I had the wonderful opportunity to renew my vehicle registration! It was exciting let me tell you! Here’s a couple links and process I saw and hopefully when you go in you can get all the info you need to make it a smooth day!
Useful Links
- MOTORS APP (more details coming soon)
- KMC Vehicle Processing Center Interactive Guide
- Kapaun Vehicle Inspection Appointments
- Kapaun Vehicle Registration Appointments
- Ramstein Substation RMV Appointments
- Kapaun Vehicle Registration Facebook Page
- Ramstein AB Factsheet
- Driver and Vehicle Requirements and the Installation Traffic Code for the U.S. Forces in Germany
Update: First Time Using Motors App for Reregister
I finally used the Motors App to reregister a vehicle at the KMCC substation. Let me tell you, it was good and bad all at the same time. Here’s how the Motors App portion went which I thought went well.
Motors App Process
You have to register to start. I’d recommend using your .mil email address because when I used my private email it stopped me and told me I would have to email the cops to verify but when I used my .mil address it immediately allowed me to use the dashboard.
I added the vehicle VIN then selected the service I wanted in the queue. I filled out the info and uploaded a few documents like the completed vehicle inspection form and current registration paper. You will also tell them which location you want to go to. I uploaded my info at my house using a scanner app and my laptop computer. It will go into a “review” phase then it went to “complete”. I assume there would be a “reject” and you’d have to figure out how to fix whatever paperwork problem you might have.
KMCC Substation Process
I got to the KMCC substation and this is where it’s really confusing. You will need to login on your phone into the Motors app and you should see your completed review ticket. You then need to click on that ticket and click enter main queue. You then need to wait in line to tell them you’re there. This is the dumb part. You will have to check in to let them know because the queue doesn’t allow them to know that you’re at the KMCC or something like that.
It was unclear to me why they couldn’t see me in the digital queue because I put Ramstein in the ticket. Anyway, you now wait until the website says they are ready for you. They didn’t call my name or anything I just happen to refresh the website and said it was my turn. Again, I’m unsure why they don’t call names. I completed my service and went along my way. Here’s the recap:
Recap
- Make a Motors App profile with your .mil email for easier access
- Upload your car’s VIN to add a vehicle
- Create a service
- Follow prompts and upload documents
- Select location
- Wait for documents to be reviewed and completed.
- Go to the station
- Join the main queue via your ticket in the app and tell the service reps
- Watch the app until it says it’s your turn.
- Check in and tell them your ticket is active
The Vehicle Inspection
The first stop for most vehicles is the inspection station. The entry gate is located here then you drive to the building located here.
The inspection will start with safety items. Make sure to have all your items ready for visual inspection which includes a safety vest, an unexpired medical kit, and traffic triangle. Always consult official guidance on which safety items are required because masks have been required in the past.
The inspectors will then drive your vehicle and check brakes, horns, seatbelts, and the chassis by going under the car. I have heard that the main concern is the tie rods and any leaks for the undercarriage inspection. They will give you a stamped registration with a pass marking on it or they will give you a form indicating which things caused a failure.
Completing Your Vehicle Registration
If you had a fail you’ll have approximately 30 days to fix it and then you can reinspect it. If you had great success then you can go get a registration from one of 3 places.
Kapaun Substation
The first place is right next door to the inspection area and is the Kapaun Substation. This place is walk-in only and there is no appointment website for this place. Be careful because on Friday they may stop walk-ins after lunch, which happened to me.
Ramstein Substation
The next common place is the Ramstein substation in the KMCC. It’s located on the second floor near the movie theater. They can do a lot of different activities related to paperwork. They just have 2 windows and you can bring your paperwork and get everything completed
I went here for my re-registration. I got my inspected then a week later went to the KMCC with my rear plate to get the new plate sticker and new registration form. If I remember correctly, the good inspection is valid for 30 days after the inspection.
Kapaun Vehicle Registration
The main station is located here. This is usually the first place people experience and it can be very chaotic so be ready! Always try to get an appointment at the main station if you can because walk-ins can be very tough to get a good spot. They can do all the different types of services so it is very busy. If you can go to another substation like Ramstein then you should because this place will leave you scarred!
Additional Driver
I bought a used car recently and used the “additional driver” section for the first time. It was simple – all I had to do was ask and they added my wife to the additional driver section. I am under the owner section. Secondly, the Esso card has both our names on it and there were no issued getting the gas card. The main reason we did it was because the additional driver isn’t required to be there for any registration transactions like selling. Your spouse doesn’t have to be under the owner section! I haven’t ran into any disadvantages yet but we shall see!
Conclusion
This is just a quick look at how to get a re-registration completed. There are several different types of transactions anyone could have relating to a car. My first recommendation is to look at the interactive guide and see what paperwork is required. Next, make sure you get an appointment wherever you can. Walk-ins can be tough to manage.
Finally, make sure your vehicle is ready for inspection! This is the biggest part when it comes to making sure your car is ready for German roads. Small things can fail a car quickly. Always make sure your car is up-to-date on its maintenance and even wash it up before you inspect it. Start strong with a clean, good looking, car!