description of Articles;" do not forget to provide their serial number.
- Sign the document.
- Boxes "Port," "Date," and "Signature of CBP Official" will be completed by an authorized officer.
How to Verify CBP 4457 Form Is on File?
The CBP does not keep your CBP 4457. After the authorized officer checks all the listed items and signs the form, it will be returned to you. It is your duty to keep it in a secured place and show it to a CBP official every time the registered items are returned to the U.S.
Download CBP Form 4457 Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad
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