Motor Vehicles

All vehicles operating on base must have proof of insurance and registration from their state of residence. Anyone driving on base must have a current Driver's License. California DMV laws may vary from other states regarding motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. Visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles for specific requirements. The website includes the current driver handbook, has appointment scheduling capabilities, and allows online payments for registrations. 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.

The DMV office in 29 Palms is located at 3668 Adobe Road G-J, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277.

Active duty military are exempt from having a California Driver's License but you must have a valid driver's license from another state in order to operate a vehicle. Family members must get a California license if they are working in California. If the vehicle is registered in the dependent's name only, the vehicle must be registered in California within 20 days of arrival in the state.

Vehicle:

• Valid Vehicle Registration
  • If you are registering a vehicle that is not in your name, you must have a notarized letter from the individual named in the registration allowing you permission to operate that vehicle
• Driver’s License
• Valid Vehicle Insurance
• Driver Improvement Course (Military 25 and younger only)
• Military ID (Military Only)
• Smog Check for vehicles 8 years or older to comply with the California Clean Air Act
  • Gas Vehicles 1974 or older are exempt from CA Smog laws
  • Diesel Vehicles 1996 and older are exempt from CA Smog Laws

Motorcycles

In addition to the above, a DOD Motorcycle Safety Course must be completed prior to registering a motorcycle aboard the Combat Center.

You can reach the Vehicle Pass and Installation Access Card section at the Visitors Center, building 901 Monday to Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.  For more information please call 760-830-6794.

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 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 California 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.