AF Form 2473: Home of Selection Entitlements (2026 Guide) – If you are retiring or separating from the U.S. Air Force, understanding your final move entitlements is essential to maximizing benefits and avoiding out-of-pocket expenses. AF Form 2473, officially titled Home of Selection Travel and Transportation Entitlements, is the key document that helps service members declare their chosen destination and request authorized travel and transportation allowances.
This form plays a critical role in the transition process, ensuring you receive proper support for moving yourself, your dependents, and your household goods (HHG) to your Home of Selection (HOS).
What Is AF Form 2473?
AF Form 2473 is an official Air Force form used by eligible members to document and claim travel and transportation entitlements upon retirement, placement on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL), or certain separations. It specifically addresses the move from your last permanent duty station (PDS) to a Home of Selection — the location you choose as your new permanent residence after leaving active duty.
The form helps the Transportation Management Office (TMO) and Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) process:
- Travel allowances for you and your authorized dependents
- Shipment of household goods
- Non-temporary storage (NTS) options if needed
You can download the current fillable version directly from the official Air Force e-Publishing site:
AF Form 2473 PDF
Who Needs to Complete AF Form 2473?
This form is primarily for Air Force members who are:
- Retiring with pay (including after at least 8 years of continuous active duty in many cases)
- Being placed on the TDRL
- Separating with severance or separation pay after qualifying service
- Involuntarily released under specific conditions
It is not typically used for standard PCS moves between duty stations. Always confirm eligibility with your local TMO or personnel office, as rules are governed by the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
Key Entitlements Covered by AF Form 2473
When properly submitted, AF Form 2473 helps unlock several important benefits for your final move:
- Travel to Home of Selection (HOS)
You may select virtually any location in the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii in most interpretations) as your HOS. This is more flexible than a standard Home of Record (HOR) or Place Entered Active Duty (PLEAD) move. Travel must generally be completed within established time limits (often 1–3 years from the retirement/separation date, depending on the specific circumstances and updates in the JTR). - Dependent Travel
Authorized dependents can travel with you or separately (subject to JTR rules), with per diem and mileage allowances typically provided. - Household Goods (HHG) Shipment
You are authorized shipment of HHG to your HOS up to the standard weight allowance based on your rank and dependency status. Multiple shipments or storage-in-transit may be possible. - Non-Temporary Storage (NTS)
If you are not ready to move immediately to your HOS, you may store HHG in non-temporary storage for a limited period (often up to 1 year initially, with possible extensions). - Mileage Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) and Per Diem
Reimbursement for driving your personally owned vehicle or other authorized modes of travel.
Important Note: Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) are generally not authorized for retirement/final moves.
How to Complete AF Form 2473 – Step-by-Step Overview?
While the exact layout can vary slightly with form revisions, typical sections include:
- Member Information: Full name, rank/grade, SSN (or DoD ID), organization/unit, and contact details.
- Retirement/Separation Details: Effective date, type of separation or retirement.
- Home of Selection: Address or location you intend to establish as your permanent residence.
- Dependent Information: Names, relationships, and ages/DOB of traveling dependents.
- Travel and Transportation Elections: Mode of travel (air, POV, etc.), requests for HHG shipment, storage, or partial shipments.
- Certification and Signatures: Member’s statement and signature confirming the information is accurate and that you understand the entitlements and obligations.
Tips for accuracy:
- Be specific about your intended HOS — this is the place you actually plan to reside.
- Coordinate with your TMO early; they will review the form before processing shipments.
- Upload or provide supporting documents (retirement orders, etc.) as required by your installation.
Always use the latest version from e-publishing.af.mil and follow any installation-specific instructions.
Time Limits for Home of Selection Moves
- Travel Completion: Requirements vary but are often within 1 year of the effective date for some entitlements, while recent JTR updates have extended the overall window for final HOS moves up to 3 years from the retirement date in many cases (confirm current rules with DFAS or your TMO).
- HHG Shipment: You can often schedule the move as soon as you have retirement orders, but delays are possible if you need time to decide on your final location.
- Missing deadlines can result in loss of entitlements or having to pay expenses yourself.
Common Questions About AF Form 2473 and HOS Entitlements
Can I choose any location in the U.S. as my Home of Selection?
Yes — unlike a standard HOR move, the HOS allows greater flexibility within the continental U.S. and specified territories. Overseas selections may be limited to the cost equivalent of a CONUS move.
What if I’m not sure where I want to settle yet?
You can use non-temporary storage while deciding. However, you must eventually establish a bona fide residence at the selected HOS to fully claim the entitlements.
Do I need to submit AF Form 2473 before my retirement date?
It is highly recommended to start the process well in advance. Contact your local Transportation Management Office (TMO/PPSO) as soon as you receive retirement orders.
Where do I submit the completed form?
Usually through your unit personnel section or directly to the TMO. They will coordinate with the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office (JPPSO) for move processing.
Next Steps for a Smooth Final Move
- Download and review AF Form 2473 from the official source.
- Schedule a pre-move counseling session with your installation TMO.
- Gather required documents: retirement/separation orders, dependent information, and proof of address if applicable.
- Consult the latest Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) for the most current rules on allowances and timelines.
- Consider working with a professional moving counselor or Military OneSource for additional transition support.
Properly completing AF Form 2473 ensures you receive the full travel and transportation benefits you earned through your service. Mistakes on the form can delay your move or reduce reimbursements, so double-check everything with official channels.
For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, visit:
- Air Force e-Publishing (for the form)
- Defense Travel Management Office (JTR)
- Your local Transportation Management Office
- DFAS military pay and travel sections
Planning ahead for your Home of Selection move can make your transition from military to civilian life significantly smoother. If you have questions specific to your situation, reach out to your TMO early — they are the experts in processing these entitlements.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official military guidance. Regulations can change; always verify with your chain of command, TMO, or DFAS for your personal circumstances.