Shipping
Your vehicle will be shipped directly in to the Spangdahlem AB vehicle processing center. Before pick up from the VPC, the vehicle must be registered with the 52nd Security Forces Squadron Pass and Registration, Vehicle Registration.
You must have a valid USAREUR license to register vehicles. Additionally, each vehicle must be inspected once it arrives. For more information on vehicle inspections, call the POV inspections office at DSN 314-452-7426.
Before picking up your vehicle from POV Shipping, you will need to have a USAREUR driver's license, insurance, registration, and the Defense Department Form 788 shipping document.
If you are driving from another European installation, you may be granted a 30-day grace period to drive with your current European Union registration.
Before shipping your POV, you should consider the following:
■ Body damage: If your car has severe body damage it will not be allowed on the road
■ Tires: Tires must have a minimum of one millimeter (1 mm) depth over the entire tread and are required to be the sizes recommended by the manufacturer and do not stick out beyond the fender. In addition, DO NOT mix radial tires with non-radial tires
■ Miscellaneous: Check your lights, exhaust system, seatbelts (Germany has a mandatory seatbelt law), brakes, windshield and windows (for cracks).
■ Recommendation: Pull-out radios, cassette decks, and CD players should be removed to reduce the chance of pilferage; your catalytic converter does not need to be removed; unleaded gas is available in Germany
■ Tinted windows: Tint is not authorized on the driver or passenger windows.
■ Check with your local TMO for the latest restrictions and information before shipping
Insurance
All vehicles require proof of insurance before they can be registered with the USARUER RMV. Some U.S. insurers will not write policies for overseas. Check with your current insurer before you PCS. Vehicle insurance companies are available both on and off base. Whatever you decide, you must show proof of insurance to pick up and register your vehicle on base.
If your insurance company is USAA, we suggest calling them before you arrive to establish your policy. You may also set up a policy with a local German insurance company after you in-process. There are a few insurance companies located within five minutes of the installation.
Maintenance on American vehicles
Owning a U.S.-made vehicle overseas could become expensive; often stateside warranties are not honored. Bottom line, be prepared for unexpected costs and consider this when deciding to ship your car overseas.
Vehicle Registration
To register your vehicle, you must provide proof of ownership, such as a title or previous registration, and the vehicle inspection and shipping document you received from the shipping VPC. Based on the year of your vehicle, you can register for up to three years at $45 per year. Typically, however, a three-year registration is only for brand new vehicles purchased in Germany.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION CHECKLIST
If you plan to buy a vehicle in Germany
There are many used cars available through the base lemon lot or local dealerships. Keep in mind that even a old used car can cost a few thousand dollars, so plan accordingly in terms of how much money you have accessible when you first arrive.
Vehicle Regulations and General Information
Hands-free devices must be used with mobile telephones while operating a motor vehicle on all military installations and on the German roadways.
Seatbelts and Car Seats
Seatbelts are mandatory at all times for all riders in the vehicle. If you or your passengers fail to wear a seatbelt, it can result in a fine and a driving privilege suspension of up to 180 days.
Use of child safety restraint systems is mandatory while operating a POV in USAREUR. Germany has authorized the use of Department of Transportation approved child restraint systems.
German Law and USAFE Instruction 31-202 (see more from AFI excerpt below), require children younger than 12 years of age and under 4' 11" (or 150 centimeters) to be in a car/booster seat designated for use with a vehicle's three-point (lap and shoulder) seatbelts. Booster seats will not be used with two-point seatbelts (lap belts). C
Children must be older than 12 years old to ride in the front seat. Be sure to bring the appropriate car seat/booster seat (if your children weigh more than 48 lbs).
For more information inspections and guidelines, visit http://www.move.mil/.
VEHICLE INSPECTION & REGISTRATION
Is your POV safe?
The Privately Owned Vehicle Inspection Center on Spangdahlem provides a free POV mechanical inspection to the Spangdahlem Military Community. With over 30,000 vehicles inspected each year, our goal is to ensure POVs are maintained and operated in accordance with USAREUR Reg 190-1.
You may be asked to replace, repair, or clean an item in order to pass the inspection. These measures are to ensure proper safety conditions and requirements. To make your POV inspection stress-free, please read on.
When you arrive at the Inspection Station:
■ Normal operating hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Take a minute to review to informative signs posted along the driveway and ensure you have the following required items in your vehicle:
■ First Aid Kit (DIN 13164)
■ Warning triangle
(These items are inspected at the beginning of the inspection proces.)
Without an AE Form 190-10 or 1901AA (Renewal Application), the inspectors will not begin the inspection.
