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SHIPPING YOUR VEHICLE OVERSEAS
As per JTR Entitlement, service members may be entitled to ship a vehicle based on their orders and length of tour.
Civilians PCSing from non-European duty locations will be authorized to ship one vehicle to Poland at government expense. Once you receive your PCS orders, schedule your drop off appointment and verify document requirements at www.pcsmypov.com.
Decide between selling your other vehicles, keeping them in storage or leaving them with a friend or family member. PCS orders can allow for NTS (non-temporary storage) of a vehicle and household goods (HHG). Submit orders on Defense Personal Property Program (DPS) at https://dps.move.mil to start the process. Personnel need to contact their local transportation office to reserve pick-up dates. More info on storing a vehicle can be found on MyPOVStorage.mil.
Requirements
Make sure you hand-carry the following original documents:
Original title
Original Bill of Sale (Very important - This is your primary proof of ownership in Poland. If you cannot locate it, ask the dealer for a duplicate.)
Current registration document (the actual registration document, not just a fee payment confirmation).
Vehicle recall verification (proof you took care of any factory recalls)
Current and valid license plates
Driver’s record from your previous insurance company covering the last seven years. If you don’t have a clear title for your vehicle (i.e. your bank holds a lien on the title), there are additional requirements/paperwork needed prior to shipping your vehicle from the U.S. You will need a prior written bank consent to register the vehicle in Poland - please note that the process to obtain such authorization might take weeks/months, but it is essential that you complete it before shipping your vehicle.
If your vehicle is old, or has body damage, it might be difficult to pass the required local inspection: Repairs may be required to complete the inspection.
Vehicles shipped directly to Poland must have a valid registration (U.S. plate, import plate, or EU plate). Vehicles must have basic insurance before it can be driven. The recommendation is to minimize driving on these plates until Polish plates are issued.
Note: It will take at least 45-60 days for your car to arrive after shipping. It’s important that you do not send any of your vehicle documents with your HHG. Bring the documents in your personal baggage. Vehicles must be picked up in person at the Poznań-Ławica Airport. Owner must bring the vehicle’s valid registration documents for pick up.
DRIVER’S LICENSES
The U.S. Army in Europe (USAREUR) driver’s license is recommended but not mandatory. This allows service members, civilians and their family members to drive in Poland and Germany without attaining a local Polish driver’s license. As part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), Polish authorities will recognize a U.S. driver’s license from a service member, civilian, dependent or contractor as long as they are at least 18 years old. You may be issued a translation of your license, so please present this along with your U.S. license when requested by Polish authorities.
USAREUR-AF Online Driver’s License Testing
The USAREUR-AF Driver’s Certificate training and exam can be taken on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO). Individuals with a Common Access Card (CAC) can login to JKO and create an account. Non-CAC holders must request a sponsored account by signing up with JKO. Sponsored accounts must use the USER ID and PASSWORD issued by JKO to access the system. Log into JKO and search the catalog for the course code USA 007. The course must be completed before the exam, USA 007B. Once completed, the scores are valid for 60 days. You must apply for a USAREUR license within the 60-day window. After, you must retake the exam for your score to be considered valid.
Getting your License
Bring your certificate of completion to the POV registration office, along with your U.S. driver’s license, U.S. Forces ID Card, international driver’s license, official orders and proof of payment.
If over the age of 65, bring a current vision test from an optometrist.
Note: USAREUR license applications in Poland are routed through registration offices in Germany, so additional processing time may be required.
International Drivers Licenses and State License Extensions
We recommend all personnel obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA prior to arrival. Generally, international drivers [from outside of the European Union (EU)] require an IDP for driving in Poland or to rent a vehicle. Make sure your state license is valid throughout your stay, as the military exceptions granted by some U.S. states which allow military members to drive on expired licenses ARE NOT ACCEPTED OVERSEAS.
• Additional Resource: www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html
BUYING A CAR IN POLAND
You have the option to buy a new or used car from dealers and private sellers in Poland. Buying a vehicle in compliance with U.S. specifications from another military member is tax-free. Be aware that vehicles sold in local dealerships are not in compliance with U.S. specifications. If you buy a vehicle in Poland, contact your local vehicle registration office for guidance.
Keep in Mind
All vehicles are required to be insured and registered (registration first, insurance second) with the POV registration office.
There is no established value-added tax (VAT) program in Poland. If you wish to purchase a vehicle and take advantage of a VAT program, members can purchase a vehicle from a dealer in Germany and drive or ship the vehicle to their duty station in Poland.
OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION
Common options that permanent-party personnel use to get around are motorcycles, mopeds, scooter rentals, bicycles and public transport, where available.
Poznań Public Transport
Tram and Bus Stops: www.ztm.poznan.pl/ • www.mpk.poznan.pl/rozklad-jazdy/ • jakdojade.pl/poznan/
Taxis: Uber, Free Now, Bolt
You may choose to use a motorcycle but be sure to register it. Please check in with the installation’s POV registration office.
VEHICLE INSPECTION
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.
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE
At Camp Kościuszko in Poznań, the POV registration and USAREUR Poland Licensing office is in Building 28, Room 31. This should be one of your first stops if you are planning on driving a POV in Poland. Appointments with an off-installation inspection station and Poznan’s registration department will be needed, so it is important to get these appointments scheduled through the POV registration office as soon as possible.
To start the registration process, bring:
Orders
International driver’s license
Passport
Car title (U.S. vehicles)
Registration/title (EU vehicles)
FUELING YOUR VEHICLE
There is no gas station on the installation, so you will have to fuel up on the economy. There are no fuel cards.
CAR INSURANCE
A common method of obtaining car insurance is getting comprehensive insurance from Geico. Liability insurance for Poland is not provided, however. Liability insurance can be purchased through PZU or another local insurance provider.
Note: USAA does not cover vehicles in Poland.
To insure your POV in Poland, you need to register it under the Polish system, with the local DMV through POV Registration and USAREUR Poland Licensing office first.
