ARMORED VEHICLE PROGRAM
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
(Office of Origin: DS/PSP/DEAV)
12 FAM 381 SCOPE AND AUTHORITY
12 FAM 381.1 Scope
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
This subchapter covers the Department’s armored vehicle (AV) program, which provides protection for Department personnel and their dependents, foreign dignitaries, chiefs of mission (COM), principal officers (PO), and other individuals under COM security responsibility as needed from the threat of terrorism, war, civil disturbance, and crime.
12 FAM 381.2 Authority
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
The Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-399) as codified at 22 U.S.C. 4802.
12 FAM 382 AV STANDARDS
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. To be considered Overseas Security Policy Board (OSPB)-compliant, AVs must meet the testing minimums set forth in 12 FAH-6 H-522. These standards ensure the Department's AV fleet provides the appropriate AV level of protection for employees, their dependents, and foreign dignitaries. OSPB standards apply domestically and overseas (see 12 FAH-18 H-101.1-1 and 12 FAH-18 H-101.2-2).
b. When possible, the Department will ensure each AV meets Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVS), and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards. Where armoring may adversely impact these standards, the Department, through its relationships with armoring vendors, makes the necessary adjustments to brake, suspension, and safety systems to align these modified vehicles to the DOT, FMVS, and OEM standards as closely as possible.
12 FAM 383 RESPONSIBILITIES
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. DS is responsible for coordinating the AV program and developing standards (see 12 FAH-18 and 12 FAH-6 H-522). The Defensive Equipment and Armored Vehicle Division(DS/PSP/DEAV) serves as the overall coordination point and program manager for AVs and related issues, and the liaison for various Federal agencies, the OSPB, and posts. DS/PSP/DEAV provides annual budget estimates to DS for DS-provided armored platforms, along with required funding estimates for the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS).
b. DS has program responsibility to purchase lifecycle replacement AVs for the Department of State. The lifecycle for replacement starts when the vehicle is put in service. While there is no set lifecycle age for the replacement of an AV, with proper repair and maintenance an AV should last 8 to 10 years. Several factors determine whether an AV will be replaced, including (but not limited to) condition, mission requirements, maintenance records, importation requirements, age, and budget.
12 FAM 383.1 Overseas Responsibilities
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. ICASS councils are responsible for budgeting and funding AV base unit purchases and shipment of shared motor pool AVs to posts. DS is responsible for funding the application of armor to the base unit.
b. The post Emergency Action Committee (EAC) must meet at least annually to discuss the AV program and its requirements (See 12 FAH-18 H-301.1-2). Discussion topics should include:
(1) Current, future, and the evolution of threat levels;
(2) Review of transportation security and travel policy;
(3) Target fleet size as established through the Vehicle Allocation Methodology (VAM);
(4) Lifecycle replacements;
(5) Host nation vehicle importation and registration restrictions;
(6) Emissions requirements;
(7) Any special equipment requirements such as command, control, communications, computers and intelligence systems (C4i), personal tracking locators (PTL), etc.;
(8) Make/model/color of AVs appropriate for post;
(9) Accident history;
(10) AV operation and safety procedures;
(11) Maintenance procedures;
(12) Disposal and transfer procedures;
(13)AV driver training;
(14) Review of available covered parking;
(15) Evacuation needs per the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) (see 12 FAH-1 Annex K Addendum 2.1);
(16) Inventory/accountability processes; and
(17) OSPB compliance of all AVs under COM security responsibility, including other government agency AVs.
c. EACs must determine future AV requirements so that ICASS councils, program offices, and OSPB partners have sufficient time to budget for appropriate base unit purchases (See 12 FAH-18 H-301.1). Posts must document their annual EAC meeting in a cable to DS/PSP/DEAV and DS/IP or DS/HTP, as appropriate, no later than October 1 annually. If the cable does not include all topics, post is also responsible for documenting their EAC discussion in the Regional Security Officer (RSO) Security Management Console (SMC) no later than 1 October, annually.
d. All non-Department of State agencies with AVs used for the protection of personnel under the security responsibility of the COM are directed to provide the post RSO and General Services Officer (GSO) a SBU inventory of AVs during the annual EAC meeting. RSOs must forward the inventory of non-State AVs under the security responsibility of the COM to DS/PSP/DEAV no later than 1 October as part of their annual EAC. Detailed inventory requirements can be found in the Annual Procurement Guidance available on DEAV’s SharePoint site. (See 12 FAH-18 H-101.1-7 (D)).
