Motor Vehicles

Individuals must have a valid stateside driver's license before obtaining a USAREUR driver's license.

****Please renew your stateside license prior to your USAREUR tour to ensure your license does not expire while overseas. A USAREUR Certificate of License is only valid when used in conjunction with a valid stateside driver's license.

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.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:15 a.m. - noon and 12:45 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Last Customer is at 3:45 p.m.)

Last working day of the month open from 8:45 a.m. - noon.

Please call vehicle registration to arrange an appointment.

Located: Baumholder Clinic Kaserne BLDG 8747

Web:

https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services

Americans stationed in Germany are governed by special international agreements, including the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). The SOFA governs the relationship between the U.S. Forces and Germany regarding matters of criminal jurisdiction, taxes, claims, driver's licenses and other civil and legal concerns.

Privately Owned Vehicles (POV)

POV's must meet the minimum standards of exterior condition considered acceptable in the local military or civilian community. License plates must be completely visible and the rear plate centered under the light. Latching devices, including locks on body doors, must be operational. Body rust and corrosion at locations that would weaken areas protecting the driver or passengers will cause the POV to be rejected. Paintings or markings resembling those normally used on U.S. government-owned vehicles, and markings that might associate a POV with a foreign government, are prohibited.

USAREUR Driver's License

Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) requires all U.S. personnel officially assigned to Germany (uniformed personnel, civilians, contractors, and their dependents), permanent or temporary, to have a valid stateside license, or a German driver’s license, or a European driver’s license or any other country driver’s license (English translated) in order to be eligible for licensing and operating privately owned vehicles registered with US Forces in Europe. The minimum age for operation of a POV in Germany is 17.

Procedures for Soldiers, Family Members and CAC Holders obtaining a USAREUR Driver's License:

In order to obtain a US Forces Certificate of License, you have to options: take an Orientation Briefing and online test on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) or attend an Orientation Briefing and take a written test with DTTS instructor. There is a thirty-dollar charge for the issuing of a US Forces Certificate of License. You may pay by check or money order or credit/debit card. You will need to study the Drivers Handbook and Examination Manual for Germany prior to attending the orientation briefing. The final test, whether online or written, has 100 questions and you have to achieve at least 85% in order to pass. Questions 1 to 75 are general knowledge and scenario-based; only one answer is correct; questions 76 to 100 are road signs.

Personnel arriving without a valid driver’s license will have to attend driver's training on the local economy at their own expense. A local German driver's license costs approximately between Euro 2,500 and 3,000.

The US Forces Certificate of License is only valid in Germany. If you travel outside Germany a US Forces registered vehicle you need to have an International Driving Permit issued either by AAA or German Authorities. Applications and additional instructions can be obtained at the local DTTS office. The fee for the German authority is around 25 euros. 

DRIVERS TESTING: 

Location: Quartermaster Kaserne, Baumholder, Bldg. 8744, 2nd Floor Rm 4208 

Phone: CIV: 0611-143-531-7000, DSN: 531-7000 

Individuals must have a valid stateside driver's license before obtaining a USAREUR driver's license!

Please renew your stateside license prior to your USAEUR tour to ensure your license does not expire while overseas. A USAEUR Certificate of License is only valid when used in conjunction with a valid stateside driver's license.

If all procedures are completed successfully, the driver's testing Examiner will complete the application, issue the applicant a temporary driver's license valid for 60 days and forward the application with your check or money order for thirty dollars to the USAREUR Vehicle Registry for completion and issuance of the USAREUR driver's license.

The minimum age for operation of a POV in Germany is seventeen years with a valid unrestricted stateside license. No learners permit.

Driving in Germany: 

Safety -- Occasionally, vehicle safety inspection points are set up by the German police (Polizei) and/or Military Police. While driving a USAREUR licensed vehicle, it is mandatory to have a first aid kit, reflective vest for each person in the vehicle, emergency warning triangle, identification card and USAREUR driver's license at all times. Please note that your stateside license must be valid.

Seatbelts -- Seatbelts for all occupants of a moving vehicle are also mandatory in Germany. Failure to wear seatbelts can result in a fine and/or loss of driving privileges. Also, if you are involved in an accident and are not wearing your seatbelt, insurance companies have the right to refuse to pay for injuries because of your negligence.

Child Safety Seats -- All children under 12 years of age under 59 inches tall must ride in the back seat of all cars. The child must be secured with suitable child restraint devices. Children weighing more than 48 pounds will use booster seats or other suitable child restraint devices to ensure that the seatbelt fits properly.

Cell Phones -- Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle at all times. 

Speed limits -- Speed limits on the German Autobahn are clearly displayed. Although there are some portions where no limits are posted, 130 kilometers is the recommended upper limit. Drivers involved in accidents when traveling faster than the recommended speed limits will be ticketed.

VEHICLE INSPECTION:

Location: Baumholder, Smith Barracks Bldg. 8421

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri: 7:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.-3:45 p.m.  

Closed on U.S. and German Holidays

Registering Vehicles on the Installation

The following documents are needed to register a vehicle:

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 by contacting the Baumholder Military Police Department CIV: 0611-143-531-2677.