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.
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).
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.
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
Provide customs stamp, title, liability coverage proof, and inspection pass.
Receive temporary plates, then permanent plates valid up to three years.
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.
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.
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.
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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Use our instant calculator below to lock in an all-inclusive rate, reserve container space, and let West Coast Shipping deliver your vehicle from driveway to German Autobahn—on time and on budget.