Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

California State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver's license in order to operate a vehicle. The term "vehicle" generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Non-California Resident Military Members must fill out and submit a form REG 5045, side A. Spouses who are registered in the same state as the active duty member must complete REG 5045, side B. Spouses that are not registered in the same state as their sponsor must get a California Driver's License. Access complete information on insurance, driver's licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Military personnel stationed in California are exempt from payment of the vehicle license fee (VLF) on any vehicle owned or leased and registered in California provided:

• The nonresident military owner is shown as a lessee or registered owner of the vehicle.
• The vehicle is not operated "for hire."

In order to obtain the VLF exemption, military personnel must complete a Nonresident Military Exemption Statement (REG 5045) form and NATO members are required to complete a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Status of Forces Agreement (REG 5046) form.

Note: The duty station must be located in California in order to receive a VLF exemption.

Smog

All vehicles registered in California, require a smog inspection certification. 

Military ID card, state vehicle registration, a valid state driver's license and proof of insurance are required to drive on base.  Drivers without a DoD ID card must obtain a vehicle pass (AF Form 75) for base access.  Decals are no longer required. 

Privately-owned vehicle

• Nonresident on active duty - must have in possession either a current valid driver's license issued by the military person's state of residence, or a California Residence license if they decide to register here. 
• California resident on active duty - must have in possession a current California driver's license. 
• Dependents - must have in possession a current driver's license issued by the person's state of residence, or the state of California if they choose to register as a California Resident. 
• Minor dependents - Nonresident minors must have in their possession a valid license from their state of residence and a NonResident Minor's Certificate issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Minors between 16 and 18 years who are California residents must have in their possession a valid California provisional license or a valid California license. 
• Motorcyclists - military personnel and dependents must possess either a Class M California drivers license or a license from the state of residence. The out-of-state license must be endorsed for motorcycle operation if required by the issuing state. Drivers who want to obtain a California Class M license must take written and riding skills tests.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location.

Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving. You will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 6 years of age be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information and check with the Base Safety Office about attending a local certification class prior to driving your motorcycle on Los Angeles AFB.

The California Wireless Communications Device Law (effective January 1, 2009) makes it an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle.  Two additional laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving went into effect July 1, 2008. The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device. The second law effective July 1, 2008, prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).

As a reminder, remember that hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Detailed information for Military Drivers in California

California Department of Motor Vehicles Helpful Hints: The State of California has one of the largest populations of drivers in the United States! If you or your spouse decides to apply for a license or registration as California resident, we'd advise you to use the automated web-based services as much as possible and to make full use of the option to schedule appointments with the DMV branch of your choice. You will experience long lines and expect to wait 1 or 2 hours for walk-in services.

Some things to keep in mind are:

• You must show proof of US citizenship in the form of a picture ID AND a social security card or passport to obtain a driver's license.
• If you or your spouse choose to get licensed as California residents, you will be required to take the California written exam. The exam is approximately 50 questions and are allowed 6 errors when getting a new license.

Most of your questions can be answered online on the Official California State DMV website.

The new VPC is located directly off Interstate 110. The New Address: 14611 S. Broadway St., Gardena, CA 90248

Toll Free Phone #: 855-389-9499.

www.pcsmypov.com is where you can check the status of POV's. Callers will need their POV Order Number located in the "Stow Location: block as indicated on the DD Form 788.