Happy young woman showing thumbs up while in car (deagreez (123RF))
Personnel on PCS orders can own one tax-free U.S. spec vehicle and it must be registered within your first six months. That vehicle may be:
• Shipped from the U.S.
• Used and purchased from another U.S. service member stationed in Spain.
• New and purchased from Military Auto Sales.
NOTE: If you choose to buy a used or new U.S. spec vehicle while in Spain, it must be done within your first six months.
• Active duty and government employees, or their dependents, may also own a second tax-free vehicle that has EU specifications.
• Contractors will pay value-added tax (VAT) on further vehicle purchases.
When you arrive in Spain, check in at the Security Office (Bldg. 3262) to receive a translation of your U.S. driver’s license. This allows you to drive in Spain for 60 days.
On the final day of your ICR orientation course you will be given instructions on Spanish driving laws and take the driver’s license test.
The Security Office will submit your application for a Spanish driver’s license after you pass the exam. It can take two months to receive the license after this application is sent. In the meantime, you can continue to drive legally with your Spanish translation of your U.S. license.
A Spanish driver’s license is valid in all EU member countries.
If you drive outside the EU, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) which are available from AAA. See www.aaa.com for details.
• Drivers over 18 years old with a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Youth ages 15–18 may obtain a permit to drive a scooter (50cc or less) or micro-car. Visit the Safety Office to apply for this program.
A motorcycle endorsement can be added to a Spanish driver’s license.
Under 500cc
If your U.S. driver’s license motorcycle endorsement is less than two years old, you will be limited to operating motorcycles powered at 500cc or lower.
Over 500cc
If your U.S. driver’s license has a motorcycle endorsement over two years old, you may operate motorcycles powered above 500cc. For those with recently renewed licenses, a written letter from your state DMV verifying the initial date of your motorcycle endorsement can also be used as proof.
Active-duty motorcycle riders must take a motorcycle safety course. Sign up at navymotorcyclerider.com.
Before shipping your vehicle from the U.S., do not deregister it. If shipping from another OCONUS location, request a ‘military registration.’
It is important that your vehicle arrives in Spain with a valid U.S. (or other location) registration and is equipped with metal or hard plastic (not paper or cardboard) license plates. This will allow you to drive the vehicle while waiting for the Spanish registration process, which can take four to six weeks. Without valid registration or plates, you will not be able to drive your vehicle or retrieve it from the VPC until the Spanish registration is completed.
1. You will receive an email from the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) when your vehicle arrives. It must be picked up within 45 days of getting this notification.
2. Make an appointment for a vehicle inspection (ITV) at the NEX Autoport.
3. Check-in with the Security office and provide the following documents.
Valid U.S. (or previous location) registration, with matching license plates on the vehicle.
Valid insurance on the vehicle in Spain, in the form of an International Certificate of Vehicle Insurance, or ‘green card.’ (USAA and Geico can provide a Spanish version).
PCS orders
Valid U.S. driver’s license with Spanish translation
DOD ID
Proof of ITV appointment
4. You will receive a bill for the registration fee of roughly 100 euros that needs to be taken to the BBVA on the Spanish side of base and paid to the bank (in cash or credit card).
5. At the Security Office you will receive customs documents, a release letter, and a vehicle permit (conduce) that allows you to drive with U.S. plates until your Spanish registration is complete and Spanish plates arrive in four to six weeks.
6. Visit the VPC in Puerto de Santa Maria to pick up your vehicle with the following documents.
Release letter from Security Office
DOD ID
Power of Attorney (if the service member cannot pick up the vehicle)
7. Take your vehicle to the ITV appointment.
