JBLM changes vehicle registration requirements

  • Published
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Effective May 7, 2012, Department of Defense decals on privately owned vehicles will no longer have an expiration date. The decal is valid as long as it is legible. The Directorate of Emergency Services will no longer issue either the expiration tabs or the installation strip. Motorists who have been issued registration tabs are encouraged to remove them.

When registering a vehicle, the registrant will only be provided the DD Form 2220. All vehicles must still be initially registered with the DES. Documentation requirements such as vehicle registration and proof of insurance have not changed.

In September 2011, the Department of the Army sent a message to all Army installations reporting the decision on whether to require vehicle registration was delegated down to the installation level. There was no longer an Army-level requirement for vehicles to be registered and to display the DOD decal, DD Form 2220. Some Army installations eliminated the requirement. Others, including Joint Base Lewis-McChord, opted to retain the program.

Over the past few months, the DES has evaluated the benefits of the vehicle registration program to our mission of securing the installation, solving crimes and ensuring compliance with certain regulatory requirements. The DES has identified a process which enables JBLM to meet those key elements, which will also save time and inconvenience for servicemembers, their families, retirees and civilians.

The DES will implement a new procedure for vehicle registration. Once the vehicle has been registered, there is no need to return every three years to update the registration. The DOD decal will be valid as long as it is still in good condition and is legible.

The stickers indicating an expiration month, year and installation identifier will no longer be issued. It's recommended that individuals who already have those items displayed remove them, however, this is not a requirement. Access control personnel will not deny access if those tabs are displayed and past their expiration date. Do not remove the tabs prior to May 7, 2012.

For questions or clarification, contact the DES Vehicle Registration Office at 253-967-1914, the Lewis Main Visitor Center at 253-966-5990 or the McChord Field Visitor Center at 253-982-2582.