Motor Vehicles

Members may transport one POV to Spain. For questions regarding what constitutes a POV please visit the PCSmyPOV website or contact your nearest vehicle processing center.

There are not provisions under the Spanish law for U.S. Forces members to import boats and jet skies into Spain duty free. No customs clearance or registration procedures are available under the actual SOFA. Members of the force or civilian components wishing to import and register boats and/or jet skies to Spain must comply with all the Spanish requirements and procedures, plus payment of all the corresponding duties and taxes.

If you are in possession of a Spanish driver's license, you will be able to drive in all countries that are members of the European Union (UE). Those are Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Driving outside of these countries will require an International Driving Permit, normally valid for one year. It may be obtained from the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the States, or from the Spanish Traffic Bureau in Cadiz (Spain).

If you are shipping your POV to Spain, please refer to PCSmyPOV of contact the ROTA Vehicle Processing Center at 011-34-956-85-2034. Email: rota.vpc@ialpoc.us. Hours of operation 0800-1300 & 1400-1700, closed for lunch from 1300 -1400.

In order to acquire a European driver’s license, you will need to bring your valid stateside driver’s license with you. You will also need to pass a driver’s test. For more specific questions, please contact base security at 011-34-956-82-1610.

Vehicle Registration controls the importation, customs clearance, registration, sale, exportation and all other vehicle transactions involving custom free vehicles and Spanish vehicles free from the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Shipping Privately Owned Vehicle (POV)

All active duty military personnel and DOD civilian employees in receipt of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders to Spain are entitled to import one POV, not manufactured in Spain, free from all Spanish duties and taxes. If the spouse is also military active duty or a DoD civilian coming to Spain on separate PCS orders, he/she is also entitled to import one POV into Spain under the same tax exemption conditions. However, in either case, it is imperative that the vehicle arrives to Spain no later than six months from the date of owner's initial arrival to Spanish territory. Vehicles arriving after six months cannot be cleared through Spanish Customs. They must be shipped back to their port of origin. Spanish Custom laws will not waive the requirements of this policy, even if vehicle owner is willing to pay Spanish duties and taxes.

Registration -- Duly registered vehicles arriving directly from the United States are issued a 45-day import permit (referred to as a "Conduce") by Spanish Customs which, together with a current stateside registration, will legalize the operation of the vehicle in Spain while a Spanish registration is being processed. Vehicles with either expired "Conduces", no registration document, expired or invalid registrations, or expired plates will not be released to their owners, nor operated, until Spanish registration is obtained. Likewise, the vehicle will not be released to personnel without a Spanish translation of a valid stateside driver's license, or an International Driver's License. Spanish translations are available through the Security Department.

U.S. Forces personnel not desiring to ship a vehicle to Spain may acquire one from another U.S. Forces member stationed here. Personnel driving their POV to Spain in the execution of their PCS transfer from another European country, must report with their vehicles to the Security Department, Vehicle Registration Section in Bldg. 3262, within 48 hours of their arrival to the Rota Naval Base for processing of Spanish registration.

In addition to the duty-free imported vehicle, a member of the force, the civilian component, or their family members under the auspices of the U.S. Forces, may possess one motor vehicle manufactured within the European Union countries, with or without U.S. specifications, acquired and registered in Spain in accordance with special arrangements and free of the Spanish value-added tax (VAT). Dependents must be 18 years of age, in possession of a Spanish driver license. U.S Contractor employees and their family members are not authorized to purchase a vehicle free from the VAT.

Car Maintenance - The service for American and foreign vehicles is limited by the availability of parts. The Navy Exchange garage offers auto repair service but carries a limited selection of ignition parts, plugs, oil, air and gas filters, hoses, shock absorbers, mufflers, electrical system components, and accessories. Important items for your POV should be purchased in advance and included in your household shipment.

Traffic Laws -- Current Spanish traffic laws require installation of seat belts on all seats of vehicles registered in Spain after 15 June 1992. However, U.S. Navy regulations require seat belts for each occupant regardless of date of registration. The third brake light (Cyclops light) is authorized in Spain only if it is factory installed.

The use of cell phones is prohibited while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

All passengers must wear a seat belt at all times.

By agreement with the Spanish government, U.S. military, DOD civilian employees and their dependents assigned to Spain on PCS orders must be in possession of Spanish driver's license to either operate or register a vehicle in Spain.

To obtain a Spanish driver's license, applicants must comply with the following requirements: 

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Possess a valid stateside or foreign driver license

Dependents in possession of a valid driver's license, but less than 18 years of age, are not eligible for a Spanish driver's license. If you want to obtain a Spanish motorcycle license, make sure that your stateside driver license is endorsed for motorcycles prior to your transfer. Spain requires proof of two-year minimum of motorcycle driving experience prior to issuing a full motorcycle license, so make sure that your stateside driver's license has been endorsed for motorcycle operations for more than two years, or writing evidence that you have motorcycle license for over two years, prior to your transfer.

