Car, VAT & UTAP

Get your car here, get licensed to drive it, and stop paying German tax you don't owe.

✓ Checked Oct 14, 2026

1 · Shipping your car

What the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) checks when you drop the car off in the States. Too much fuel, a dirty car and an open recall are the top reasons for delays.

Orders and ID A complete set of orders that authorize shipping a car, and your ID.

Title and registration Current registration, plus the title front and back (or a copy of an electronic title).

Loan or lease? Written OK to export A letter from the lender or leasing company authorizing export. For a lease: on company letterhead, signed and dated, with the VIN.

A quarter tank of fuel or less But not running on the fuel light.

No open recalls, with proof Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and bring the result. A car with an open recall isn't accepted.

Clean inside and out Including under the car and in the wheel wells. The shipping company's site lists the exact standard.

A complete set of keys Every key the car uses, including the wheel-lock key if you have one. Valet keys aren't accepted. Keep a spare set.

Aftermarket alarms switched off Disable any alarm that didn't come from the factory.

Personal items out Empty the car. Check PCSmyPOV for the short list of things allowed to stay.

Book at PCSmyPOV

Source: PCSmyPOV (International Auto Logistics) turn-in brochure, June 2025. Requirements vary by location: check your VPC's page on pcsmypov.com.

Drop-off photos

Take these at the VPC before you hand over the keys, so you can prove the car's condition if it arrives damaged. Tap a box to open your camera. The photos stay on your phone; this page doesn't upload them.

Want them kept with dates and your household goods? Fortkeep stores move photos for claims.

2 · Driving here

Arrive with a valid stateside driver's license in hand. Without one you may have to go to German driving school off base, which costs about €1,500–2,000 and takes time. Motorcycles also need an MSF card from the last 3 years.
Get your USAREUR license. Take the course USA-007, U.S. Forces Driver's Training Program for Europe and the exam USA-007B on JKO (spouses use a sponsored account). The score is good for 60 days: visit the driver testing station within that window.
Register the car before you pick it up from the VPC. Pass & Registration (Security Forces) is by appointment only, and they don't print documents, so bring paper copies. You need the USAREUR license first.
Driving in from another base in Europe? You may get a 30-day grace period on your current registration.

Sources: Spangdahlem Vehicle Registration · Military OneSource, Spangdahlem motor vehicles.

3 · VAT forms: skip the 19% tax

German prices include 19% value-added tax (VAT). If you hand a German shop a VAT form before it rings you up, you don't pay that tax.

NF-1 for purchases under €2,500. Good for 2 years.
NF-2 for purchases over €2,500. Good for 90 days. Apply in person at the VAT office before you order, sign anything or pay a deposit.
$10 per form. Return forms as you use them; bring unused ones back so you can keep getting new ones.
To sign up: Form 5 (AE Form 215-6A), filled in front and back and signed by the sponsor, plus a copy of orders or a logistical support letter.

Is a form worth it?

Price on the tag, in euros (tax included)

Type a price to see what you'd save.

VAT/UTAP Office, Bldg 126Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 08:30–15:30 · Wed 08:30–13:00 · closed weekends, US holidays, Family Days and every 3rd Wednesday

06565 61-7801DSN 452-7801

Source: 52 FSS VAT/UTAP Office · email [email protected].

4 · UTAP: utilities without the tax

Living off base? The Utility Tax Avoidance Program lets you pay electricity, gas and water without German VAT. It's for active-duty DoD members and authorized civilians in housing on the economy.

Fee: $99 (cash, credit or debit).
Bring: UTAP Forms 1, 2 and 3 · your bank details with the 20-digit IBAN · orders or a logistical support letter · the rental contract in the sponsor's name · the meter registration form in the sponsor's name · photos of your meters.
Who goes: the sponsor, or a spouse with a special power of attorney.
When you leave: UTAP Form 4, a copy of orders and a final meter photo, during out-processing.

Source: 52 FSS VAT/UTAP Office (same office and hours as VAT).

Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense), the U.S. Air Force or the 52nd Force Support Squadron. Rules change: check with the office named before you act, and tell us if something is out of date: [email protected]. Made by Nathan Park · Mammoth Capital.