Confirm your old 401(k) balance and vesting status
Review the new employer’s retirement plan rules
Decide whether to leave the money in the old plan, roll it into the new plan, or roll it into an IRA
Contact the old plan administrator and request a rollover or distribution packet
Contact the new plan administrator to confirm whether it accepts rollovers from a 401(k)
Choose a direct rollover to avoid mandatory tax withholding
Provide the receiving account information for the new 401(k) or IRA
Select a rollover method: trustee-to-trustee transfer or check made payable to the new plan or IRA custodian
Complete all required forms and submit them to the plan administrator
Track the transfer until the funds are deposited into the new account
Verify the rollover amount and confirm the transaction is recorded correctly
Keep copies of all forms, confirmations, and statements for your records
Check for any fees, investment restrictions, or loan repayment requirements before moving the money