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Contact information for key programs and services at this installation.
Figuring out the best way to get around is important when you’re in a new installation. It’s useful to understand the various regulations, local laws as well as license and registration requirements. Whether you need a driver’s license, transport a car overseas or want help buying a car, there are people to assist you at your new installation. Check out the topics below to find information and regulations on vehicles and registration at your base.
How to Get a USAREUR Drivers' License
Vehicles & Licenses
Department of Defense ID cardholders in Germany (service members, Family members, assigned civilians and some contractors) are allowed to register their personally-owned vehicles 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 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.
Registration Checklists
Step #1: Complete USAREUR Driver's License training on Joint Knowledge Online
People age 18 and over must first complete the training and pass the USAREUR driver's test on Joint Knowledge Online (Course IDs: USA-007 and USA-007B). Common Access Card users can log into JKO. CAC users can sponsor dependents without CACs on the website. For applicants under age 18 who already possess a valid U.S. driver's license, their sponsor must request an exception to policy. The request should include the sponsor's name, rank, organization, APO mailing address and a copy of the front and back of the applicant's U.S. driver's license.
Note: Soldiers, civilians and Family members incoming to the Wiesbaden local area who have never previously obtained a USAREUR POV license will be required to take the in-person class. For more information click here.
Step #2: Go to the Driver's Testing Station to apply in person
After passing the online test, go to the Driver's Testing Station. It takes a minimum of 48 hours for the scores to be processed to the driver's testing station. Personnel will then fill out an application (190-1T), take an eye test and pay a fee for the USAREUR driver's license. The current fee is $20, and, until further notice, only checks or money orders are accepted for payment. Personnel will receive a temporary driver's license on-site. The hard-copy license will be sent to their APO mailing address within three to four weeks.
Things you need to know while at the Driver's Testing Stations:
Things not to do in the class:
Vehicle Inspections
A mechanical inspection must be completed not more than 75 days before registration renewal. Other than new vehicles, POVs may not bet registered for more than 24 months. POVs may be inspected and registered for a 24 months inspection. An inspection is also required when the registration has been canceled for failure to renew the registration or to provide proof of liability insurance. U.S. Forces members may obtain a courtesy inspection before selling or buying a U.S. Forces-registered POV or before buying a German-registered POV if the POV is properly registered and operational. For more information, visit the BASOPS MD Vehicle Inspection page..
Accompanied personnel are authorized two Privately Owned Vehicles (POVs) and two motorized and non-motorized recreational POVs. Unaccompanied or single personnel are authorized one POV and one motorized recreational POV. Requests for waivers to the limit of POVs registered will be approved by the Base Support Battalion (USAG) Commander.
On the day the POV arrives, owners with a valid USAREUR Driver's certificate will process through the field registration station. You will need:
You must have all of these documents prior to receiving a temporary registration and car plates. After picking up your vehicle you must take it through inspection. In order to pass inspection you will have to purchase a First Aid kit and warning triangle that will remain in your POV. If the POV passes inspection, the owner will be issued AE Form 190-1A which will be valid for one to two years. Your car must be re-registered and inspected every 1 or 2 years.
Opening hours are Mon-Fri, 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. (last sign-in is 3:00 p.m.), DSN 314-548-7819/20/21 or 22 or
COM 011 49 611-1473-548-7819/20/21/ or 22.
Bicycle Registration -- Bicycles do not have to be registered.
Boat Registration -- Boats have to be registered with the German authorities. The boat trailer would be registered through vehicle registration.
Motorcycle Registration -- If you have a valid stateside license with motorcycle endorsement, you must pass a motorcycle driving test before being able to legally drive a motorcycle in Germany. Motorcycle license testing is offered April through September only. Each applicant is required to bring:
If you do not have a US motorcycle endorsement prior to your arrival in Germany, you can take a required course on the local economy, given in the German language, and at your expense (very expensive).
Registration Checklist for Shipped Vehicles
CAC ID Card
U.S. Forces Certificate of License or Temporary U.S. Forces Certificate of License (AE Form 190-1G)
Application for Motor Vehicle Registration (AE Form 190-1AA) found on https://www.aepubs.eur.army.mil/
Copy of Orders if this is the first vehicle being registered in the USAREUR system. For Contractors, we can take a DD1172 or a LOI with Wiesbaden listed as the place of duty.
Proof of German Insurance Double white Card / , hard copy in hand or a digital Insurance Confirmation Card Mirascon or Geico, no older than 120 days sent to HQ Sembach.
U.S. Title or Current stateside Registration OR Current NATO Registration
Lien Holder Authorization to ship the vehicle overseas.
Bill of Lading from shipping company NOTE: if privately shipped, U.S. Customs AE Form 550-175A is required
FOR MOTORCYCLES: Bring the Household Goods document, listing the motorcycle on it. USAREUR license will also need to have the motorcycle endorsement listed. For Active Duty members, a current MSF card will be needed.
Credit/Debit Card, Check or Money order for registration fee ($45)
Contractors will also need to bring the SOFA Card and Passport.
