Shipping a Vehicle
Shipping Your Vehicle
Service members, E-7 & above and/or Command Sponsored, are authorized one (1) Personally Operated Vehicle (POV) shipment at government expense. For dual–mil families, each service member is entitled to ship a POV at government expense.
To ship your POV overseas, you must drop off your vehicle at a Vehicle Processing Center (VPC). To make appointments, learn about shipping, or track your POV shipment, visit PCS My POV.
Preparing Your POV for Drop-Off
- Fuel: Gas tank must 1/4 full or less when you turn your vehicle into the VPC or you will be turned away.
- Maintenance: Change old batteries, tires, oil and do general car maintenance before shipping.
- Clean & Wash: Detail clean the inside and outside of your vehicle.
- Photos & Video: Take clear photos and video of each angle of the exterior and interior of your vehicle, especially:
- Antennas
- Front/Rear bumper
- Infotainment screens
- Pre-existing damage
- Rims & Tires
- Roof
- Undercarriage
- Remove Personal Items: Take out any personal items or accessories before dropping off your vehicle. This includes removable floor mats, phone holders, cleaning tools, and anything else that did not come from the factory.
- Safety Vehicle Recall: It is important to verify there are no open safety vehicle recalls. Contact an official dealer to verify. Shipping may be terminated if there is a safety recall that has not been addressed.
Note: Vehicle storage is only authorized if specifically stated in orders.
On Drop-Off Day
- Arrive early for your appointment!
- Bring all necessary documents to your appointment:
- 2 Copies of your shipping forms
- 1 copy of your PCS orders
- Military or valid government ID
- If there is a lien on the vehicle, you must have a letter from the lien holder authorizing the shipment of the vehicle
- Proof of vehicle ownership, vehicle must be in DoD member’s name
- Power of Attorney (POA) if DoD Member is not present for drop-off
- Complete pre-inspection at VPC entrance gate
- Check-in at VPC to have your documents reviewed
- Complete vehicle inspection with VPC inspector
- The inspection form is your proof of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipment. Ensure that it is accurate.
- Don’t feel rushed by inspectors