Last updated 1 month ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.
Moving ranks among life’s most stressful events, combining excitement with logistical chaos. While packing boxes and hiring movers capture most attention, updating your address with dozens of agencies and companies proves equally critical for protecting your identity, securing finances, and maintaining legal standing.
This guide follows a typical moving timeline, prioritizing the most critical notifications first. Start with federal agencies and work through state requirements, financial institutions, utilities, and personal services.
Federal Government and Mail Forwarding
United States Postal Service
Filing a Change of Address with USPS should be your first step, not your last. This service redirects most mail from your old address for up to 12 months, providing crucial backup for correspondence you might otherwise miss.
The USPS forwards First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and packages for 12 months. Magazines and newsletters get forwarded for 60 days. Marketing mail typically gets discarded rather than forwarded.
How to file your change of address:
Online: The most efficient method requires a credit or debit card for identity verification. The USPS charges approximately $1.25 for online requests. Use only the official USPS website, as third-party sites charge significantly higher fees for the same service.
In-person: Visit any Post Office and request a Mover’s Guide packet containing PS Form 3575. Complete the form and submit it with government-issued photo identification. This method is free.
The USPS sends confirmation letters to both your old and new addresses as a security measure against fraudulent address changes.
Critical limitation: USPS mail forwarding serves as a temporary safety net, not a permanent solution. The service does not automatically update your address with other government agencies or private companies. The IRS, Social Security Administration, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services explicitly state their records require direct notification regardless of USPS forwarding status.
Internal Revenue Service
Notifying the IRS of your new address carries legal weight. The agency considers any notice sent to your last known address as properly delivered, regardless of whether you receive it. Missing a notice of deficiency or other critical communication triggers continued penalties and interest on outstanding tax liabilities.
How to notify the IRS:
On your tax return: Use your new address when filing your next federal income tax return. This automatically updates IRS records once processed.
By mail: Complete and mail Form 8822, Change of Address for personal returns. Business address changes require Form 8822-B. Processing takes four to six weeks.
By phone or written statement: Call the IRS or send a signed letter including your full name, old and new addresses, and Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Joint filers must have both spouses sign the letter.
Social Security Administration
The SSA suspends benefits if they cannot contact you by mail, even when payments arrive via direct deposit. This policy affects recipients of Social Security retirement, survivor, disability benefits, and Medicare enrollees.
How to notify the SSA:
Online: Update your information through my Social Security account. Log in and change your mailing address under the “My Profile” tab. This represents the fastest and most convenient method.
By phone or in-person: Supplemental Security Income recipients cannot use the online service. Call 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security office directly.
This update affects benefit and correspondence records only. You do not need to report address changes for your physical Social Security card.
Department of Veterans Affairs
The VA has streamlined address changes through a centralized VA.gov profile. One online update covers multiple benefits:
- VA health care, including prescriptions and appointment reminders
- Disability compensation
- Pension benefits
- Claims and appeals
- Veteran Readiness and Employment
Critical exceptions: Several VA programs maintain separate record-keeping systems requiring direct contact:
Education Benefits (GI Bill): Call 888-442-4551 Home Loan Benefits: Call 877-827-3702 CHAMPVA: Call 800-733-8387 or mail a signed address change request Life Insurance: Contact Prudential for VGLI or call the VA Insurance Center at 800-669-8477 for other policies
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Non-U.S. citizens must report address changes within 10 days of moving. This requirement carries legal force under immigration law, and non-compliance can affect immigration status.
The USPS does not forward any mail from USCIS, making direct notification essential for receiving case-related documents.
How to notify USCIS:
Online: Use the Enterprise Change of Address tool through your USCIS Online Account. This method updates your address immediately and applies the change to all pending cases.
By mail: Mail Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card. USCIS discourages this method because it does not automatically update addresses for pending applications or petitions.
| Agency | Primary Method | Key Form | Critical Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Online | N/A | Temporary safety net. Does NOT update your address with other agencies. |
| IRS | On tax return; Mail | Form 8822 | MUST notify directly. Notices sent to your old address are legally binding. |
| SSA | Online | N/A | MUST notify directly. Benefits can be suspended if they can’t reach you by mail. |
| VA | Online | N/A | Centralized for many benefits, but you MUST contact Education, Home Loan, and others separately. |
| USCIS | Online (E-COA tool) | Form AR-11 | Legal requirement to report within 10 days. USCIS mail is NOT forwarded. |
State and Local Compliance
Department of Motor Vehicles
Updating your driver’s license and vehicle registration carries legal deadlines ranging from 10 days in New York and Arizona to 60 days in Georgia. Penalties for non-compliance include fines and other legal consequences.
How to update DMV records:
Procedures vary significantly by state. Check your state’s official DMV website for specific requirements.
Online: Many states offer convenient online portals for address changes.
By mail: Some states require downloading and mailing specific change-of-address forms.
In-person: Commercial Driver’s License holders or those ineligible for online services may need office visits.
