What makes a PCS move different
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves come with both additional requirements and additional protections that civilian moves don't have. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides specific legal protections for address-change-related obligations. You also have military-specific systems to update that civilians never encounter.
DEERS update — do this first
The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is the central database for military benefits eligibility. Your DEERS record drives TRICARE coverage, commissary access, and other benefits. Update your DEERS information at your gaining installation's Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) or online via milConnect at milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil. This should happen on or near your reporting date.
BAH — Basic Allowance for Housing
BAH is calculated based on your duty station zip code and your dependency status. When you PCS, your BAH rate changes to reflect the new duty station's housing market. This update happens through your unit's administrative section (S1/G1) when you in-process. If you notice your BAH hasn't updated after in-processing, contact your finance office immediately — retroactive adjustments can be complicated.
TRICARE — updating your region and PCM
TRICARE is organized by regions. When you PCS, you may move from one TRICARE region to another, or from TRICARE Prime to TRICARE Select depending on your location. You must select a new Primary Care Manager (PCM) at your new installation. Update your TRICARE information at the MTF (Military Treatment Facility) enrollment office or at tricare.mil.
VA benefits (veterans)
If you are a veteran receiving VA benefits, update your address with the VA at va.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000. VA records are entirely separate from DoD/DEERS records. See: VA Benefits Address Change Guide.
SCRA protections relevant to address changes
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides several protections when you PCS:
- Lease termination: You can terminate a residential lease with 30 days notice if you receive PCS orders. Write "SCRA" on the notice and attach a copy of your PCS orders.
- Auto insurance: SCRA protections may allow you to cancel auto insurance in your old state without penalty when you PCS out. Check with your insurer.
- Voting: The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) provides special absentee voting rights for military members regardless of where they are stationed.
State driver's license during PCS
Military members on active duty are generally exempt from the requirement to obtain a driver's license in the state where they are stationed — you may drive on your home state license regardless of where you are based. Your dependents may or may not have the same exemption depending on the state. Check your state's specific military exemption rules.