Where do I register my camera equipment with customs?

Officially, you need to have the Form 4457 signed/sealed by the appropriate Customs official prior to departure. This can usually be done at the airport when you leave, but you should check with your local Customs and Border Protection office to be sure. That being said, I've traveled many times with camera equipment and never been questioned. But that first time you have to pay duty on something you already own would sure wake me up.

http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_4457.pdf

Here is info on item registration: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/register_items.xml

I honestly have never had this be a problem though.

If you have receipts for your camera/equipment, take copies of them with you to show the customs officials.

I have been going to Europe since 1951 and have always taken cameras worth more than the entire trip did and I have never had the problem even come up, nor have I heard of any one else having the problem.

Me too. Well, not the 1951 part, but that's where Mr. Murphy's Law comes into play. I think you're right that its very unlikely to be an issue.

I say get your equipment registered. As a former tour director, I've had to deal with many different types of Customs officials. Some were nice and easygoing and others were the biggest jerks you ever met.

Plan to have to deal with a jerk and register your equipment.

Tricia -
I have been concerned about the exact same thing. I went to Africa with my 2 cameras and 3 lenses. When I started purchasing my equipment, it was suggested to me at the camera store to have a list of my equipment - including serial numbers and dates of purchase, take the receipts to a Notary and have it notarized that these pieces with these specific serial numbers belonged to me prior to my trip. I've never been questioned. In fact, checking my Notarized info, I realized that it had expired before my recent trip. I need to go do it again - I keep it in my camera bag so I know where to find it.
Good luck!

I've never had this problem and never heard anyone having one.
Once I made copies of my laptop and camera receipts, but never needed them.

The notarized form won't hold any weight with the Customs officials. Get the official Customs form signed and sealed on your way out of the country and you won't have any problems. By the way, the Customs form doesn't expire and you must have all equipment listed on the form with you for the Customs inspection.

Thank you very much for all of your help. The people who post here on the Rick Steves site are always very helpful. I've taken my camera before but not as much equipment as this time. I thought its better to be safe than sorry. You never know which agent you'll greet coming back.
Thanks !!!!!!!

A friend of mine had trouble bring her clairnet back into the states after a concert in Europe. It all worked out but it was a hassle.