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.

Vehicles brought from the U.S., or purchased locally, must be registered with USAREUR. All shipped vehicles and used vehicles purchased in Germany must pass a safety inspection before they can be registered.

Effective now: Previous regulations regarding HK and AD license plates have been rescinded. Current policy requires individuals who have HK and AD plates to switch those plates with German locality designation plates. This policy does apply to motorcycles and trailers also. Proof of insurance is required and mandatory for switching license plate. For loss or stolen license plate, please report the incident to the Military Police.

Personnel leaving (ETS or PCS) or individuals who have lost logistical support must turn in their Stuttgart (S), Boeblingen (BB) plates to vehicle registration (not MP Station) prior to leaving the Stuttgart community.

Vehicles and Licenses

Department of Defense ID cardholders in Germany (service members, family members, and assigned civilians and some contractors) are allowed to register their personally-owned vehicles (POV) with the U.S. Military. These vehicles are not subject to German taxes or German vehicle registration.

DoD ID card holders are eligible to obtain a USAREUR (United States Army, Europe) driver's license. With this license, ID card holders are authorized to drive a USAREUR-plated vehicle or other German-registered vehicles. They are also authorized to purchase a limited amount of gasoline or diesel fuel without paying taxes.

The links below will redirect you to the HQ USAREUR site.

• Regulations
• Driving in Europe
• Driver's Handbook
• U.S. License Renewal Information
• Stateside DMV Info
• Testing for CONUS / OCONUS
• Office Locations
• POV Emission Decal
• Handicap Placards

Vehicle Registration Office
Bldg. 2930, Panzer Kaserne
DSN: (314) 596-2833/2883/2171/2170/2495
CIV: +499461 70596-2833/2883/2171/2170/2495

Mon. - Fri: 7:45 a.m. - 1200 p.m. (last walk in 11:45 a.m.)

                1.00p.m. - 3.45 p.m. (last walk in 3.15 p.m.)

Closes at noon the last work-day of every month for inventory.

Regulations

For information on regulations please visit the USARUER Registry of Motor Vehicles website.

For information on regulations please visit the USARUER Registry of Motor Vehicles website.

Fuel Ration Card/Gas Stations

Gas for your vehicle is rationed in Germany. Depending upon the size of the engine. Your vehicle registration will contain your gas ration card.

Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) requires all U.S. personnel assigned to Germany to have a valid stateside license, a military vehicle operator's license, or a German license in order to be eligible for licensing and operating privately owned vehicles in the United States Army Europe (USAREUR). Family members are required to have either a valid stateside license or a German license. In order to obtain a USAREUR certificate, you must attend an orientation class. You will need to study the Driver's Testing Manual prior to attending the orientation. Personnel arriving without a valid stateside license will have to attend driver's training on the local economy at their own expense. Personnel assigned to Germany traveling outside of the country are able to drive on their USARUER certificate in Allied countries only. Personnel driving in East Block countries must be in possession of a valid International License. Applications can be obtained at the Driver's Testing office. The minimum age for operation of a POV in Germany is 17.Regarding COVID-19 online training is available at https://homeadmin.army.mil/stuttgart/index.php?cID=737

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 is prohibited

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

The government may ship one Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) for you at their expense to your new overseas location. This is handled through your transportation office. Remember to review your POV needs at your counseling session. Move.mil has a whole section devoted to POV shipping information. The shipping contractor has established a website where you can track the location of your POV throughout the shipping process.

Fuel Ration Card/Gas Stations

Gas for your vehicle is rationed in Germany. Depending upon the size of the engine. Your vehicle registration will contain your gas ration card.