Critical pitfall: Many state systems maintain separate databases for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration. Updating your license does not automatically update vehicle registration records. When changing your address, explicitly confirm the update applies to both your driver’s license and all registered vehicles. Complete separate transactions if the online system requires it.
Voter Registration
Moving to a new address places you in a different voting precinct. Update your voter registration to participate in local, state, and federal elections.
How to update voter registration:
At the DMV: The National Voter Registration Act allows registration updates when changing your driver’s license address. You must actively select this option during the DMV transaction.
Online: Most states provide online voter registration portals accessible through the federal vote.gov website.
By mail: Download and mail the National Mail Voter Registration Form or use state-specific applications.
Moving to a different state requires new registration rather than transfer. Consider canceling your previous state registration to maintain accurate voter rolls.
State Tax Authorities
State tax agencies require direct notification separate from IRS updates. Procedures vary significantly by state.
How to notify state tax agencies:
Online tax portals: Many states offer secure online account management systems like California’s MyFTB portal or Georgia’s Tax Center.
Paper forms: Some states provide specific change-of-address forms requiring mail submission.
On state tax returns: Use your new address when filing your next annual state income tax return.
If moving to a state with income tax for the first time, register with their tax authority.
Financial Institutions
Banking and Credit
Update your address with every financial institution holding your accounts, including banks, credit unions, and all credit card issuers from major providers to retail store cards.
Why this matters:
Security: Mail theft enables identity fraud. Preventing sensitive documents like bank statements, new credit cards, and PINs from reaching your old address provides crucial protection.
Billing: Your billing address verifies identity during online transactions. Incorrect billing addresses cause declined purchases.
Communication: Timely receipt of account statements and important notices requires current addresses.
How to update addresses:
Online banking: Log into your account and navigate to profile or settings sections.
Mobile apps: Many banking applications allow direct contact information updates.
By phone: Call customer service numbers on the back of debit or credit cards.
Important consideration: Large financial institutions often maintain separate departmental records. Updating your credit card address may not change checking account, mortgage, or investment account information. Ask representatives specifically: “Will this update my address for all accounts and services with your institution?”
Loans and Debts
Every lender needs current addresses to ensure bill delivery and legal document receipt. Missing payments due to lost bills results in late fees, negative credit reporting, and credit score damage.
Who to notify:
Mortgage lenders: Your mortgage holder needs current addresses for billing and tax documents like annual mortgage interest statements.
Auto loan providers: Update addresses with auto lenders. This often requires separate DMV vehicle registration updates since lenders appear as lienholders on vehicle titles.
Student loan servicers: Update federal student loan information through the Federal Student Aid website. Contact private student loan servicers directly.
Personal loan providers: Contact institutions holding personal or unsecured loans.
Most lenders provide online account management portals for easy address updates.
Insurance Coverage
Address changes affect insurance coverage, premiums, and policy validity. Insurance companies use addresses as primary risk assessment factors, so moves typically trigger policy term reviews. Failing to report moves promptly can result in denied claims or policy cancellation for misrepresentation.
Auto insurance:
Notify your auto insurance company immediately. Your premium will likely change because insurance rates depend on ZIP codes where vehicles are garaged. Local traffic density, accident rates, weather patterns, and crime statistics all influence premiums.
Moving to new states requires new policies complying with different state minimum coverage laws.
Homeowners or renter’s insurance:
You cannot transfer existing homeowners policies to new properties. Each property requires a new policy based on specific characteristics like age, construction type, location, and risk factors including proximity to fire stations or flood zones.
Contact your insurance agent immediately after your purchase offer is accepted. Mortgage lenders require proof of insurance before closing dates.
Do not cancel old home policies on closing day. Wait until the sale completes officially and you have fully vacated the property. This protects against last-minute deal failures or final move-out issues.
Health, dental, and vision insurance:
Moving triggers Special Enrollment Periods for ACA marketplace plans, allowing plan changes. Moving to new states requires new plan enrollment since coverage operates state-specifically.
For employer-sponsored plans, notify Human Resources departments to update records with insurance providers.
Update Medicare addresses through the Social Security Administration since the agencies share records.
Life insurance:
Contact life insurance providers or agents directly to update mailing addresses for premium notices and correspondence.
Pet insurance:
Update addresses with pet insurance companies if you maintain policies for your animals.
Investments and Retirement
Maintain current addresses with investment and retirement account administrators to receive year-end tax documents like Form 1099, account statements, trade confirmations, and other important communications.
Who to notify:
Brokerage firms: Contact firms like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Vanguard where you maintain brokerage accounts. Most offer online address changes through customer portals.
Employer-sponsored retirement plans: Update addresses through employer HR or benefits portals and directly with plan administrators managing the accounts.
Pension plan administrators: Contact administrators for pension plans from current or former employers if you are receiving or vested in benefits.
Other investment accounts: Include 529 college savings plans, IRAs, and managed investment accounts.
Financial professionals:
Inform professionals managing your financial and legal affairs including accountants, financial advisors, tax preparers, and attorneys. They need correct information for tax filing, estate planning, and ongoing legal cases.
