PCS (Permanent Change of Station) Move Checklist
50+ tasks organized across 6 phases, from receiving orders to fully in-processed at your new duty station. Covers all branches, CONUS (Continental United States) and OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States).
All BranchesCONUS & OCONUSHHG (Household Goods) & PPM/DITYFamilies & Singles
Phase 1: Receiving Orders (180–90 Days Out)
- Receive and verify your PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders, check for errors in rank, MOS (Military Occupational Specialty)/rate, and gaining unit Critical
- Log into DPS (Defense Personal Property System) to begin your move planning Critical
- Notify your current housing office, BAQ/government quarters require notice to vacate
- Apply for on-post housing at your gaining installation, waitlists can be 3–12 months
- Research BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) rates for your new duty station and rank at the BAH calculator
- Contact your gaining unit's sponsor program or S1 to begin in-processing coordination
- Begin TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense)/TLA (Temporary Lodging Allowance) planning, determine if your situation qualifies and for how many days
- Notify your children's schools and request records transfer
- Update your will and powers of attorney at the JAG (Judge Advocate General) office before departure Critical
- Check EFMP enrollment status and coordinate medical continuity if applicable
Phase 2: Scheduling Your Move (90–60 Days Out)
- Schedule HHG pickup through DPS, book early, PCS season fills fast Critical
- Decide: full HHG shipment, PPM (Personally Procured Move)/DITY (Do-It-Yourself), or split shipment
- If doing PPM/DITY: get a certified empty weight ticket before loading Critical
- Schedule a separate Pro-Gear shipment if applicable (professional books, equipment)
- Photograph and inventory all high-value items before the packers arrive
- Submit SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) notice to landlord if renting, you need orders and 30–90 days notice
- Schedule POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) shipment through DPS if shipping your car
- Schedule vehicle drop-off at the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) early Critical
- Confirm TLE lodging reservations on-post or compare off-post hotel rates
Phase 3: Out-Processing (30–14 Days Out)
- Clear housing, schedule final walk-through and return keys Critical
- Out-process medical, request records transfer and prescription refills for 90+ days Critical
- Out-process dental and request dental records
- Visit finance office, verify leave balance, claim TLE entitlement, and settle pay records
- Return all government equipment, ID cards for family members if changing installations
- Forward mail at USPS and update your address with financial institutions
- Ensure all vehicles have current registration and insurance for the new state
- Update beneficiary designations in SGLI if family situation changed
- Download copies of all medical/dental/school records before you leave
Phase 4: Pack & Load Days
- Be present on pack day, annotate any damaged items on the inventory sheet Critical
- Do not pack firearms, hazmat, valuables, or important documents in HHG shipment Critical
- Get a certified loaded weight ticket after PPM/DITY loading is complete Critical
- Photograph condition of residence before and after movers leave
- Verify all items are inventoried on DD Form 1299 (Application for Shipment)
- Keep your TLE records, weight tickets, and receipts in a dedicated PCS folder
Phase 5: Travel to New Installation
- Track all travel receipts: gas, lodging, tolls, meals, you'll need these for per diem claims Critical
- Claim MALT (Mileage Allowance in Lieu of Transportation) in addition to per diem, both are separate entitlements
- Use TLE to cover 10 days of temporary lodging while waiting for housing/HHG delivery
- Confirm HHG delivery address and window in DPS, update if your address changed
- Take final odometer reading at start and end of travel for mileage claim
Phase 6: In-Processing New Installation
- Report to gaining unit on your report date, bring a copy of your orders Critical
- Visit finance first, update pay records, submit TLE/per diem claims Critical
- Enroll family in TRICARE at the new MTF within 30 days to avoid gaps Critical
- Update DEERS at the RAPIDS office with new address and installation
- Register vehicles in new state within 30–90 days (varies by state)
- Enroll children in school, bring immunization records and prior school records
- Receive HHG delivery, note any damage or missing items on DD Form 1840 Critical
- File DD Form 1840 for any HHG damage within 75 days of delivery Critical
- Submit PPM/DITY weight tickets and receipts to TMO (Transportation Management Office) within 45 days Critical
- Update voter registration and driver's license for new state of legal residence
PCS Deadlines You Can't Miss
75 days after HHG delivery
File DD Form 1840 for any damage or loss to household goods
45 days after PPM/DITY completion
Submit weight tickets and receipts to TMO for incentive pay
30 days after arrival
Enroll family in TRICARE at new MTF to avoid coverage gap
30–90 days after arrival
Register vehicles in your new state (varies by state law)
10 days max
TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense) covers up to 10 days at CONUS installations
Before departure
Update SGLI beneficiaries and POA at the JAG office