Military PCS Checklist 2026

Every task from orders receipt to final arrival in-processing — organized by timeline so nothing slips through.

Open Interactive Checklist Check BAH Rates

A military PCS move involves dozens of administrative tasks across housing, finance, transportation, schools, medical, and legal — spread over 3–6 months. Missing a deadline can mean lost entitlements, debt collection from the government, or kids out of school for weeks. This checklist covers the full move timeline from the moment orders drop through final arrival in-processing at your new duty station. The interactive version in the app lets you check items off, save your progress, and print your binder.

90–60 Days Before Move

Receive official PCS orders and read them completely — verify gaining unit, report date, and authorized dependents

Contact gaining installation housing office immediately — waitlists at many bases run 6–18 months

Request weight tickets from the TMO / transportation office and schedule a pre-move survey

Pull credit reports and freeze/unfreeze as needed for new housing applications

Research school districts at the gaining installation using /guides/[base]/schools

Request school records and IEPs for children; contact EFMP coordinator if applicable

Notify your current landlord or on-base housing office of your vacate date

Begin BAH research using the BaseReady BAH rates table for your gaining installation

Check SCRA protections if breaking a lease early — you need your orders in hand

Schedule vet appointments and get health certificates if traveling with pets

30 Days Before Move

Book temporary lodging (IHG Army Hotels, Navy Gateway, billeting) at the gaining installation

Submit change-of-address with USPS and update your mailing address with financial institutions

Inventory and photograph high-value items before packers arrive — file a claim form baseline

Confirm vehicle shipping dates with VPC (Vehicle Processing Center) if shipping POV

Transfer prescriptions to a military pharmacy or retail pharmacy near the gaining installation

Obtain medical, dental, and shot records for all family members and keep in hand-carry

Contact gaining unit sponsorship coordinator — a sponsor should be assigned to help with in-processing

Research the off-base rental market using BaseReady housing data for your price range

Confirm school enrollment requirements for the gaining installation's school district

Pull leave and earnings statement (LES) to verify BAH entitlement before the move

Moving Week

Be present when packers arrive — check the inventory sheet for accuracy before signing

Keep important documents in your personal vehicle: orders, medical records, vehicle titles, passports

Do a full walk-through of your current home before final out — document any existing damage

Return all base-issued equipment: library cards, parking passes, gym fobs, CAC-controlled items

Complete final clearing checklist with the housing office to avoid debt collection

Update direct deposit, allotments, and TSP contribution if moving to a new pay office

Take meter readings (gas, electric, water) with photos before vacating

Arrival & In-Processing

Report to the gaining unit within the report-not-later-than (RNLTD) date on orders

Complete installation in-processing — ID cards, vehicle registration, base sticker, VOQ/VEQ

Contact housing office to update your waitlist position and inspect any available quarters

Enroll children in school; bring immunization records, birth certificates, and IEP documentation

Update DEERS/TRICARE enrollment if changing region — TRICARE Select vs Prime availability varies by installation

Update driver's license; military families in many states have 60 days before the change is required

File DD Form 1351-2 (travel voucher) within 5 days of arrival to receive DLA and per diem reimbursement

Submit PPM/DITY paperwork to finance if you performed a partial or full personal property move

File any damage claims with the moving company within 75 days of delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PCS move and how much time do I have to complete it?

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is an official relocation to a new duty station. Service members typically receive orders 30–180 days before the report date. The report-not-later-than (RNLTD) date on orders is the legal deadline to report. Government-funded moves (HHG shipments) must be scheduled through the TMO within the authorized window on your orders.

What is DLA and how is it calculated?

Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is a one-time payment to offset the costs of a PCS move. The rate depends on your pay grade and dependency status — in 2026, DLA ranges from approximately $900 (E-1 without dependents) to over $4,500 (O-6 with dependents). DLA is paid after you submit a travel voucher within 5 days of reporting to your gaining unit.

Can I live off-base and still receive BAH?

Yes. Service members who live off-base receive BAH at the with-dependents or without-dependents rate for their pay grade and the duty station zip code. BAH is designed to cover approximately 95% of median local housing costs for each pay grade. Use the BaseReady BAH table for your gaining installation to see your exact monthly entitlement.

Explore More