Getting a Car in Germany ()
SHIPPING YOUR VEHICLE OVERSEAS
Ship your vehicle six-to-eight weeks before you PCS to ensure it gets there soon after your arrival to Germany.
Decide between selling your other vehicles, keeping them in storage or leaving them with a friend or family member.
The government will pay to ship only one privately-owned vehicle (POV) from your current duty station. If you choose to ship more than one, it will be at your own cost.
A maximum of three vehicles are allowed per active-duty member or civilian sponsor during their tour.
GETTING YOUR LICENSE
You need a USAREUR license to drive in Germany.
Training and testing can be done on JKO (Joint Knowledge Online).
Wiesbaden area requires training and testing in-person.
You must pass both tests with a score of at least 85 percent.
Bring certificates, orders, DoD ID and unexpired U.S. license to Driving Testing Center.
Fee is $30.
You will receive a temporary license.
Permanent license will be mailed to your APO.
Note: Not all NATO countries recognize USAREUR licenses. You will need an international license to drive outside of Germany. Contact your Drivers Testing office for an application.
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE
What to bring:
ID card and USAREUR license (temporary is acceptable)
Orders or employment letter
Shipping documents from International Auto Logistics (IAL), the contracted shipping company
Title or previous state registration
Proof of insurance
$35 - payable by check, money order or card
You will receive a 30-day temporary plate
VEHICLE INSPECTION
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)
Hours of operation: Monday–Friday, 7–11:30 a.m. and 12:30–3 p.m.
Last duty day of the month: 7–11 a.m.
DSN: 489-6400 | COMM: 0631-536-6400
On-installation inspection stations throughout Germany provide free vehicle inspections to SOFA members per IAW USAREUR 190-1. Inspections from local TÜV inspection sites can be accepted as long as they are not older than 30 days.
Note: Cars must either have winter or all-season tires in the winter, designated with a snowflake or M+S (Mud+Snow). These tires are legally required in winter weather conditions and you will be fined if using summer tires in the winter. The German rule is remembered as “von O bis O” or “from October to Easter (Ostern).”
BUYING A USED VEHICLE
Check www.stripes.com/classifieds, yardsale websites or your installation’s “lemon lot.”
Cars older than 10 years need to be inspected before a sale between ID cardholders.
Newer cars must have at least 60 days left on the registration to retain the current inspection expiration date.
Required documents for vehicle registration on a used vehicle:
Same 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
Tips:
Ask owner to complete inspection before de-registration.
Have owner keep insurance until registration is transferred.
Get proof of exhaust emission testing, service record, previous vehicle defects and inspection pass guarantee.
Sales between government ID cardholders require presence of all buyers and sellers.
BUYING A NEW VEHICLE
Buy 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 documents for vehicle registration on 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.
DUTY-FREE FUEL PROGRAM
Sign up for the duty-free fuel program managed by AAFES. Money can be added to a prepaid card for future purchases. Registered vehicles have a monthly ration based on the size and weight noted on your vehicle registration.
Program Details:
Only available in Germany at any on-installation AAFES facilities and off-installation Esso fuel stations.
Only good for one assigned vehicle and the type of fuel the car uses.
More than one vehicle may be registered, and up to two ID holders may be assigned to a fuel card for each vehicle.
Prepaid cash balance is shared across owners and vehicles.
Exceeding your fuel ration allowance or prepaid balance, or buying with an expired card will result in paying the taxed, economy fuel price.
Using the Card
On-installation: Use prepaid balance or another form of payment.
Off-installation: Must use prepaid balance.
Pump gas, then take the fuel card, vehicle registration and ID card to the attendant.
Know your 4-digit PIN.
Amount purchased is deducted from monthly ration.
Payment for Transaction
Know your ration and card balances: https://odin.aafes.com/esso/, toll-free number on card or last receipt.
Add money to card: Cash, check, Military Star card, debit or credit card at AAFES locations. You can also visit https://odin.aafes.com/esso/, call the number on the back of the card or use automatic bank payment.
Lost or stolen card: Immediately call AAFES at 0800-181-9945.
