You need a USAREUR license to drive in Germany. Not all NATO countries recognize USAREUR licenses, so you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive outside of Germany. Visit your driver testing center to learn how to get one locally.

To get your USAREUR license:

• Training and testing can be done on JKO (Joint Knowledge Online).

• You must pass both tests with a score of at least 85 percent.

• Bring JKO certificates, military orders, DoD ID and a valid U.S. license to the Driving Testing Center.

• Fee is $20–$30

• You will receive a temporary license.

• A permanent license will be mailed to your APO.

Chances are your vehicle will arrive to Germany after you do. You may need to research the costs of a rental vehicle to ensure that you can get around if needed to go to work or find off-installation housing.

PICKING UP YOUR SHIPPED VEHICLE

• You should be prepared to have your car registered and inspected the day that you pick it up from the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC).

• Inspect your car thoroughly at the VPC to ensure that no damage.

• Ensure that your car is insured in Germany.

• Prepare for any issues that may occur with your vehicle in a new environment/after sitting for roughly three months on a boat. For example: a battery replacement.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

For an initial registration, you will receive a 30-day temporary plate until the vehicle has been inspected.

Items required for a registration:

• ID card and USAREUR license (temporary is acceptable)

• Orders or employment letter

• Shipping documents from International Auto Logistics (IAL) or private shipping company

• Title or previous state registration

• Proof of insurance

• $35 to $45—payable by check, money order or card

On-installation inspection stations throughout Germany provide free vehicle inspections to SOFA members per IAW USAREUR 190-1. Inspections from local TÜV inspection sites are also accepted as long as they are not older than 30 days.

Items required for ALL Inspections:

• Registration (unexpired)

• Completed Form AE190-1O or AE190-1AA

• First Aid Kit (DIN 13164) [unexpired], with two medical masks, warning triangle and reflective safety vest

• License plates securely mounted to vehicle (screws, brackets, nuts and bolts)

USED VEHICLES

Check your installation’s “lemon lot,” local yard sale websites like Facebook marketplace or Bookoo, and local off-installation used car lots.

• Cars older than 10 years need to be inspected before a sale between ID cardholders. 

• Cars less than 10 years old must have at least 60 days left on the registration to retain the current inspection expiration date.

• It’s helpful to ask the current owner to complete an inspection before de-registration.

• Get proof of exhaust emission testing, service record, previous vehicle defects and inspection pass guarantee from a local Technischer Überwachungsverein (TÜV).

• Have the current owner keep insurance until registration is transferred.

• Sales between government ID cardholders requires the presence of all buyers and sellers.

Required for registering a used vehicle:

• Same documents as shipped POV, minus shipping document.

• U.S. title/registration document is needed for U.S. specification vehicles.

• A Bill of Sale with signature of seller and buyer, as well as the vehicle’s make, model, year and chassis number.

• Sales between ID cardholders may also require a lien release.

NEW VEHICLES

It is beneficial to buy new cars from a dealer participating in the Military Car Sales Program (Military AutoSource or MAS). Benefits can include tax-free transactions, worldwide shipping, U.S. specifications and prices lower than U.S. MSRP prices.

Required for registering a new vehicle:

• Same as shipped POV, minus U.S. title/registration and shipping document.

• Bill of Sale or purchase order with name and signature of seller and buyer, as well as the vehicle’s make, model, year and chassis number.

• You have 60 days to provide additional documentation, such as the German title book and customs form.

To save money on gas, sign up for the duty-free fuel card program managed by AAFES.

The fuel card is required to purchase fuel in Germany at on-installation AAFES facilities. It is also valid for a discount at off-installation Esso fuel stations via a prepaid card.

• Registered vehicles have a monthly ration based on the size and weight noted on your vehicle registration. Each vehicle must be registered for its own fuel card.

• Fuel may only be purchased by the ID holders (up to two) assigned to the registration for each vehicle.

• Fuel cards can only be used in Germany.

• The prepaid cash balance is shared across owners and vehicles.

Using the Fuel Card

• Pump gas, then take the fuel card, vehicle registration and ID card to the attendant for payment. The amount purchased is deducted from the monthly ration.

• On-installation you can use your prepaid balance Esso card or another form of payment like cash or debit card.

• Off-installation you must use the prepaid balance Esso card. You must know your four-digit PIN.

Good to know

• Ration and card balances can be checked online at odin.aafes.com/esso, or via the toll-free number on the card.

• Add money instantly to your prepaid balance with cash, check, Military Star card, debit or by calling the toll-free number on the card. You can also transfer money from a bank account via odin.aafes.com/esso, expect this to take three to five days.

• Lost or stolen card must immediately be reported to AAFES at 0800-181-9945.

Welcome to Germany