Prior to applying for a Spanish driver's license, applicants must satisfactorily pass a written test on Spanish traffic laws and signs. Security Department personnel will administer this test during the week that you and your family members attend the Intercultural Relations Class. It takes two weeks to get the Spanish license once the paperwork is submitted by Security. In the meantime, you and your family members may drive legally in Spain by obtaining an official Spanish translation of your stateside driver's license from the Security Department, Pass & ID Section, Bldg. 3262, at no cost to you.

For questions regarding local traffic laws, please contact base security at 011-34-956-82-1610 or visit Spain’s traffic website.

Security Department, in addition to regular law enforcement and physical functions, provides a wide range of personnel services to ensure compliance with existing agreements covered in the SOFA between the United States and Spain. Security Department staff located in Building 3262 provides these services. Our main goal is to help you meet our SOFA obligations in the simplest and fastest manner. The sections providing these services are as follows:

Translators/Interpreters

Provides legal and interpretative assistance to members of the force, the civilian component, and dependents required to appear before Spanish courts and police agencies on account of traffic accidents or incidents. Maintains liaison with Spanish courts and police agencies to assist U.S. personnel during all phases of the police investigation or judiciary process and provides translating services required for the operation of the Department.

Located in Building # 3262, Telephones: 727-3225/727-3246/727-1799, Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, a duty interpreter is available 24 hours for emergency assistance.

Spanish Traffic Tickets

Security processes all traffic tickets and disorderly conduct fines that may be levied on U.S. forces personnel. They provide advice on traffic laws and assistance in preparing appeals in Spanish to appropriate Spanish authorities.

Located in Building # 3262, Telephones: 727-2354/727-3246/727-2547, Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Firearms Registration

Maintains liaison with the Spanish Navy Security Department, Guardia Civil, and local City Halls, regarding the registration, transfer or disposition of privately owned firearms, air guns, and bows. It coordinates the issuance of Spanish gun registration documents and hunting licenses through Spanish authorities.

Pass Office

Processes all base pass requests submitted by U.S. military active duty, civilian components and commands/departments, either for work or social functions, for conformity with base pass regulations issued by the Spanish Navy and further processing through the Spanish Navy Security Department.

Located in Building 3262, Telephone: 727-3247 Fax: 956-82-1788, Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Base Access Gates

Security civilian personnel stand duty at Puerto and Rota control gates for the purpose of assisting Spanish sentries in the identification of members of the force, the civilian component, and dependents. They validate orders or issue/process base passes for members of the force, personnel on leave, retirees, widows, unaccompanied dependents, civilian components and dependents arriving to the base by land or via the Air Terminal.

Personnel arriving at the airport for the first time will pass through Spanish Immigration. Military personnel are required to produce DoD orders and military ID card. Family members, regardless of their age, require no-fee passports. The immigration officer will enter an Entry stamp on your travel documents indicating your legal admission to the country. After that, a Security representative (QP) will validate your orders denoting your access to the Base. Validated orders, along with military or dependent ID card, can be used to go on/off base and use NEX until you check-in with Naval Station Security Department and receive a Spanish ID card (TEI).

Base access gates civilian personnel are members of the Pass Office Section at Bldg. #3262. Phone # 727-3247 is the point of contact.

Records and Analysis

Maintains statistic control of reports generated by Security Operations Division, on account of incidents/accidents occurred on/off base. Prepares and keeps records of suspension, remedial and warning letters. Receives, records and maintains a database of all Base Traffic Tickets generated by Security Police. Based on the type of offense and the traffic offender's record, personnel are contacted and summoned for Traffic Court Hearings. Incumbent assists Traffic Hearing Officer during traffic court.

Located in Building # 3262, Telephones: 727-2760, Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Pass and ID

Checks in/out all incoming/outgoing personnel. All sponsors and dependents 10 years of age and older must check-in with Security. You will be issued your Status of Forces ID card (Spanish TEI) and ration card.

Both, Spanish ID card and military/dependent ID card, must be shown to Spanish sentries when entering/exiting the station, and when entering the Navy Exchange/Commissary and other U.S. Forces facilities where items free from Spanish duties and taxes are sold.

Family members of military or DoD civilians assigned to Spain are waived any visa requirements, provided they hold a current dependent ID card {Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (DD Form 1173)}, or have an annotation in their passport certifying their dependency status in Spain. However, for initial check-in with Security, you will need: 

• No-Fee passports for all dependents and civilian employees. Passports will be held by Security to be validated by Spanish immigration for the length of your tour in Spain (maximum 3 years). You may pick up your passports two weeks later with the Spanish validation stamp on it. 
• ID cards and command check-in sheet. 
• Current permanent stateside driver license to get it translated into Spanish, so that you can operate a vehicle until your regular Spanish license is processed.

