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.

TRAVIS AFB VEHICLE SMOG CHECK REQUIREMENTS

PCS’ing to California and your vehicle requires a Smog Check? Read below for details on your next steps once you arrive to Travis AFB.

IAW the Clean Air Act Amendments Section 118(d), vehicles operated on federal installations (Travis AFB) located within smog test area shall be tested regardless of where the vehicles are registered in the state.  Therefore, out-of-state registered vehicles are required to be tested to meet the Solano County, smog test requirements.  Travis AFB employees (civilians and military) are required to complete the AF online self-certification to demonstrate compliance with the CAA.  Employees will be notified through an automated email from no-reply@apims.af.mil.  It is a requirement that each employee follows the email instruction and complete the self-certification within the time frame provided. 

Below are most common scenarios that may apply to you:

1. If you do not own, or do not drive/park a personal vehicle on base 60 days or more a year, then follow the email instruction login the AF online self-certification program. Answer “No” to the questions "Do you drive/park a personal vehicle on Travis AFB 60 days or more per year?"
2. If you drive/park a personal vehicle on base more than 60 days a year and if the vehicle is not exempted from smog test requirements, then the vehicle is required to be tested.  California smog test is good for two years and during the self-certification process when you get to the question “The Next Required Test Date:” This will be two years from when the vehicle last passed smog testing.
3. If the vehicle is exempted from smog testing, then select “This personal vehicle is exempt from emissions testing (smog check).”

Below are exemption categories:

• $650 Repair Waiver
• California Vehicle Smog Check
• Diesel Vehicle
• Electric Vehicles
• Gasoline Vehicle 8 Yrs Old or Newer (e.g. in 2025, the eight model years are: 2018 to 2025)
• Gasoline Vehicle is 1975 Model Year or Older
• Motorcycles
• Natural Gas Powered Vehicles

For information regarding the AF self-certification requirements, please contact the base Air Quality Program Manager at, 707-424-5103.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

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. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. 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.

State Laws

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.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Car Insurance in California will depend on a number of rating factors--age, marital status, location of car, driving record, coverage needs, etc.  See the car insurance section of the Department of Motor Vehicles website to obtain an estimate based on your personal rating factors. 

Driver's License

If married, your spouse (if not active duty) must obtain a California driver's license within ten days of employment within the state. Spouse will need to schedule an appointment at one of the local DMV's to take test.

Registering Vehicles on Base

Register your vehicle on base through your unit orderly room. In order to register your vehicle, you will need to provide the following:

• Military I.D. Card
• current vehicle registration
• current driver's license from any state
• a smog certificate

Motorcycle Registration

Motorcycle registration is processed through the 60 Security Forces Squadron's Pass and ID desk in Bldg 381, down the hall from MPF Customer Service. Required items include:

• AMW Form 32 from your Squadron Motorcycle Safety Rep
• driver's license
• proof of insurance
• motorcycle card from MSF:RSS Class
• current registration
• ID card

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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration page.