Defense Personal Property System (DPS) is a comprehensive and user-friendly electronic platform designed to facilitate the process of military members and their families’ moves. Managed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), DPS streamlines the management of personal property shipments, making it more efficient and transparent. In this article, we will explore the significance of DPS, the various types of military property, the process of creating a DPS account, accessing the system, and checking the status of Personally Procured Moves (PPM) or “Do-It-Yourself” moves.
DPS is an essential tool that connects military service members and their families with commercial transportation service providers for the relocation of personal property. The system aims to simplify the moving process, ensure timely and secure shipments, and provide greater visibility into the status of the move for all parties involved. DPS consolidates the management of household goods (HHG), unaccompanied baggage, and privately owned vehicles (POVs) into one centralized platform, reducing administrative burdens and improving customer satisfaction.
What are the Different Types of Military Property?
In the context of military moves, various types of property can be transported through DPS:
Household Goods (HHG): This category includes the furniture, appliances, and personal belongings of military members and their families. DPS handles the shipment of HHG from the current duty station to the new one.
Unaccompanied Baggage (UB): UB consists of essential items that a service member may need immediately upon arrival at their new duty station, such as clothing, personal hygiene products, and basic kitchenware. DPS ensures the timely delivery of UB to the destination.
Privately Owned Vehicles (POVs): For service members who are authorized to ship their personal vehicles, DPS coordinates the transportation of POVs to the new duty station.
How to Create a DPS Account?
To access and use DPS, military members need to create a DPS account. The process is straightforward and typically involves the following steps:
- Military members should first reach out to their local Transportation Office or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) to initiate the move process.
- The Transportation Office will provide instructions on creating a DPS account. It may require specific personal details, such as the member’s name, Social Security Number, and contact information.
- With the necessary information at hand, the military member can visit the DPS website and follow the prompts to create their account.
- As an additional security measure, DPS may require identity verification through multi-factor authentication, such as a one-time code sent to a mobile device or email.
Once the account is set up, the military member can log in to DPS to begin the move process.
Pay Status at Destination
During the move process, military members may encounter the term “Pay Status at Destination” (PSD). PSD refers to the time when the military member has arrived at their new duty station, and their housing and other allowances, such as Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), are calculated based on the cost of living at the new location. Being in PSD means that the member is eligible to receive these allowances at the destination.
Accessing DPS
Military members can access DPS through the official website, which is operated and maintained by the DoD. The website provides a secure and user-friendly interface that allows members to manage their personal property shipments efficiently.
To access DPS, military members need their account credentials, which they create during the account registration process. They can log in to the system using their username and password, along with any additional authentication requirements implemented by the DoD for enhanced security.
Defense Personal Property System Number
When using DPS, military members are assigned a unique identifier known as the Defense Personal Property System Number. This number is crucial as it links the member’s account with their specific personal property shipment records. The DPS number helps track and manage the progress of the move, ensuring smooth coordination between the military member, the Transportation Office, and the commercial transportation service provider.
Checking PPM Move Status
A Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a “Do-It-Yourself (DITY)” move, is when a military member chooses to arrange their own move and receive a monetary reimbursement. To check the status of a PPM move, military members can follow these steps:
- Access DPS using your account credentials, including your username and password.
- Once logged in, navigate to the appropriate section to view your move status. This section may be labeled as “My Moves” or “Move History.”
- The DPS system provides real-time updates on the status of your move, including any changes or notifications.
- If you have questions or concerns about your PPM move status, you can contact the DPS customer support team for assistance.