NOTE:
SPONSOR must be present for initial registration. A spouse can register a vehicle if they have a Power of Attorney authorizing the registering of vehicles. If the spouse is on the title, the spouse will be listed on the USAREUR registration as a joint owner.
- Vehicles are only considered new if the vehicle has NOT been registered in any system or state for more than 90 days. If this requirements is met, you will be eligible to register for up to 3 years.
Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on all military installations worldwide.
Child Restraints Info
Children four years old or younger who do not exceed 50 pounds must use U.S. or GE approved child safety seats. Children over four (4) years and in excess of 50 pounds and children under twelve years must be seated in the rear seat of the vehicle with the seat belt fastened unless the rear seats are already occupied by children in that age group or the vehicle does not have a back seat. Children 12 and under or 4'11" tall, require an approved U.S. or GE car booster seat.
Seat Belts
Seat belts must be worn by all drivers and passengers while operating any vehicle on- or off-post. Pregnant women must also wear seat belts at all times. If for any reason the seat belts cannot be worn, a medical certificate must be presented.
Helmets
Motorcycle helmets are required both on- and off-post. Helmets for bicycling, skateboarding, roller-blading, and riding a scooter are required on-post, but not off-post.
Information on Tinted Windows
USAREUR Regulation 190-1 states "Transparent of tinted (after-market) material attached to the rear or side windows to reduce glare will be of a professional nature and must not distort the driver's vision. When after-market material is used on the windshield, it may be placed on the top edge only, and will not extend more than 4 inches (100 mm) downward on a horizontal plane from the top where the windshield and care body connect." The complete regulation can be accessed here.
Car Insurance
Proof of insurance is required before your vehicle can be registered. USAA has offices and representatives in Germany. Other U.S. companies may subcontract with a local insurance company. Shop around when purchasing car insurance and make sure you understand your coverage. German law requires the following minimum coverage: 500,000/750,000 Euro for personal injury; 200,000 Euro for property damage; and 20,000 Euro for damages other than personal injury or property.
German Roads Speed Limits
There is a suggested Autobahn speed limit of 130 km/h (about 80 mp/h). Although there are stretches of the autobahn that have no speed limit, if you are involved in an accident in which you were driving faster than 130 km/h, you could be held responsible. In cities, towns, and villages the maximum speed is 50 km/h, (30 mp/h) unless the road signs indicate a higher or lower speed limit. In slow-traffic zones, now very common in residential areas and city centers, the maximum speed limit is 30 km/h (18 mp/h). Outside cities and villages the top speed limit is 100km/h (60 mp/h). The speed limit on all posts is 30 km/h (18 mp/h) and is strictly enforced.
What to Do if You're Involved in a Road Accident
If you are ever involved in an accident, the German police are in charge. You must fill out a report on the accident for the military police. Contact the Military Police nearest your location. Remain at the scene and place your reflectorized warning triangle a sufficient distance away from the rear of the scene. Notify your insurance company even if you are not at fault.
Fuel Ration Card/Gas Stations
Fuel for your vehicle is rationed in Germany. Depending upon the size of the engine, you will be authorized purchase of 200 or 400 liters per month (600 liters for some large trucks and large Utility Vehicles). Your vehicle registration will contain your fuel ration card.
Mainz-Kastel Station and Hainerberg have the only two on-post gas stations in the Wiesbaden area. These gas stations accept the fuel ration card, dollars, checks or credit cards. More information regarding your fuel ration card will be provided at the Newcomer's Briefing at initial in-processing through the Central Processing Facility.
Fuel Ration card Use:
Fuel Ration card are regulated by the country of issue and can only be used at AAFES gas stations and "Esso" Stations in Germany, otherwise you will pay the full local fuel rate.
Germany Fuel Ration Card
Before pumping fuel into your vehicle:
Ensure that you have activated your fuel ration card with AAFES.
Ensure the license number and name on the back of your fuel ration card match the license number and name on the vehicle registration certificate, and the license number matches the vehicle.
Ensure there is enough ration balance remaining in your vehicle's fuel ration card account to cover the amount of fuel to be pumped.
After pumping fuel into your vehicle:
Take your card and vehicle registration certificate to the cashier.
If at AAFES, select your payment method, you can use either your fuel ration card cash balance or some other form of tender; sign the digital signature capture pad to complete your purchase.
If at Esso, use your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to validate the transaction and sign the printed receipt to complete your purchase.
VEHICLES AND LICENSES
Department of Defense ID cardholders in Germany (service members, Family members, 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 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.
USAG WIESBADEN VEHICLE REGISTRATION OFFICE
Vehicles brought from the U.S., or purchased locally, must be registered with U.S. Army Europe. All shipped vehicles and used vehicles purchased in Germany must pass a safety inspection before they can be registered.
Personnel leaving (ETS or PCS) or individuals who have lost logistical support must turn in their plates to Vehicle Registration (not the MP Station) prior to leaving the Wiesbaden community.
Appointments must be made online. ✪ Requires Internet Explorer with CAC (Authentication certificate). Limited same-day, walk-in appointments may be available, but same-day appointments cannot be made online.
NORTH CLAY OFFICE (Appointment and Walk-ins Available)
Location:
Phone Number:
Release 2024.08.27.1