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Let’s say you served, have a relative who served, or are just a huge fan of “Generation Kill.” Well, then you might be considering one of the U.S. Military’s workhorse, go-anywhere trucks as personal transportation. Before you get your hopes up too high, there are a few things you might want to consider before picking up a HMMWV, or “Humvee.” 

You can purchase and drive a Humvee from online auction sites, but there’s a catch

The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) isn’t the same as the pavement-princess Hummer H1s you see at your local Cars & Coffee. No, this is the long-serving workhorse of the United States Military, colloquialized as “Humvee.” As such, a Humvee lacks nearly all of the consumer-focused attributes that the Indiana-based AM General installed in the Hummer.

Consequently, you won’t find the insulation, air conditioning system, and creature comforts of the H1 in a military surplus ride. What’s more, you’ll have to negotiate a few hurdles to make your HMMWV into a monstrous commuter. For starters, Dirt Legal says some states won’t title a Humvee for personal use. You’ll have to check out whether your state allows a heavy, wide military surplus vehicle like a HMMWV for road use. 

A HMMWV, or Humvee, shows off its slat armor.
HMMWV with slat armor | Wirestock via iStock

Moreover, if you do live in one of the 20 or so states that will title your new surplus off-roader as an on-road runabout, you’ll need documentation. For instance, if you buy a Humvee from an auction site like GovPlanet, you’ll need a USG Form SF97. Then, you’re going to have to facilitate pickup or shipping. Remember, you most likely won’t be able to just hop in and go. 

However, even if you have the patience and drive to get one, you might not want to. Sure, a HMMWV has an impossibly capable angle of approach and the ability to go places that conventional SUVs simply won’t. But military vehicles, especially HMMWVs, endure hard lives in service of the United States Military. 

I’ve seen HMMWVs frozen shut, baking in Afghan heat, rolled over, stuck in the jungle, dropped out of aircraft with parachutes, and worse. It’s a hard life for most of these trucks, especially those in combat arms roles. So, unless you want a Humvee as a novelty for special occasions, it might not be worth your efforts.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).