12 FAM 383.2 Domestic Responsibilities
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. Per 12 FAH-18 H-101.2-3, DS/PSP/DEAV does not automatically replace any domestic AVs. The vehicle make, type, and model must align with the vehicle's intended use.
b. Domestic program offices must submit their annual AV requirements to DS/PSP/DEAV no later than 1 February annually. The average time to produce and ship a replacement AV can approach 24 months and DS program offices should plan accordingly.
c. Domestic AVs for DS are funded by DS/PSP/DEAV. Individual DS program offices do not transfer funds or separately budget for AVs.
12 FAM 384 AV ASSIGNMENT
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
12 FAM 384.1 Overseas AV Assignment
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. The vehicle make, type, and model assigned to any post must align with the vehicle assignment policy of the federal agency using the vehicle. Post must also ensure that the vehicle(s) they are requesting are able to be serviced in-country, that the appropriate fuel types are available, and that there are no restrictions on importation.
b. All assignments of AVs for non-Department of State agencies must include consultation and coordination between the agency and the EAC. In the event of a disagreement between the EAC and an individual agency, the parties must forward the dispute to the COM for resolution.
c. Overall responsibility for the use of official vehicles at a post lies with the COM or PO who must establish policies for the use of official vehicles for business purposes and other authorized uses in accordance with regulation (14 FAM 430).
d. When OSPB-compliant AVs are provided for the COM, PO, an individual with the rank of ambassador, or a representative to an International Organization, these individuals must use the Department-provided OSPB-compliant AV for all transportation to all official and unofficial events and destinations, including personal travel. Refer to 12 FAH-18 H-101.1-3 for exceptions to this policy.
12 FAM 384.2 Domestic AV Assignment
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. AVs assignments and armoring levels may be specific to the operational need. DS/T, DS/DO, and DS/C have responsibility for managing AVs located domestically that are assigned to their respective DS directorates (see 12 FAH-18 H-101.2-2).
b. AVs provided for domestic use must be OSPB-compliant.
c. DS/PSP/DEAV may conduct audits of domestic AV fleets when needed to resolve vehicle inventory and program assignment discrepancies (see 12 FAH-18 H-101.2-4).
12 FAM 385 Procurement AND INSPECTION
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. DS/PSP/DEAV must approve the make and model of vehicle platforms, regardless of protection level, prior to procurement of the base unit. Armor is applied only to passenger vehicles with suitable chassis strength and performance characteristics.
b. OSPB-compliant AVs must meet the testing requirements set forth in 12 FAH-6 H-522 and 12 FAH-18 H-301.1-3 and be inspected at least four separate times throughout the armoring process, unless it is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) model with a previously approved design build.
c. The inspections will take place upon:
(1) Receipt of the base unit;
(2) Pre-weld fitment;
(3) Post-armor welding; and
(4) A thorough final inspection, including a mobility drive.
d. AV procurement guidance is available on DS/PSP/DEAV's SharePoint site.
12 FAM 385.1 Overseas Procurement
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. Posts must coordinate requests for all Department and ICASS AVs through DS/PSP/DEAV and the International Fleet Division (A/GO/PST/AP/IF). Posts must comply with the authorized Target Fleet Size (TFS) prior to submitting any new AV requests. For further guidance on TFS, please contact A/GO/PST/AP/IF.
b. DS/PSP/DEAV, DS/SSI/PTB, and DS/IP or DS/HTP respectively may be required to validate requests for additional communications package requirements depending on the operational needs of each post.
c. Other U.S. Government agencies may procure OSPB-compliant AVs via an interagency agreement with the Department. Before an agency plans to procure through an alternative mechanism, it must consult with DS/PSP/DEAV through their agency headquarters to ensure compliance with OSPB standards before requesting permission to ship vehicles to post (See 12 FAH-18 H-301.1-5).
d. Non-OSPB compliant AVs deployed overseas not yet in service, require an exception to 12 FAH-6 H-522 from the OSPB before shipment to post. DS/PSP/DEAV will provide guidance on the contents and requirements of exception requests. Exceptions must be justified by a unique operational need.
e. For AVs already at posts, other U.S. Government agencies may continue to use non-OSPB compliant AVs until the end of their useful life on the condition that those agencies coordinate with DS/PSP/DEAV on disposal/replacement plans to align with OSPB requirements.
