PCS Guide: Moving to Colorado Springs

Permanent Change of Station orders to Colorado Springs can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Whether you're heading to Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, or Schriever SFB, this 12-week timeline will keep your family on track from the moment orders drop to your first day in-processing.

12-Week PCS Timeline

Week 12–10: Orders Drop

• Submit a copy of orders to your unit and finance
• Schedule a Transportation appointment at your losing installation
• Request housing application from Corvias (Fort Carson) or Hunt (Peterson area) — waitlists can be 3–6 months
• Notify your children's schools of upcoming move; request records and IEP documents
• Begin researching neighborhoods and BAH rates
• Contact your gaining unit's rear detachment for sponsor assignment
• Schedule EFMP screening if applicable

Week 9–7: Planning

• Book government travel (DPS / move.mil) — Government move or DITY/PPM
• Research school districts — D-20 (north), D-11 (central), D-49 (east/Falcon), D-8 (Fountain/Fort Carson area)
• Contact sponsor for local area intelligence on neighborhoods, traffic, and facilities
• Research TRICARE Prime/Select enrollment at new location
• Get vehicle inspections and servicing done before the drive
• Update will and legal documents at JAG if needed

Week 6–4: Logistics

• Confirm movers — schedule pack-out date and delivery window
• Book temporary lodging (IHG Army Hotels at Fort Carson, or local extended-stay)
• Arrange pet transport and research pet-friendly housing options
• Start separating essential documents: medical records, birth certificates, marriage certificate, passports, vehicle titles
• Transfer prescriptions to a different pharmacy or mail-order through TRICARE
• Update address with DEERS, VA, Social Security, banks, credit cards

Week 3–1: Final Prep

• Pack your own "first night" box: bedding, toiletries, coffee maker, kid snacks, important chargers
• Document current home condition with photos and video
• Turn off or transfer utilities, cancel subscriptions tied to current address
• Obtain CO vehicle registration requirements — emissions test required for vehicles in El Paso County
• Notify employer of last day (for employed spouse)
• Confirm pet vaccinations are current — Colorado requires rabies certificates

First Week In-Processing Checklist

Once you arrive in Colorado Springs, here is the standard sequence for in-processing at Fort Carson. Peterson SFB follows a similar process through their Military Personnel Flight (MPF).

• Day 1: Report to unit and sign in; get gaining unit sponsor confirmation
• Day 1–2: In-processing center at Fort Carson (Building 1525, Sheridan Ave) — bring full orders packet, DA photo, shot records
• Day 2: Finance / IPPS-A: Confirm BAH entitlement, update direct deposit, review LES
• Day 2–3: Housing Office — confirm on-post status or update waitlist; establish BAH if living off-post
• Day 3: TRICARE enrollment — Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH), Building 1000. Enroll in Prime or establish care
• Day 3: DEERS update — ID card office, Building 6151, Wetzel Ave
• Day 4: Vehicle registration (Colorado Springs DMV or on-post DMV annex) — need title, insurance, and proof of emissions if >10 years old
• Day 4–5: ACS orientation — Army Community Service, Building 2104, offers newcomer classes, lending closet, and school liaison support
• Day 5: Open on-post bank account (USAA, Security Service FCU, or Ent Credit Union)

Key Phone Numbers — Fort Carson

Key Phone Numbers — Peterson SFB

Colorado-Specific Requirements

Colorado has a few state-specific requirements that catch PCS newcomers off guard:

• Vehicle Registration: You have 90 days from establishing Colorado residency to register your vehicle. Fort Carson residents registering on-post can use the on-post DMV annex. El Paso County requires an emissions test for vehicles older than 10 model years.
• Driver's License: Colorado requires you to obtain a Colorado license within 30 days of establishing residency, unless you are active duty (you can keep your home-of-record license while on active duty, but Colorado may still require registration).
• Altitude Acclimation: Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet elevation. Most families experience 1–2 weeks of adjustment — headaches, fatigue, and dehydration are common. Drink extra water and reduce physical exertion the first week.
• Pet Entry: No quarantine required for dogs and cats, but you must have current rabies vaccination records. Colorado does enforce breed-specific legislation in some cities; check local ordinances for your neighborhood.

Ready to find housing? Check our complete 2026 BAH Rate Guide or explore the best Colorado Springs neighborhoods for military families.