Household Goods

To help customers access moving resources more easily, Move.mil has moved to the Military OneSource website. Now, moving resources from the Defense Personal Property Program and Military OneSource are available on the Military OneSource website.

Visit the Moving Your Personal Property page on MilitaryOneSource.mil for comprehensive moving information, resources and services. Access content from the former Move.mil website, including moving guides and tips, videos and FAQs, entitlement brochures, household goods shipment logistics, DPS log in and more. There are also links for retiring and separating members, specific service branch information and comprehensive relocation assistance.

Automobiles

**Important Notice

Privately Owned Vehicles (POVs) shipments are subject to embargo or waiver requirements. Effective April 1, 1996 the Assistant Secretary for Defense has granted limited case-by-case, waiver authority to Commander USFS for shipment of post 1976 type vehicles to Mainland Japan only. Okinawa continues to be under an embargo statues and is not included under this waiver authority except for Category C POVs. Category C vehicles are Japan-spec POVs previously registered and exported from mainland Japan and/or Okinawa. Category C POVs require a shipment waiver from service component representatives acknowledging all associated costs will be at personal expense. Copy of the original car title or Japan export title will be presented to the Transportation Office during counseling and to the origin Vehicle Processing Center (VCP). Per confirmation from the National Agency, Vehicle Inspections Office, Okinawa, emissions testing is not required for stock vehicles and can be registered in mainland and/or Okinawa, Japan. In order to ensure current emissions and safety standards are met, all modified Japan-spec POVs will be shipped to mainland Japan to undergo emissions, safety, and noise testing. All additional costs plus the subsequent delivery to Okinawa will be at the members(s) or DoD employee(s) expense.

Origin VPCs must ensure NOT to ship any modified Japan-spec POVs directly to Okinawa to include POVs purchased from a Japan Export Company. Any changes that affects safety and the manufacturer's original factory intake, exhaust, tuning, and suspension are considered car modification. 

Keep in mind that your waiver can be denied. Even if you decide to ship a vehicle, plan on retrofitting your older vehicle so it can pass the Japanese inspection process. The costs associated with this process can easily exceed $1,000. Anyone considering shipping a vehicle should contact the traffic management office for detailed information. The embargo on vehicle transportation does not apply to motorcycles.

For specific information on shipment of unaccompanied baggage and household goods for unaccompanied and accompanied personnel, refer AFI24-604, Table A3.1, rules two and four. 

As soon as you receive your permanent change of station orders, it’s important to begin scheduling your move. The Defense Personal Property System, or DPS, is the online system you can use to request and manage your household goods shipment(s). For more information and a DPS log in link, visit the Moving Your Personal Property page on MilitaryOneSource.mil.

Read Preparing for Your PCS Move to learn more about coordinating your shipment and review the Personal Property Quick Reference Guide for actions you can take to ensure a smooth move.

Learn more about Your OCONUS Move: Planning, Resources and Tips. Begin to plan what items will go in unaccompanied baggage, in your household goods shipment and in long-term, Non-Temporary Storage, or NTS, storage – check with your sponsor or overseas housing office to assist in determining what items to ship.

Moving with your pet includes researching airline requirements and quarantine restriction laws in your new location. Many airlines have requirements for size, weight, breed, number of animals, kennel construction, documentation and seasonal limitations. Small pets may be shipped on military flights, but availability and regulations frequently change. Contact your installation household goods/transportation office to request specific country instructions. Military OneSource can make your move easier with helpful tips, resources and hands-on information related to moving with pets and more.