How to Register your Vehicle in Germany

If you’re a U.S. service member stationed in Germany, understanding the vehicle registration process is crucial. Proper registration ensures compliance with both U.S. military and German regulations, allowing you to legally operate your vehicle during your deployment. This guide provides an overview of how to register your car in Germany.

Summary:

• Make sure that you have a valid USAREUR driver’s license
• Gather all the necessary documents, like the AE Forms, proofs of ownership and your ID
• Insure your vehicle with a suitable coverage (get a quote here)
• Find the nearest vehicle registration office in your area and bring all the documents
• You’re ready to go

Understanding Vehicle Registration in Germany

All U.S. military personnel, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, and their families stationed in Germany under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) are required to register their privately owned vehicles (POVs) through the U.S. Forces Registry of Motor Vehicles. This process differs from the standard German vehicle registration and is essential for legal driving privileges in the country.

What You Need For Your Vehicle Registration

1. Safety Inspection

Before registration, your vehicle must pass a safety inspection. This can be conducted at U.S. military inspection stations or authorized German TÜV centers. Ensure you obtain the necessary inspection documentation, as it is a prerequisite for registration.

2. Required Documentation

Checklist: Documents needed for registration:
• Valid U.S. Forces Certificate of License (AE Form 190-1G)
• Application for Motor Vehicle Registration (AE Form 190-1AA)
• Proof of ownership (e.g., bill of sale or shipping documents)
• Proof of insurance
• Safety inspection report
• Valid ID (CAC or dependent ID)
• Copy of orders (for initial registration)

Note:
For contractors, additional documentation such as a DD1172 or a Letter of Introduction (LOI) may be required.

Additional Information
A SPONSOR must be present. A spouse can register a vehicle if they have a Power of Attorney authorizing the registration of a vehicle. If the spouse is the purchaser, the spouse will be listed on the USAREUR registration as a joint owner.

Vehicles are considered brand new if the vehicle has less than 10,000 miles or 16,000 km and not currently register in any system or state for more than 90 days. If requirements are met, you will be eligible for a registration for up to 3 years.

USAREUR Driver’s License: What You Need to Know

If you’re a U.S. service member, DoD civilian, or family member stationed in Germany, you’ll need a USAREUR driver’s license to legally operate a vehicle under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). This license allows you to drive in Germany without applying for a local German driver’s license.

Who Needs It?

Anyone arriving on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders must obtain a USAREUR driver’s license before driving in Germany. This requirement applies to military personnel, civilian employees, and dependents.

Driving Outside Germany

The USAREUR license can be used to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is recommended—and in some countries, required—for driving outside Germany. Always check the driving laws of countries you plan to visit before your trip.

Can I Get a Rental Car without USAREUR Driver’s License?

Yes, Americans without a USAREUR driver’s license can generally rent a car in Germany, but there are some important considerations. A valid US driver’s license is typically sufficient for short-term rentals. However, for driving in Germany, especially if you plan to drive outside of a military base, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended and may be required by some rental companies

How to Get a USAREUR License

To obtain your license:

• Pass the online exam (you can take it before arriving in Germany)
• Use your DoD ID number (found on your ID card) to log in
• Bring your U.S. driver’s license, CAC/ID card, and USAREUR license when driving

Validity and Age Requirements

• A USAREUR driver’s license is valid for five years
• Minimum driving age in Germany and most of Europe is 18 years old
• You must also hold a valid U.S. state driver’s license
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Registration Renewal and De-Registration

Vehicle registrations are typically valid for one year. Renewal requires a new safety inspection conducted within 75 days prior to the expiration date. De-registration is necessary when selling your vehicle, shipping it back to the U.S., or upon PCS. Ensure you bring both license plates and the registration document to the office. Ramstein Air Base
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Fuel Ration Cards

Upon registration, you’ll receive a fuel ration card, allowing you to purchase fuel at discounted rates on base. The ration amount is based on your vehicle’s engine size and is managed by the U.S. Forces Registry of Motor Vehicles. Ramstein Air Base
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Key Vehicle Registration Offices

USAG Stuttgart

Located at Panzer Kaserne, Building 2915, the USAG Stuttgart vehicle registration office handles all vehicle-related services for the community.

Services include:

• Initial registration of POVs
• Registration renewals
• De-registration for PCS or sale
• Transfer of ownership
• Temporary plates
• License plate issue and return
• SOFA licensing assistance

📅 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Ramstein Air Base

The main vehicle registration office for Ramstein Air Base is located on Kapaun Air Station, with a satellite office offering limited services on Ramstein proper.

Services include:

• Initial vehicle registration
• Renewal of registrations
• Transfer of ownership
• Vehicle de-registration (sale, PCS, shipment)
• Temporary plates
• Fuel ration card setup
• License plate issuance and turn-in

📅 Hours:
• Kapaun Office: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Ramstein Substation (limited service): Walk-in only, closed during lunch and U.S. holidays

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USAG Wiesbaden

Located at Clay Kaserne (Building 1023E), the Wiesbaden vehicle registration office serves U.S. Army personnel and families in the Wiesbaden military community. Services include:
• New registrations
• Renewals
• De-registrations
• Temporary tags

📅 Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. (Closed U.S. holidays)

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USAG Katterbach / Ansbach

Located at Katterbach Kaserne, Building 5843, the Ansbach vehicle registration office provides full-service registration support to soldiers, civilians, and contractors in the area.
Services include:

• Initial and renewal registration
• Temporary and permanent plates
• De-registration for PCS or sale

📅 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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USAG Baumholder

Located at Building 8671 on Smith Barracks, the Baumholder vehicle registration office assists community members with:

• Vehicle inspections
• Registration renewals
• Issue and return of plates
• De-registration services

📅 Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Closed for lunch 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

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Spangdahlem Air Base

Located in Building 139, the Spangdahlem vehicle registration office is your point of contact for all vehicle documentation.
They offer:

• Registration of U.S. and imported vehicles
• Renewal of expired registrations
• Temporary registration
• Fuel ration card setup

📅 Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information and assistance:
• USAG Stuttgart Vehicle Registration
• Ramstein Air Base Vehicle Registration
• iamexpat.de – Registering a Vehicle in Germany