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U.S. President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania Trump holds the bible and his son Barron Trump looks on, on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. In today's inauguration ceremony Donald J. Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States© Getty Images

When does Donald Trump officially take office as president? Here's a timeline

The future 47th president will be joined by his Vice President, JD Vance

Ahad Sanwari
Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
November 6, 2024
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After a tight race, the highly contested race for the office of President of the United States was called in favor of Donald Trump, who won the electoral votes required and is currently leading the popular vote.

At 78, he will become the oldest person to take the Office, returning after a four year break during Joe Biden's term, a race that Trump lost in 2020.

As of writing, Trump has been named the President-elect, although not all of the states have declared their victor. Trump still leads in the battleground states of Nevada and Arizona, and is expected to win handily in Alaska.

WATCH: Donald Trump claims 'magnificent victory' as he looks set for White House return

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee and his main opponent, currently holds 224 electoral votes, but is expected to win Maine, granting her two additional votes. This would still give Trump the victory, with his 312 votes to Harris' 226.

But when does the former President officially return to the White House? And what other key dates do we need to keep in mind beforehand? Here's a full timeline…

November 7 onwards — election certification

From November 7 onwards, just two days after election day, states will begin certifying their election results, starting with Delaware. This process continues up until early December, concluding with battleground states like Arizona and Wisconsin.

Donald Trump greets supporters during a campaign event at the Rocky Mount Event Center on October 30, 2024 in Rocky Mount© Getty Images
Donald Trump emerges victorious in the electoral college vote

November 11 — transition briefings

November 11 is when the official transition of power begins, with various state agencies briefing incoming officials from the Trump administration on key parts of the office they will be ascending to.

MORE: Donald Trump congratulated by world leaders on election victory

December 17 — electoral college vote

On December 17, the electors from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia will meet to cast their ballots, one each for President and Vice President.

Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally at Jenison Field House on the Michigan State University campus on November 03, 2024 © Getty Images
Kamala Harris is expected to be part of the inauguration as she leaves her role as Vice President

These votes are then sent to the National Archivist and the President of the Senate in Washington D.C., and are scheduled to arrive by the fourth Wednesday in December, which this year happens to be Christmas Day.

MORE: Why Donald Trump's Access Hollywood tape is going viral again 8 years later — what happened

January 6 — counting of the electoral votes

The electoral votes are officially counted by Congress, which reconvenes a few days earlier on January 3, 2025 to certify Trump as the new President of the United States, and JD Vance as his Vice President.

U.S. President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania holds the bible and his children Barron, Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany watch as U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts (R) administers the oath during inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States on the West front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. January 20, 2017© Getty Images
The inauguration will be a repeat of Trump's prior ceremony on January 20, 2017

It is this same date that now lives in infamy due to the events of January 6, 2021, the insurrection of the Capitol during this very procedure. The transition of power is expected to be more peaceful this year.

MORE: Meet JD Vance's three children he's shielding from 'scrutiny'

January 20 — the inauguration

The inauguration ceremony each term takes place on January 20, with first the Vice President taking the oath of office and being sworn in, followed by the President around noon. 

First Lady Melania Trump, Karen Pence, President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, former president Barack Obama, former vice president Joe Biden, Michelle Obama and Jill Biden stand on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. In today's inauguration ceremony Donald J. Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States© Getty Images
The outgoing President and Vice President, plus their partners, are usually present as well

This will be Trump's second inauguration, after being sworn into the office on January 20, 2017 with then-Vice President Mike Pence, and his family members are expected to be by his side once again. While Trump did not attend Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2021, the incumbent President is expected to make an appearance two and a half months from now.

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