12 FAM 385.2 Domestic Procurement
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. Domestic program offices must send an action memorandum outlining their AV requirements from their program office to DS/PSP/DEAV no later than February 1 annually through the DSS Task Tracker.
b. Unique communications equipment requirements for any of DS/DO/PS AVs should be flagged when the vehicle is ordered to allow for the appropriate lead time and special design considerations (see 12 FAH-18 H-101.2-3).
12 FAM 386 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
Specific guidance regarding daily checks and general maintenance is outlined in annual AV maintenance cables, 12 FAH-18 H-601.1, 12 FAH-18 H-601.2, as well as DS/PSP/DEAV's SharePoint site.
12 FAM 386.1 Overseas Vehicle Maintenance
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. Once delivered, funding for OEM non-armor-related maintenance costs (such as preventative maintenance and general repair) are a post responsibility for Department AVs and other Federal agency/department responsibility for other Federal agency/Department AVs. (see 12 FAH-18 H-601.1).
b. For aftermarket and OEM AVs, if there is a factory-authorized dealership/repair facility for the vehicle near where the vehicle is located, then post must arrange for scheduled preventative maintenance and repairs to be conducted at the factory-authorized dealership/repair facility to preserve warranty provisions.
c. Any post-designated, certified mechanic, while under a post employee’s observation, may perform mechanical work or preventative maintenance on non-armor components of AVs.
d. If the RSO determines security conditions allow, in special circumstances (such as when paint must dry in an oven overnight), the RSO may approve an AV to remain overnight at a post-approved mechanic’s facility unaccompanied by a post employee.
e. Security screening to mitigate terrorism or other threats related to the AV being out of USG control must be conducted using post-available resources before being placed back into service.
12 FAM 386.2 Domestic Vehicle Maintenance
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. AVs assigned domestically may be sent for repair or maintenance work to an outside mechanic domestically and may remain overnight with a reputable mechanic only when necessary. Domestic employee oversight is recommended but not required. The vehicle must be security screened with available resources before being placed back into service.
b. DS/PSP/DEAV will input AVs into the Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS) when the AV is procured. Vehicle coordinators should maintain maintenance records in the ILMS Fleet Management System (FMIS). See 12 FAH-18 H-101.2-4.
12 FAM 387 ARMOR MAINTENANCE
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. DS/PSP/DEAV authorized technicians perform repair and replacement of transparent armor (TA) on Department OSPB-compliant aftermarket AVs used overseas and domestically for as long as the AV remains in service. DS/PSP/DEAV does not perform but will fund and arrange for factory TA repair and replacement on Department OSPB-compliant OEM factory armored AVs used either domestically or overseas. (See 12 FAH-18 H-601.1-3).
b. DS/PSP/DEAV does not have the ability to repair but will perform inspections of damaged opaque armor on Department OSPB-compliant aftermarket AVs to determine if the opaque armor performance has been compromised. If repairable, DS/PSP/DEAV will fund and arrange for opaque armor repair on Department aftermarket AVs. (See 12 FAH-18 H-601.1-4)
c. DS/PSP/DEAV will fund and arrange for inspections of damaged opaque armor on Department OSPB-compliant OEM factory AVs. If repairable, DS/PSP/DEAV will fund and arrange for replacement of opaque armor on Department OEM factory AVs. (See 12 FAH-18 H-601.1-4)
d. Vehicles that are not OSPB-compliant will not be repaired by DS/PSP/DEAV AV technicians.