For safety reasons, please wait at the stop sign until an inspector waves you forward.
DSN: 452-7426
You've got questions? We've got answers:
■ Is the Spangdahlem POV inspection part of 52d Security Forces Squadron Vehicle Registration office?
-- No, POV Inspection personnel are assigned to the Inspection Station
(See the "What you need to register your vehicle" section below)
■ Do the civilians speak only German?
-- No, our civilians are fluent in English and German
■ When are the busiest times to get my vehicle inspected?
-- Lunch time (11 a.m. ) is the busiest time to get your vehicle inspected
■ Is the inspection free?
--Yes, inspection is free.
■ If I roll down my windows, will the inspector notice the tinted glass?
--German law has strict requirements for tinted glass on windows. The inspectors will need to see all your windows to ensure compliance.
■ Can I stay in the car while the mechanic test drives the vehicle?
--No, all individuals and pets must exit the vehicle. A waiting area is available.
■ I need to attach my temporary plates. Does POV inspection have tools for me to use?
--Sorry, the POV inspection station doesn't have any tools.
Top 10 reasons vehicles fail inspection:
1. The wrong First Aid kit
You must carry a First-Aid Kit that meets or exceeds the legal requirements and standards of the Deutsche Industrienorm (DIN).
2. Front and driver door window tint
After-market transparent or tinted material cannot be attached to the windshield, drivers-side window or front passenger-side window.
3. Chips and cracks in windshield
Glass in the front, rear, or side windows directly to the right or left of the driver may not have cracks that impair or distort the driver's vision. Windshields with cracks or fracture damage in the driver's windshield-wiping area over 1-inch long (2.5 cm), star-shaped fractures over ½ inch (12.5 mm), or any condition concerning glass breaks or cracks that obstruct the driver's visibility are not allowed.
4. Brake inspection
Braking effort from any wheel less than 70% of maximum effort recorded from another wheel on the same axle. In addition, if during road testing, the vehicle deviates excessively from a straight line.
5. Incorrect turn signals
Light color, position, or intensity not according to regulations.
6. Worn tires
The tread depth of the vehicle tires must be at least 1/16 of an inch (1.6 mm) over the entire tread. Inspectors will use a tread-depth gauge at any two adjacent major grooves at three areas spaced approximately equally around the outside of the tire.
7. Engine/Transmission/Power Steering fluid leaks
The vehicle will be rejected if there is evidence of an excessive leak, or an ongoing slow leak of oil, antifreeze or saturation of the underbody of the vehicle. If there is evidence of a slow leak, the undercarriage must be cleaned and re-inspected to verify whether or not there is still a slow leak. Excessive leaks are immediate failures.
8. Vehicle height
Minimum body ground clearance must be at least 8 cm from flexible body parts such as ground-effect spoilers or air dams and 11 cm from hard parts such as exhaust, frame components, and suspension.
9. Headlight alignment
Headlights must be aimed correctly (higher than 56 cm and lower than 137 cm). Lamp color, position, and intensity must in accordance with regulations.
10. Exhaust leaks/Noise level
The exhaust system must be secured tightly and free of leaks. Tailpipes must extend behind the rear wheels or beyond the side edge or rear of the vehicle body unless prevented by the manufacturer's specifications. Vehicle will be rejected if it emits excessive blue or black smoke. All exhaust line parts must be strong enough to resist normal hand pressure applied by the inspector. All repairs to exhaust systems must be made by welding or component replacement. All motorcycles and automobile exhaust systems will be inspected for noise levels. Noise level may not exceed 95 decibels.
Driver's Licensing/ Obtaining a USAREUR License:
- Valid State or Country License
- Safety Briefing Attendance Slip: A Safety Briefing is provided by Wing Safety. (You will get this through New Comers' Briefing)New Comers' is every Wednesday and is a mandatory appointment. A Safety Briefing is also available Fridays at 9 a.m. at Wing Safety, located in Building 217.
- Complete AE Form 190-1T (application)
- Pass the exam: Study material and exam are hosted on the Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) site. You must complete courses USA-007 U.S. Forces Driver's Training Program for Europe and USA-007-B U.S. Forces Driver's Training Program for Europe - Final Course Exam.
- The $20 Licensing fee is due before a license can be issued. We accept credit cards, checks and money orders; sorry cash cannot be accepted.
**Motorcycle license requires a valid State or Country license with motorcycle endorsement and proof of Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. The Basic Rider's Course 1 is good for one year, and Basic Rider's Course 2 is good for five years.
