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.

Registering Vehicles on Base

The following documents are required to register a privately owned motor vehicle, motorcycle, or scooter prior to operation:

• NSGB Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection form. Completion of a safety and mechanical vehicle inspection by the Morale, Welfare and Recreational (MWR) Auto Skills Center. Privately Owned Motor Vehicles (POV) that are issued by contracted companies shall complete the vehicle safety inspection at the Auto Skill Center through MWR services.
• Proof of Ownership. Issued to and in the name of the owner of the vehicle to be registered. Notarized Bill of Sale, state registration, military base registration or vehicle title will satisfy this requirement.
• Proof of Liability Insurance- Minimum coverage:

                  - Personal injury or death, $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident.

                  - Property damage, $25,000 per incident.

                  - The insurance policy or certificate shall: Be issued to, and in the name of the registered owner & list the policy number.

• Proof of Full Time Residency.
• Vehicle Owner Requirements Memorandum.

Driver's License

Individuals operating automobiles or motorcycles must have a current and valid stateside or foreign driver's license. Student drivers may obtain a learners permit at age 15.5 and a driver's license at age 16 by contacting the PWD license office.

Motorcycles - Motorcycle testing is scheduled through the Safety office by appointments only. Future motorcycle riders are encouraged to attend stateside motorcycling courses prior to their arrival to Guantanamo Bay as there are none offered locally.

Boat License

A Captain License is required for personnel operating a recreational vessel. The Captains License is issued by the MWR Marina. 

• Paddle Powered –Must complete written test, safety video, and bay orientation tour.
• Basic Powered Vessels –Must complete written test, paddle craft safety video, driving test, and bay orientation tour. This is needed for the MWR Pontoons and Skiffs, and most personally owned crafts.
• Sailboats –Must complete all requirements for the Basic Powered Vessels and pass a sailing test.
• Speed Boat/Recreational Towing –This endorsement requires an additional driving test and safety brief along with all Basic Powered Vessel requirements. This endorsement can be obtained by any GTMO resident and is required before renting designated boats from the Marina or performing recreational towing on a personally owned boat. Some personally owned boats may also require this endorsement for operation.
• Tackle Box License –This endorsement requires the successful completion of an additional written exam along with all Basic Powered Vessel requirements. Proof of boat ownership and tackle box rating must also be confirmed by Marina Staff. MWR does not provide this licensing to non-boat owners.

POVs are shipped to Guantanamo Bay on barges, which arrive once every two weeks. When your vehicle arrives, the Personal Property Office will contact you. Upon your arrival, please stop by the Personal Property Office to inform them that you are on island.

Before claiming the vehicle, owners must obtain proper insurance and temporary registration. The Vehicle Registration Office will issue a ten-day temporary tag when shown proof of ownership and insurance so you can pick up your car from Personal Property. Within that ten-day period, your vehicle must then be inspected at Vehicle Registration at which time you will receive a permanent license plate.

All motor vehicles driven on the Naval Base must be registered with Base Police. Those individuals buying a used vehicle at Guantanamo Bay must first obtain a bill of sale from the Naval Legal Services Office Detachment before purchasing insurance.

Auto/Motorcycle Insurance

Many CONUS insurance companies will not insure vehicles shipped to Guantanamo Bay. It would be a good idea to check with your current agent before you depart your present location. Currently Geico and USAA are the only car insurance companies providing coverage for vehicles/motorcycles on the installation. Once on board please check with vehicle registration office for referrals to off island auto insurance resources.

All cars, including those which financial institutions still hold the lien, can be insured with liability insurance or full coverage. Service members may opt to do some comparison shopping for affordable auto insurance rates.

Very Important: If you are shipping a 1999 vehicle, or newer, you will encounter difficulties if maintenance is required. Ask your sponsor for more specific information.

Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Registering Vehicles on Base

The following documents are required to register a privately owned motor vehicle, motorcycle, or scooter prior to operation:

• NSGB Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection form. Completion of a safety and mechanical vehicle inspection by the Morale, Welfare and Recreational (MWR) Auto Skills Center. Privately Owned Motor Vehicles (POV) that are issued by contracted companies shall complete the vehicle safety inspection at the Auto Skill Center through MWR services.
• Proof of Ownership. Issued to and in the name of the owner of the vehicle to be registered. Notarized Bill of Sale, state registration, military base registration or vehicle title will satisfy this requirement.
• Proof of Liability Insurance- Minimum coverage:

                  - Personal injury or death, $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident.

                  - Property damage, $25,000 per incident.

                  - The insurance policy or certificate shall: Be issued to, and in the name of the registered owner & list the policy number.

• Proof of Full Time Residency.
• Vehicle Owner Requirements Memorandum.

Driver's License

Individuals operating automobiles or motorcycles must have a current and valid stateside or foreign driver's license. Student drivers may obtain a learners permit at age 15.5 and a driver's license at age 16 by contacting the PWD license office.

Motorcycles - Motorcycle testing is scheduled through the Safety office by appointments only. Future motorcycle riders are encouraged to attend stateside motorcycling courses prior to their arrival to Guantanamo Bay as there are none offered locally.

Boat License

A Captain License is required for personnel operating a recreational vessel. The Captains License is issued by the MWR Marina. 

• Paddle Powered –Must complete written test, safety video, and bay orientation tour.
• Basic Powered Vessels –Must complete written test, paddle craft safety video, driving test, and bay orientation tour. This is needed for the MWR Pontoons and Skiffs, and most personally owned crafts.
• Sailboats –Must complete all requirements for the Basic Powered Vessels and pass a sailing test.
• Speed Boat/Recreational Towing –This endorsement requires an additional driving test and safety brief along with all Basic Powered Vessel requirements. This endorsement can be obtained by any GTMO resident and is required before renting designated boats from the Marina or performing recreational towing on a personally owned boat. Some personally owned boats may also require this endorsement for operation.
• Tackle Box License –This endorsement requires the successful completion of an additional written exam along with all Basic Powered Vessel requirements. Proof of boat ownership and tackle box rating must also be confirmed by Marina Staff. MWR does not provide this licensing to non-boat owners.

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.