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A valid stateside driver’s license is needed to drive your vehicle. No other local or international licenses are required to drive a personally-owned vehicle or a government-owned vehicle in Bahrain.
The Navy Motorcycle Rider Safety Course is a military-directed, local training required to legally drive a motorcycle as a U.S. service member in Bahrain. Check with the base Safety Office or your command’s motorcycle safety representative upon arrival to ensure that you are up-to-date with this requirement. You must verify completion of the training and/or register for either the beginner’s course (three-day class) or the refresher course (one-day class).
Ship your vehicle 90 days before you PCS to ensure it arrives soon after your arrival to Bahrain. There is no restriction on the age of a car you bring to the island, however, local laws prohibit the sale of the vehicle if it is older than five years.
• As per JTR Entitlement, only one vehicle is allowed per active-duty member along with their dependents during their tour.
• Do not bring an electric or low-sulfur diesel vehicle to Bahrain.
• You may ship your motorcycle if it is over 100cc.
• Shipping motorcycles, mopeds, dirt bikes or quad bikes under 100cc to Bahrain is prohibited.
• Vehicles older than 5 years will not be allowed to remain, or be resold, in Bahrain and must be exported when you depart.
• Other vehicles you own in the U.S. can be sold, left with a friend or family member, or kept in storage (if you’re in the Coast Guard).
You may buy a new or used car from dealers and private sellers in Bahrain. Buying a vehicle in compliance with U.S. specification from another military member is tax free.
Be aware that vehicles sold in local dealerships are not in compliance with U.S. specification, and cannot be shipped to the U.S. Contact NAVSUP FLC BAHRAIN Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) at DSN 439-4265 or email: m-ba-nsapersonalpropertybahrain@me.navy.mil for guidance.
Shipped vehicles are required to be insured and registered with the government of Bahrain prior to being picked up from the Vehicle Processing Center.
• Note: If your car is 10 years or older, you can only get liability insurance.
Visit the PPSO to obtain customs documentation and details on how to arrange registration with the government of Bahrain.
Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO)
Bldg. 36
Phone: +973-1785-4265 | DSN: 318-439-4265
The Dinar Exchange can be a “one-stop shop” for car insurance, inspection and registration (fees vary).
What to bring to register your vehicle:
Documents from PPSO
Proof of Insurance
Local registry card (CPR)
Registration fee (approx. $97)
Each vehicle is required to be inspected annually. Ensure that your vehicle always has the required equipment at all times, not just for its annual inspection.
There is no gas station on the installation, and no discounted fuel program. You will need to fuel your vehicle at local Bahraini gas stations.
