Ship Your Car To Germany (Military Guide) – 2025 PCS Playbook

July 31, 2025 at 10:27 AM

Relocating under Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders is stressful enough—getting your vehicle to Germany shouldn’t add to the burden. This guide explains every step for service members moving a privately owned vehicle (POV) to Europe in 2025, from DoD entitlements to German registration. Wherever you’re headed—Ramstein, Grafenwöhr, Wiesbaden—West Coast Shipping streamlines the journey with on-base pickup, weekly sailings, and real-time tracking.

1. Know Your PCS Entitlement

What the Government Covers

One POV at no cost via the official Vehicle Processing Center (VPC).
Turn-in at a U.S. VPC and pickup at a European VPC (Bremerhaven, Antwerp, or Zeebrugge).
Storage option if Germany prohibits your vehicle type (rare).

Out-of-Pocket Scenarios

Second vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, or project cars.
Late turn-in (after the 90-day Air Force / 30-day Army window).
Upgrades such as enclosed domestic transport or destination door delivery.

2. Choose the Right Transport Method

Option	Transit	Cost Range	Best For
Shared 40-ft Container	25–35 days	$3,200–$4,800	Budget PCS, two cars, added household gear
Dedicated 20-ft Container	20–30 days	$5,000–$6,500	High-value classics, urgent timelines
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)	18–28 days	$2,800–$3,800	Running vehicles, minimal extras
Air Freight	3–10 days	$11,000–$18,000	Tight report-by dates, show cars

3. Timeline From Orders to German Roads

Week	Milestone	Action
0	Receive PCS orders	Email orders to West Coast Shipping for route plan
1	Book VPC slot & WCS pickup	Select port (Oakland, Fort Lauderdale, New Jersey)
2	Vehicle prep & documents	Complete EPA 3520-1, DOT HS-7, Power of Attorney
3	Turn-in or on-base pickup	Condition photos uploaded to the online portal
4	Container loading	VIN verification, fuel <¼ tank, battery disconnected
5	Vessel departure	Tracking link and seal image emailed
9–12	Bremerhaven arrival	Customs clearance, AE-550 import certificate
10–13	German road ready	USAREUR registration, plates, inspection

4. Documentation Checklist

All originals or notarized copies:

PCS orders with POV authorization
Vehicle title or lienholder letter
Valid USAREUR or stateside license copy
EPA Form 3520-1 (Box 7 for PCS)
DOT Form HS-7 (Code C for non-resident military)
Power of Attorney for West Coast Shipping
Proof of German liability coverage (required for registration)

Download templates inside the Documents You Need to Ship an Auction Car resource—identical forms apply to PCS shipments.

5. Preparing Your Car for the VPC

Deep clean exterior, wheel wells, and interior—German customs reject dirty cars.
Remove all personal items except spare tire, jack, and child seats.
Fuel level under ¼ tank; disconnect aftermarket alarms.
Check recalls—open campaigns must be closed before registration.
Gather two keys and the wheel-lock adapter if installed.

Our Auction to Your Door photo process records every dent and scratch before loading.

6. Arrival in Germany: Customs, Inspection, Registration

Customs & Duty

Present AE Form 550-175A (duty-free import certificate) from your base customs office—no VAT or import tax when processed correctly.
Vehicles beyond one POV count face a 10% EU duty plus 19% VAT; plan accordingly.

Technical Inspection

TÜV inspectors check brakes, lights, emissions, tires (≥1.6 mm tread), and approve left-hand-drive beam pattern.
Tinted front windows, oversized bumpers, or loud exhausts may fail—fix before appointment.

USAREUR Registration

Provide customs stamp, title, liability coverage proof, and inspection pass.
Receive temporary plates, then permanent plates valid up to three years.

7. Cost Breakdown Example

2019 Ford Mustang GT via shared container, pick-up Oakland ➜ Bremerhaven ➜ Ramstein

Line Item	Cost (USD)
Enclosed truck to Oakland	650
Ocean freight (shared)	3,750
Port & documentation fees	480
German clearance & handling	620
Final delivery to base	450
Total	$5,950

Add $200–$350 for mandatory liability coverage before registration.

8. Smart Savings Tactics

Ship early: Turn in 60 days before report date; rental cars in Germany cost €500+ per week.
Consolidate: Combine two POVs with a fellow service member in one 40-ft container to cut per-car cost 30%.
Leverage off-season rates: Fall and winter sailings avoid summer PCS surcharges.
Use on-base group pickups: WCS monthly runs at Camp Pendleton, Lewis-McChord, and Fort Liberty shave $150–$250 in inland fees.
Correct HTS codes: Filing POVs as “US Goods Returned” prevents duplicate duties on stateside cars heading back home at tour’s end.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship a lifted truck?
Yes, if total height fits a 2.58 m container door. Oversized vehicles may require RoRo service and special tires to pass TÜV.

What about a leased vehicle?
Bring a lienholder letter authorizing export and European registration. Most finance companies comply within 7–10 days.

Are U.S. plates valid in Germany?
You receive temporary German plates at registration. Drive only with these or transit tags—stateside plates are not recognized off-base.

How long can I drive on temporary plates?
Usually 30 days. Complete registration within that window to avoid fines.

Can someone else pick up my car?
Yes. Provide a notarized power of attorney and a copy of their ID. They must show your DD 788 shipping document at the VPC.

10. Why West Coast Shipping Is the PCS Choice

Three company-owned U.S. warehouses close to major bases and ports.
Weekly sailings to Bremerhaven plus Antwerp and Zeebrugge options.
On-base pickups reduce leave days burned on VPC trips.
Real-time tracking and photo milestones in our secure portal.
Door-to-door delivery inside Germany—skip autobahn navigation day one.

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Calculate Your Germany PCS Shipping Quote

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