Utilities and Home Services
Utility Transfer Timeline
Proper utility scheduling ensures essential services like electricity and water function on moving day without paying for services at your old residence after departure. Plan brief service overlaps where new home services activate the day before moving in and old home services disconnect the day after moving out.
Some utilities depend on others. Modern gas furnaces and water heaters with electronic ignitions require active electricity before gas companies can safely turn on and test appliances.
Research and contact providers (2-4 weeks before moving):
Moving to new service areas requires identifying local utility providers. City or county government websites provide excellent resources for municipal services like water and state-regulated providers for electricity and gas.
Schedule service activation (day before moving in):
Water and sewer: Typically provided by local municipalities. You may need proof of residency like lease agreements or closing documents to open accounts.
Electricity: Contact local electric companies to schedule service starts.
Natural gas: Arrange gas utility activation. This may require appointments if technicians need home access to light pilot lights.
Trash and recycling: Contact city sanitation departments or designated private haulers to arrange service and learn pickup schedules.
Schedule service disconnection (day after moving out):
Contact old utility providers to schedule service termination at former addresses. Request final meter readings to ensure billing only for actual usage. Provide new mailing addresses for final bills.
Schedule installation appointments (book early):
Internet, cable/satellite TV, and phone: These services often require technician home visits for installation. Appointment slots fill quickly during peak moving seasons like summer. Book appointments at least one month in advance to secure convenient times.
Home security systems: Contact monitored alarm system providers to schedule service and equipment transfers to new homes or arrange new installations.
Employment, Health, and Personal Services
Work and Professional Life
Employer: Inform Human Resources departments of new addresses. Even with direct deposit, employers need correct addresses for mailing important documents like pay stubs, benefits information, and year-end tax forms. Current addresses are crucial for emergency contact purposes.
When leaving jobs, provide previous employers with new addresses for final paychecks and W-2 forms.
Professional licensing boards: State-issued professional licenses for doctors, nurses, lawyers, pharmacists, real estate agents, and other professions often legally require address change reporting within 30 to 60 days. Non-compliance can result in penalties or fines.
Healthcare Providers
Maintaining continuity of care and communication with healthcare teams is essential.
Doctors, dentists, and specialists: Inform primary care physicians, dentists, optometrists, and medical specialists of moves to ensure appointment reminders, test results, and billing statements reach correct addresses.
When moving to new areas, ask current providers for referrals and request medical record copies for new doctors.
Veterinarians: Notify veterinarians of new addresses. When moving out of area, request pet medical records and ask for referrals.
Pharmacies: Update addresses with pharmacies to prevent prescription refill, insurance billing, and communication issues.
Subscriptions and Memberships
The number of services and memberships tied to mailing addresses can surprise movers. Create a personalized monitoring system by paying attention to every piece of non-junk mail, package delivery, and email newsletter for one to two months before moving. Keep running lists of senders to identify everyone requiring notification.
Common subscriptions and memberships to update:
- Magazines and newspapers
- Subscription boxes like meal kits or grooming products
- Gyms, health clubs, and fitness studios
- Professional associations and trade organizations
- Alumni associations
- Community groups, PTAs, and local clubs
- Loyalty and rewards programs
Digital and Online Accounts
Physical addresses integrate deeply into digital lives. Failing to update digital addresses can cause packages to ship to old homes after one-click purchases or ride-sharing services to dispatch to wrong locations.
Digital footprint checklist:
E-commerce websites: Update default shipping addresses on all online shopping sites including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and other retailers with saved profiles.
Payment services: Change addresses in digital wallet and payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
Mapping and transportation apps: Update saved “Home” locations in Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, Uber, and Lyft to ensure accurate navigation and correct pickup/drop-off locations.
Food delivery services: Update addresses in apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats.
Smart home apps: Update locations within smart home device apps like Nest thermostats or Ring doorbells. This is important for features relying on local weather data or geofencing.
Personal Connections and Final Details
People and Institutions
Friends and family: Send mass emails, text messages, or use free online announcement services to share new contact information. Knowing about your move does not mean they know your new address.
Schools and daycares: Provide new addresses to children’s schools, daycares, and after-school programs for official mailings and emergency contact records.
Landlords: Formally provide previous landlords with new forwarding addresses in writing for timely security deposit returns. Confirm new landlords have correct contact information on file.
Places of worship and community centers: Update addresses with churches, synagogues, mosques, or other community organizations to continue receiving newsletters and staying connected.
Final Touches
Return address labels: Order new address labels or stamps. Discard old ones to avoid confusion.
Pet microchip registry: Contact registry companies like HomeAgain, AVID, or 24Petwatch to update contact information. Microchips only work effectively if they lead back to current owners. This represents one of the most important steps for reuniting with lost pets.
Business contacts: Send professional notifications of address changes if you run businesses, freelance, or have regular clients. Update addresses on websites, business cards, and online business directories.
Emergency contacts: Review and update designated emergency contacts with employers and other relevant organizations to reflect new addresses and phone numbers.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