e. TA on OSPB-compliant vehicles belonging to other U.S. Government agencies may be repaired by DS/PSP/DEAV technicians on a cost-reimbursable basis with an approved interagency agreement (IAA). This does not prevent other agencies from performing this function with their own qualified technicians.
f. Other agency vehicles not armored by DS/PSP/DEAV vendors must be repaired in accordance with policies issued from that agency’s headquarters.
g. When armor removal or repair is necessary on an official Department of State funded vehicle, DS/PSP/DEAV must first authorize such work in writing. Authorized armoring technicians must perform the work using parts they deem necessary to comply with OSPB standards.
h. Alterations to an AV must not reduce the effectiveness of the armor materials or the performance of the vehicle.
i. AVs must be parked under a covered parking structure to prevent delamination and other damage to the transparent armor. If covered parking is not available overseas, post should coordinate with OBO Project Development, Coordination and Support (OBO/PDCS) for the construction of covered parking. Domestically, program offices should coordinate with the Space Management Advisory Committee (SMAC) for the construction of covered parking. Until covered parking is constructed, exterior mounted front and rear sun shields or car covers can be used to temporarily protect the transparent armor. Interior-mounted sun shields should not be utilized as they increase the temperature of transparent armor and accelerate delamination. Contact DS/PSP/DEAV for recommended types of windshield reflective covers and car covers. (see 12 FAH-18 H-101.2-3(B))
12 FAM 388 DISPOSAL and TRANSFER
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. All OSPB-compliant AVs must be destroyed at the end of their useful life. They may not be sold, donated, or transferred to persons, governments, or organizations outside of the U.S. Government (see 12 FAH-18 H-701.1).
b. If an AV still has some operational life, the AV may be transferred to other U.S. Government agencies for use domestically or overseas provided the receiving agency agrees to destroy or transfer the AV to another U.S. Government agency in accordance with all Department guidance at the end of its useful life. All AV transfers must adhere to the DS Property Transfer SOP found on the Logistics Services Division (DS/MGT/LS) website and 14 FAM 400. Non-OSPB compliant AVs may not be transferred between posts or for domestic use by the Department.
c. Destruction must be witnessed by the Property Disposal Officer (PDO) or Accountable Property Officer (APO), in accordance with 14 FAM 411.2-4. DS/PSP/DEAV may accept the PDO or APO virtually witnessing the destruction depending on operational/environmental needs.
d. Approved disposal methods include (in order of preference):
(1) Crushing;
(2) Disassembly with sections no larger than 2 square feet;
(3) Burning;
(4) Explosive demolition; or
(5) Burial on U.S. Government-controlled land.
12 FAM 388.1 Overseas Disposal and Transfer
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. For Department AVs, the RSO must coordinate disposal with DS/PSP/DEAV, A/GO/PST/AP/IF, and the GSO. Post must request disposal authorization by completing a DS-132 to remove the disposed vehicle from the property records.
b. Other agencies must coordinate disposal of their AVs with the RSO, Mission Vehicle Accountable Officer (MVAO) and their responsible headquarters element. If compliance with the destruction requirements of 12 FAM 388 is not possible, then the RSO or MVAO must submit a request for alternative disposition to DS/PSP/DEAV with an explanation of the circumstances. Agencies are responsible for all costs associated with the disposal process.
c. Posts must dispose of AVs based on local conditions and restrictions. Disposal of vehicles should be accomplished within six weeks after receipt of disposal authorization as per 14 FAM 436.7-1 paragraph c.
d. For posts that are unable to dispose of assets locally, AV shipment to the United States for destruction may be an available option. Posts should contact DS/PSP/DEAV for assistance.
e. The destruction of AVs must not be used to conduct training (i.e., breacher training, weapons capabilities training, etc.) with Locally Employed (LE) Staff or other foreign nationals as participants or observers. Any type of media (i.e., photos, recordings, video, etc.) of the destruction of AVs must not be made available on any public sites including, but not limited to, social media.
f. Destruction must be witnessed by the Property Disposal Officer (PDO) or Accountable Property Officer (APO), in accordance with 14 FAM 411.2-4. DS/PSP/DEAV may accept the PDO or APO virtually witnessing the destruction depending on the operational/environmental needs of the post.
