PCS Departure Checklist
Your comprehensive guide to PCSing from Japan. Track your progress and never miss a step.
ETC Card Cancellation – Flexible Timing
You may keep your ETC card until your final day in Japan. There is no early deadline. The most important step is submitting your planned cancellation date via the Dashboard.
How cancellation works: Log in, submit your planned date via Dashboard → Cancellation Page, then destroy your card and upload proof when ready.
Deposit Refund: ¥40,000 for primary card, ¥20,000 for each additional card. Billing is 2 months behind, so your refund will be processed even after you've left Japan.
⚠️ Avoid ¥4,000 Fee: Upload proof of destroyed chip to avoid the manual processing fee. Our automated reminder system will notify you when proof is needed.
Notify your command of PCS orders
Contact your unit's IPAC/PSD and provide a copy of your orders
Begin base clearing checklist
Get your area clearance form and start collecting signatures
Decide on vehicle disposition
Will you ship, sell, or store your POV? Research options and costs
Start pet travel arrangements
Book airline pet reservations early - they fill up fast. Budget $500-$2,000
Complete household goods inventory
Document all items, photograph valuables, note serial numbers
Give housing/landlord notice
Provide 30-day notice minimum. Military clause allows early termination with PCS orders.
Request medical/dental records
Get copies of all family medical and dental records for hand-carry
Request school records
Get transcripts and transfer documents for children
📋 Submit Planned Cancellation Date
ImportantLog in to your Dashboard → Cancellation page to submit your planned cancellation date. This starts the process and enables automated reminders. Note: You may keep your ETC card until your final day in Japan if needed.
Check vehicle JCI expiration
If selling in Japan, ensure JCI (Shaken) is valid. Buyer will need this.
Schedule utility disconnections
Electric, gas, water, internet - schedule for day after departure
Close or convert Japanese bank accounts
Withdraw funds or transfer to US account. Some banks require in-person closure.
Cancel cell phone contract
Japanese carriers require 30-day notice. Check early termination fees.
Set up mail forwarding
Update address with USPS and provide to base post office
🚗 ETC Card – Keep Until Your Last Day
ImportantYou may keep your ETC card in your vehicle until your final day in Japan if needed. There is NO requirement to remove the card early. If selling your vehicle, simply remove the card when you hand over the vehicle.
📝 Verify Cancellation Request Submitted
ImportantEnsure you have already submitted your planned cancellation date via Dashboard → Cancellation page. Our system will send you reminders when it's time to destroy and upload proof of your ETC card. Cancellation is finalized only after we receive proof of the destroyed card (chip cut through).
Pack essentials bag
First week items: clothes, toiletries, important documents, kids' toys, medications
Schedule final housing inspection
Walk-through with housing office. Clean thoroughly to avoid charges.
Complete vehicle transfer/sale
Transfer registration at LTO. Get receipt and cancel insurance.
Complete base clearance signatures
Medical, dental, finance, library, gym - get all signatures
🔨 Destroy ETC Card & Upload Proof (When Ready)
ImportantWhen you're ready to finalize cancellation, destroy your ETC card (cut through the chip) and upload a clear photo via Dashboard → Cancellation page. You can do this on your last day in Japan – there's no early deadline. Your deposit (¥40,000 primary, ¥20,000 additional) will be refunded within 2-4 weeks after proof is verified. Note: Billing is 2 months behind, so your deposit refund will be processed even after you've left Japan.
⚠️ Avoid ¥4,000 Manual Processing Fee
ImportantIf you cannot provide proof of chip destruction, a ¥4,000 manual cancellation processing fee will be deducted from your refund. Our automated reminder system will help you remember to upload proof. Simply destroy the chip and upload a clear photo to avoid this fee.
Pick up endorsed orders
Get final stamped orders from IPAC after unit detachment
Complete customs clearance
Report to base customs for final inspection and SOFA clearance
Confirm flight reservations
Reconfirm all flights, check baggage allowances, print itineraries
Make document copies (4-5 each)
PCS orders, passports, IDs, flight itinerary, medical records, pet papers
Share emergency contacts
Give gaining unit contact info to family. Update DEERS.
DoDEA Schools for Your Installation
Select your base to see DoDEA schools serving military families there.
Need Help?
ETC Card Questions
Email: support@japanetccard.com