Updated 23 August 2010

The in-loco-parentis SOFA customs program is a huge benefit for U.S. Forces personnel stationed in Germany (in-loco-parentis is a legal term meaning "in lieu of the parent"). It applies in situations involving US Forces’ personnel deployed in support of peace-keeping operations in the Balkans and current security operations. These authorizations grant customs/tax exemptions and authorize the issuance of a NATO SOFA Identification Certificate to non-SOFA status personnel while they take care of the child(ren) of single military and civilian component personnel, and dual military and civilian component personnel, deployed/deploying in support of such peace-keeping operations in the Balkans and current security operations. It is further applicable in situations where the spouse remaining in country is incapacitated.

The following information/supporting documents must be included in the requests submitted to HQ USAREUR, OPM, ATTN: NATO SOFA Office (DSN 370-4942 or 4996; DSN Fax 370-4948):

Sponsor’s personal information, to include full name, rank/grade, SSN, unit/organization address, APO number, unit/organization contact telephone number, DEROS/tour completion date, quarters’ and/or residence address and telephone number, deployment location and duration, and POV license plate number(s).
Marital status; if married, explain whereabouts of spouse.
Number and age(s) of children.
Full name of person acting in-loco-parentis; nationality; passport number or identification card number; date of arrival in Germany and purpose of stay; place of residence and address; type and number of driver’s license. NOTE: It is recommended that an international driver’s license for Germany be obtained prior to arrival in Germany as it is not valid in the country where issued and no USAREUR driver’s certificate can be issued.
Copy of deployment orders (or written deployment verification by commander/head of organization).
Copy of passport of the person acting in-loco-parentis.
Copy of the residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) for Germany if the person acting in-loco-parentis is an ordinary resident in Germany, but not a German citizen.

If an in-loco-parentis authorization is granted, the NATO SOFA Office will issue a memorandum of authorization and a USAREUR ID and Privilege Card (AE Form 600-700A) with a specified expiration date, and authorize the issuance of a NATO SOFA Identification Certificate with a corresponding expiration date listed thereon if applicable, to enable the person acting in-loco-parentis to properly discharge his/her duties.

Should the sponsor(s) return to Germany before the expiration date of the in-loco-parentis authorization, the authorization granted terminates the day of his/her/their arrival in Germany. Upon expiration or upon the sponsor’s return to Germany, the ID card and ration card must be returned to the local MP Customs Office (see attached roster). The NATO SOFA Status Certificate issued to non-third-country individuals must be returned to or voided by the issuing Passport Office. It is the sponsor(s) responsibility to ensure this is completed.

These special authorizations allow the people who care for the children of such parents the use of tax and duty-free privileges that they would normally not have. This applies, for example, when relatives come from the United States to care for children of deployed parents. These privileges include permission to shop in commissaries and exchanges, use of USAREUR-plated vehicles and limited banking facilities. The German Federal Ministry of Finance specifically authorized the USAREUR Provost Marshal as the CG USAREUR Executive Agent for Customs to grant these customs and tax exemptions to non-SOFA status personnel for the period necessary to care for the children.

PROCEDURES

Requests for in-loco-parentis authorizations must be forwarded to:

HQ USAREUR OPM
ATTN: Host Nation Customs Policy Branch
Unit 29351
APO AE 09014

When doing so, the following information and supporting documentation must be provided:

Information on the soldier or civilian

Full name and rank/grade
SSN
Unit/organization address
APO number
Unit's/organization's telephone number
DEROS date
Quarters' address and telephone number
Deployment location and duration
Deployment orders or deployment verification, in writing, signed by unit commander/rear detachment commander/organization head
Marital status
Number and age(s) of child(ren)

Information on person acting in-loco-parentis

Full name
Passport or identification card number and copy of the document referenced
Nationality
Actual date of arrival in Germany and purpose of stay
Place of residence and address
Type of driver's license, to include driver's license number

NOTES

It is recommended that U.S. citizens coming to Germany to perform child care obtain an international driver's license in the United States because an international driver's license obtained in Germany is not valid in Germany. If the person acting in-loco-parentis is not a U.S. citizen, a copy of the visa for Germany or residence permit (Aufenthaltsgenehmigung) issued by German authorities must be submitted.

More information is available at DSN 370-4942 or 4996; or Civilian 06221-574942 or 574996; Fax DSN 370-4948 or Civilian 06221-574948.

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