What you need to register your vehicle:
A valid USAREUR driver's license is required for all vehicle transactions, except for non-operational vehicle registration. When an Insurance Confirmation Card (INSURANCE CONFIRMATION CARD ) is required it must be less than 120 days old and must be valid on the date of registration (the day you visit our office). (USAA UK-00-800-531-81110)
A waiver letter is required if you will exceed the authorized number of vehicles (3 for married accompanied and 2 for single/single parent or married unaccompanied). Your squadron commander must sign this letter (personnel who are not assigned to a squadron/group require the Mission Support Group Commander's signature).
The Registration fee is $35. Sorry no cash; we accept checks, money orders, and credit cards. If the system is not operating properly, check or money order are the only way to complete the transaction. Having a check available will ease the process in this situation. Additionally, we cannot accept credit cards for transactions being issued temporary license plates (temporary plates are issued to vehicles that still require an inspection).
Operational motorcycle registration requires proof of Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. The Basic Rider's Course 1 is good for one year, and Basic Rider's Course 2 is good for five years..
Vehicle Shipped from CONUS:
- Stateside title or registration (or purchase order if not registered in US)
- DD Form 788 (Shipping Document)
- INSURANCE CONFIRMATION CARD
- AE Form 190-1AA
- If vehicle was shipped at own cost (not on PCS orders), then see Customs for import certificate
Vehicle Purchased in Germany:
- A copy of the Bill of Sale or Purchase Order (with VIN or Chassis #, buyer's and seller's information and signatures)
- INSURANCE CONFIRMATION CARD
- Completed AE Form 190-1AA
- The German Title Book (Fahrzeugbrief), and German Registration (Fahrzeugschein)
- Used vehicles require deregistration documentation from the Germany registry (Abmeldebescheinigung)
New Vehicle:
- A copy of the Purchase Order (with chassis or VIN #, Buyer's and Seller's information and signatures)
- INSURANCE CONFIRMATION CARD
- AE Form 190-1AA
- If purchased from a tax-free location, then see Customs for import certificate
Transfer of Ownership (Vehicle already in USAREUR Registry System):
- Registration must not be expired
- A POV safety inspection is required if the current owner's registration & plates expire it needs to be inspected no more than 30 days prior to transfer.
- The buyer and the seller must be present to transfer ownership of the vehicle
- The seller will need: Lien release (if applicable), and the current registration
- The buyer will need: INSURANCE CONFIRMATION CARD, AE Form 190-1AA
- If transferring to a person without tax free status (i.e. local national), see Customs for permission to transfer
Registration Renewal:
Registration renewal notice AE Form 190-1O (or AE Form 190-1AA) with inspection stamp.
**Note: Renewals may be accomplished up to 75 days prior to expiration date.
Non-operational Registration:
- The vehicle must be parked in an authorized location, contact Security Forces operations at 452-4030 for designated locations
- Registration renewal notice AE Form 190-1O (or AE Form 190-1AA)
- License Plates if currently registered operational
- Non-operational renewal requires written authorization from squadron commander.
Deregistering a Shipped Vehicle:
- DD FM 788 (Shipping Document)
- Current Registration
- This is a no fee transaction
Deregistering a Vehicle sold off-base:
- Registration, plates, bill of sale, Permit to Transfer from Customs, and lien release
- This is a no fee transaction
Deregistering a Vehicle Donated to MWR:
- Registration, plates, and lien release
- AE Form 190-1ZR, Certification of Release/Donation of POV from MWR
- This is a no fee transaction
Junking a Vehicle off base:
- Vehicle must be registered non-operational
- Obtain a Permit to Transfer from Customs
- Clear the Permit to Transfer through German customs
- Bring all completed paperwork to vehicle registration office and de-register vehicle
Shipping a Vehicle from Spangdahlem to Conus/Overseas:
- 1-2 Days prior to shipping switch to shipping plates
- Bitburg Plates will need to be with you
- Ship vehicle
- Bring in paperwork to vehicle registration office and de-register vehicle
- Current Registration (if valid for 90 days shipping plates are free. If less than 60 days check, money order, or credit/debit card $30 must be paid.
- 190-AA Application filled out #7-#48
Forms:
Additional Gas
AE 190-AA
AE Form 190-1T (License Application)
Bill of Sale
Transfer of Non-Op Vehicle
Waiver Request on Limit of POVs
For additional questions on vehicle registration, contact the 52 SFS Vehicle Registration (all services available at this location):
Location: Bldg 127 Room 206
Hours: M-F 0745-1515
-Currently they are by appointment only.
DSN: 452-6620
Satellite Vehicle Registration Office (registration renewals, deregistration, and transfer to non-operational status):
Location: Bldg 222
Hours: M-F 0745-1515