2024 Transition Timeline

The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 established important procedures that the federal government must follow to prepare for the transfer of power after a presidential election that results in a new incoming administration. Unless otherwise specified, the milestones listed below are legal requirements laid out in that law, which has been amended several times to strengthen presidential transitions.

November 2023

12 months before presidential election

  • The General Services Administration develops a transition directory with information on federal agencies​.
  • The GSA produces a report summarizing modern transition activities and relevant resources.

May 2024

6 months before presidential election

  • The president establishes the White House Transition Coordinating Council, which is chaired by the president’s chief of staff and composed largely of senior White House officials. The council provides overall oversight and guidance to agencies and the federal transition coordinator.
  • Each agency designates a senior career employee to oversee transition activities. That person is the agency transition director and serves on the Agency Transition Directors Council.
  • The Agency Transition Directors Council begins to meet regularly​.
  • The General Services Administration’s federal transition coordinator reports to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on transition preparations.

August 2024 – November 2024​

After nominating conventions through presidential election

After nominating conventions through presidential election

  • The General Services Administration begins providing preelection office space and support to the major candidates on one of the first three business days following the last major party nominating convention, scheduled to end on Aug. 22, 2024.
  • Three months before the election, the federal transition coordinator reports to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on transition preparations.
  • No later than Sept. 1, the GSA enters memorandums of understanding with eligible candidates regarding support services.
  • No later than Sept. 15, heads of agencies ensure succession plans are in place for noncareer positions.
  • No later than Oct. 1, the GSA negotiates memorandums of understanding with transition teams, including agreement by transition teams to implement and make public their ethics plans.
  • No later than Nov. 1, the Agency Transition Directors Council ensures that transition briefing materials are prepared.

November 2024 – July 2025

Post-election ​(if there is a change in administration)

  • On the day following the election, the GSA begins to provide office space and support services to the president-elect and vice president-elect, with support continuing up to 60 days after the inauguration.
  • A classified summary regarding national security is given to the president-elect as soon as possible after the election.
  • Thirty days before the expiration of the term, the GSA initiates support to the outgoing president and vice president, with assistance continuing for seven months total.