Learn all you need to know about U.S. spec and Spanish vehicles and getting your driver’s license when PCSing to Spain. (photodee (123RF))
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Our 2026-2027 “Welcome to Spain” magazine is a guide for newcomers and is a vital resource for understanding your new home in Spain.
Personnel on PCS orders can own one tax-free U.S. spec vehicle. U.S. spec vehicles shipped from the States or purchased new in Spain must be registered within your first six months. There is no time limit to buy a used U.S. spec vehicle.
Your one tax-free U.S. spec 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.
Active duty and government employees, or their dependents, may also own a second tax-free vehicle that has EU, or U.S. specifications.
Contractors will need to pay value-added tax (VAT) on vehicle purchases.
When you arrive in Spain, check in at the Security Office to receive a translation of your U.S. driver’sl icense. This allows you to drive in Spain for 60 days.
Security Office | Bldg. 3262 | 956-82-3247
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 up to two months to receive the physical license after this application is sent. In the meantime, you will be issued a temporary Spanish license that is valid for six months.
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 is available from AAA. See www.aaa.com for details.
Upon completion of your tour in Spain, you will be required to return your EU driver’s license as it will no longer be valid after departing.
Who may drive in Spain?
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, when it is annotated on their U.S. driver’s license. Active-duty motorcycle riders must take a motorcycle safety course. Sign up at navymotorcyclerider.com.
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, the original, U.S. driver’s license (or a copy), or a written letter from your state DMV verifying the initial date of your motorcycle endorsement can also be used as proof.
Before shipping your vehicle from the U.S., do not deregister it. If shipping from another OCONUS location, request a ‘military registration.’
Before shipping your vehicle from the U.S., do not deregister it. If shipping from another OCONUS location, request a ‘military registration.’ (BigBlues (Adobe Stock))
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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.
Steps to pick up and register your vehicle:
You will receive an email from the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) when your vehicle arrives. It must be picked up within 45 days of receiving this notification.
Make an appointment for a vehicle inspection (ITV) at the NEX Autoport.
Auto Port | Bldg. 178 | 956-82-2454 ITV | 956-2450
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)
TEI card
PCS orders
Valid U.S. driver’s license with Spanish translation
DOD ID
Proof of ITV appointment
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).
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 in four to six weeks.
Visit the VPC 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)
VPC | Avenida Isaac Newton 10, El Puerto De Santa Maria
Take your vehicle to the ITV appointment. Once the ITV is passed, you will receive an ITV confirmation form, which will need to be submitted to the Security Office.
After four to six weeks, return to the Security Office to pick up your Spanish registration. You will also need to go back to the NEX Autoport to have your EU license plates prepared.
If you choose to buy a new or used vehicle while in Spain, it will need to be inspected and registered.
INSPECTION
U.S. spec vehicles must have their ITV done on base at the NEX Autoport.
EU spec vehicles may have their ITV done either on or off base.
REGISTRATION
Register at the Security Office (Vehicle Registration Section) with the following paperwork.
Valid current Spanish registration
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)
TEI card
Spanish driver’s license or valid U.S. driver’s license with Spanish translation
DOD ID
Passing ITV
Only personnel and dependents with a TEI on stamped orders may fuel their registered vehicle on base at the NEX gas station or use the auto services. You can now prepay before using the pump to save time. Car detailing is open to anyone with base access.
GAS CARD
NEX Gas Station | 956-82-3759
Visit the NEX Customer Service Center to sign up for the gas card program. This allows you to purchase tax-free fuel from CEPSA gas stations across Spain.
200 liters of tax-free fuel may by purchased monthly.
It takes roughly three months to receive your card.
In Spain, third-party liability insurance is mandatory. It must cover bodily injury, liability of at least €50,000,000, and property damage of at least €75,000,000.
In Spain, third-party liability insurance is mandatory. (manshagraphics (123RF))
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You must have an International Certificate of Vehicle Insurance, also called a green card, as proof of insurance if insured via an American company. You may also choose to use Spanish car insurance. Keep a copy inside your vehicle.
Spanish vehicle inspections are required upon arrival and dependent on time in country. U.S. Spec vehicles must be inspected at the car care center on base. EU vehicles may be inspected either on or off base.
Rear-facing seats are required for children up to 18 months old and less than 28 pounds.
Forward-facing seats are required for children 18 months to 4 years old, and 20–40 pounds.
Booster seats are required for children 3 to 12 years old and 33–80 pounds.
Children 12 years and older
Under 53 inches tall, they must use a size-appropriate restraint device in the back seat.
Over 53 inches tall, they are permitted in the front seat.
