Departure checklist
A printable from Leaving the US Checklist. Fill it in by hand. Nothing you write is collected by this website.
Departure checklist
As soon as you decide
- Talk with an immigration lawyer or accredited representative
- Pick a leaving date: ____________
- Talk with family about who takes care of what
- Stop signing long term contracts
2 to 3 months before
- Order certified birth certificates for each child born here (more than one copy)
- Get apostilles on the birth certificates
- Apply for each child's U.S. passport (Form DS-11, in person, both parents or Form DS-3053)
- Ask about your home country's nationality or passport for each child
- Check that your own passport is current
- Request school records, report cards and any IEP or 504 plan, in writing (California schools have 5 business days)
- Request medical and vaccine records for everyone
- Ask your lawyer about requesting your immigration records
1 month before
- Give written notice to your landlord (at least 30 days if month to month)
- Ask about an IRS sailing permit (apply 2 weeks to 30 days before you leave)
- Get your final paycheck. File a wage claim if you are owed pay
- Get extra prescriptions and a medicine list
- Sell or ship the car. Send the DMV release of liability within 5 days of a sale
The last week
- Set stop dates for power, water, internet and phone
- Decide on your bank account
- Give a trusted person your new address and permission to watch your mail
- Take move out photos of your home
- Pack originals (birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, school and medical records) in your carry on bag, with copies in another bag
Do not write Social Security numbers or bank details on this sheet.
From Leaving the US Checklist. Facts checked October 21, 2026. Free information, not legal or medical advice.