g. In emergency situations in which post must rapidly cease all operations and is unable to ship out or destroy AVs in accordance with 12 FAM 388 paragraph d, post may use the abandonment disposal or temporary deactivation procedures available on DS/PSP/DEAV's SharePoint site (see 12 FAH-1 Annex K Addendum 2.1).
h. There are limited circumstances in which a Post may allow an AV to be used to the benefit of a foreign government, such as by facilitating a dignitary visit involving both the foreign government and Mission personnel. AVs may not be used on behalf of a foreign government when the use is not directly supporting a Mission security purpose, absent a specific legal authority. RSO must confirm with DS/PSP/DEAV and L/M/DS that necessary legal authority exists. If there is relevant authority, the following conditions apply:
(1) Post must obtain approval from the COM.
(2) The AV must remain under the operational control and surveillance of RSO personnel.
(3) The use of the vehicle is short-term (no more than 96 hours).
(4) The vehicle must not be modified and must be returned in the same condition in which it was loaned. Security screening to mitigate terrorism or other threats related to the AV being utilized on behalf of by a foreign government must be conducted using post-available resources before being placed back into service.
12 FAM 388.2 Domestic Disposal and Transfer
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. For OSPB-compliant AVs located domestically, DS/PSP/DEAV will coordinate their destruction and/or transfer (see 12 FAH-18 H-701.2-1). DS program offices must send a memorandum with justification to DS/PSP/DEAV requesting approval for destruction. Program offices should ensure that FMIS records are closed or cancelled, to include work orders for TA. (See the Domestic Office Armored Vehicle Disposal and Transfer SOP on DS/PSP/DEAV's SharePoint site).
b. OSPB-compliant AVs may be loaned temporarily (no more than 30 days) to other U.S. federal government agencies under the following conditions:
(1) The other agency must agree through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by both DS and the other agency to return the vehicle in the same condition it was provided.
(2) Each vehicle loan must be approved by the vehicle's assigned program office (i.e. DS/PSP/DEAV, DS/DO/PS, etc.).
(3) The other government agency must ensure that the drivers have the requisite AV driver training as required by their agency.
(4) A detailed inspection will be performed before the vehicle is loaned to the other federal government agency and once it returns. Security screening to mitigate terrorism or other threats related to the AV being out of the Department's control must be conducted using available resources before being placed back into service.
c. Domestically, the destruction of AVs must not be used to conduct training (i.e., breacher training, weapons capabilities training, etc.) to individuals (i.e. local law enforcement, special agents from other federal or state agencies, etc.) that do not have at least a public trust and/or need to know. Any type of media (i.e., photos, recordings, video, etc.) of the destruction of AVs must not be made available on any public sites including, but not limited to, social media. Those receiving the training should be briefed that this training is not authorized to be taught to foreign nationals without a waiver from (International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) through DS).
12 FAM 389 AV Driver Training
(CT:DS-456; 06-02-2026)
a. The RSO must ensure that trained drivers are assigned as the primary, alternate, and back-up drivers for the COM or PO at each post. These drivers must attend the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) AV Driver Training (AVDT) course, SB102, and recertify every five years following the initial training. The AVDT Program Specialists nominate drivers, in consultation with post, to attend the course and maintain the AVDT database. The RSO may designate trained driver(s) when the designated driver(s) are not available. Post will be responsible for all travel meal, and incidental expenses (M&IE), mandatory travel insurance, and visa and passport fees for the three dedicated drivers from each post meeting the requirements noted herein.
b. All operators of AVs under COM security responsibility must complete the Overseas Buildings Operations, Office of Safety Health and Environmental Management (OBO/OPS/SHEM) approved safe driver training delivered by a certified instructor (refresher training every two years), as well as the AV Familiarization Training delivered by a certified instructor (refresher training required every two years from the last operation of an AV). Basic Special Agent Course (BSAC), Basic Regional Security Officer (BRSO), or Advanced Tactics, Leadership, and Skills (ATLaS), DS/IP/OPO provided AV training at King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC), or AVDT meet the requirement of AV Familiarization Training.