Pass and ID are located in Building # 3262, Telephones: 727-1611/727-1610/727-1608, Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

POV owners prior to registering, transferring or operating their motor vehicles aboard U.S. Naval Station, Rota, must contract the following minimum insurance coverage:

POVs insured with American companies

Three hundred and fifty thousand (350,000) euros for bodily injuries per victim per accident and One hundred thousand (100,000) euros for property damages per accident, regardless the number of vehicles or property involved. This is the minimum coverage required by Spanish law, however most insurance companies will only sell you unlimited liability coverage. This means that the insurer will pay whatever damages for bodily injury or property for which you become legally responsible because of an auto accident. The insurer will issue a Certificado Internacional de Seguro de Automovil (International Certificate of Vehicle Insurance-Green Card) as proof of minimum insurance coverage.

POVs insured with American companies

Though U.S. insurance companies may have policy limits on the amount they are required to pay (a) per person for bodily injury (b) per accident for bodily injury (c) for property damage, the minimum coverage should be the same as provided by Spanish firms. A Certificado Internacional de Seguro de Automovil (International Certificate of Vehicle Insurance-Green Card) must be issued as proof of compliance.

If you wish to retain your current insurance, contact the agent well before you move to Spain and request a green card. You can also buy POV insurance from Spanish or U.S. companies legally established in Europe after your arrival. It could cost between $400 and $1000 for third party liability and as much as $1,500 for full coverage, depending on the type of vehicle, age of driver, etc.

USAA, GEICO and American International Underwriters and The Hartford are stateside companies legally established in Spain and have representatives to either sell POV insurance or assist policyholders in filing accident reports or settling claims

The Green Card is the only acceptable proof of compliance with Spanish compulsory insurance requirements. Therefore, the Vehicle Registration Section will not accept any other document as proof of insurance for vehicle registration or re-registration purposes.

The same regulations regarding importation, registration, and operation of POVs apply to motorcycles. However, in order to acquire a license to operate a motorcylce you must be in pocession of one in the states for at least a year. A motorcycle is considered your POV. You will not be allowed to import another vehicle unless you and your spouse are active duty military or DoD civilian components on PCS orders to Rota.

Any small motorcycle or scooter exceeding 50-cc engine displacement is considered to be a POV. Per Spanish law, motorcycles cannot be shipped as or with household goods. They must be shipped separately as a POV. Motor-cross motorcycles are not considered POVs. They can be imported to Spain with your household goods. Possession of this type of vehicle, for off-road use only, will not count against the one vehicle limitation.
To register and operate a motorcycle you must be in possession of a valid Spanish driver's license.

Mopeds
Regardless of current DOD regulations concerning shipping of mopeds, there are no provisions, customs clearances, or registration procedures under Spanish law permitting the importation of mopeds (50cc or less engine displacement) to Spain. Mopeds bought in Spain that were taken to the States may be brought back provided you have the original Spanish Registration Certificate (Certificado de Ciclomotor). Spanish manufactured mopeds may be purchased upon arrival to Spain from any authorized distributor off base. Mopeds can be operated with a regular valid driver's license or moped permit.

When you arrive in Spain, it is important that you contact the POV office immediately to make sure that the shipment of your vehicle is on schedule. All vehicles must be picked up no later than 45 days from the date of receipt of notification that your vehicle has arrived. Vehicle arrival is published regularly in the weekly base newspaper, The Coastline, Naval Station Plan of the Week, or the base television. The POV office is in Rota, Avda. de la Libertad, 32, Telephone 956-811044.

To pick up your vehicle, you must:

Pay the vehicle registration fee (100.80 Euros) at the local Banco de Andalucia (Bank of Andalucia) on base, between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Mon-Fri. The vehicle registration fee changes yearly in January.

Report to the Vehicle Registration Section of Security, Bldg. 3262, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with:

• The receipt from the bank
• Valid stateside registration
• Vehicle insurance (green card)
• Copy of your orders
• Spanish driver license, or proof that you are in the process to obtain a Spanish driver license.

Upon receiving the release form from Vehicle Registration, you may proceed to the POV Office with the following items to pick up your vehicle:

• A release form from Vehicle Registration
• Two copies of your PCS orders
• DD Form 788 (POV Shipping Document)

Your spouse may pick up your vehicle if he/she has a Power of Attorney and the items listed above.

Vehicle Registration Section is located in Building #3262, phones: 727-1605/727-2318, Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.