Here’s how to change your address when moving
By Melanie Fourie•Last updated Aug 19, 2022
Last updated Aug 19, 2022
Table of Contents
- 1. Notify the U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
- 2. Give your leasing office or landlord a heads up
- 3. Inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- 4. Update your voter registration details
- 5. Change your billing address
- 6. Keep your employer in the loop
- 7. Tell the IRS
- 8. Notify your insurance companies
- 9. Contact your utility companies
- 10. Inform your service providers
- 11. Alert your kids’ schools of your address change
- 12. Change your address on memberships and subscriptions
- 13. Update the address in your online store accounts
- FAQs
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Moving in itself can be overwhelming and stressful. Besides the actual move, relocating also involves an extensive list of tasks that must be completed before you can call it a day. One of the most important tasks you must complete: changing your address.
When moving, it’s important to update your mailing lists and accounts. But it can be hard to keep track of everything—and everyone—you need to notify. That’s where a change-of-address checklist comes in handy. Be sure to tick off the following tasks on your address change list before your next move.
1. Notify the U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
Let the USPS know about your address change at least 2 weeks before your move. This helps ensure your mail is rerouted to your new residence in time.
According to the USPS website, a request for a temporary or permanent change of address is known as a COA. If you prefer, you can fill out a COA PS Form 3575 at your local Post Office or submit it online. (Note that printing a PS Form 3575 from your desktop computer is not currently available.)
Although mail forwarding may begin as soon as three business days after your COA request is received, it’s best to give yourself that two-week buffer. Also, the USPS Hold Mail feature can keep your mail secure for up to 30 days at your local post office. This service may be best if you’re still moving back and forth between locations to tie up loose ends. You’ll need to use the forwarding service if you want the post office to hold your mail longer.
2. Give your leasing office or landlord a heads up
If you’re renting your home, tell your leasing office or landlord that you’re planning to move. Review your contract to find out how much written notice you need to provide before relocating. Otherwise, you may have to pay an extra fee. For example, your lease may require notice of termination at least 60 days in advance.
3. Inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
It’s important to notify government agencies like the DMV when you change addresses. This helps ensure that the details on your driver’s license, vehicle registration or non-driver ID card are updated.
Keep in mind that the process may differ slightly by state. Visit your current DMV’s website, or call them, to get step-by-step instructions. If you’re moving out of state, be sure to follow the rules laid out by the DMV in your new state and your current state.
4. Update your voter registration details
Updating your voter registration details is vital, as it can affect your eligibility to vote. Note that this is only necessary if you plan on relocating to another part of your state. If you’re moving out of state, you’re required to register in your new state.
You may update your registration digitally, or via email or phone. As with many government agencies, the rules may vary by state, so make sure you’re following the correct steps for yours.
5. Change your billing address
Contact all of your banks and update your billing address before your move to avoid having key financial documents, such as credit card statements, sent to your old address instead of your new one. Debit card issuers and credit card companies should be informed of your address change, even if you use paperless billing and buy online. Essential announcements, revised cards and special offers should not be left in the hands of the wrong people.
6. Keep your employer in the loop
If you’re not self-employed, notifying your employer of your upcoming move should be near the top of your priority list. Double-check your employer’s relocation policy, and make sure you follow it to avoid issues with your pay, insurance and other work benefits.
7. Tell the IRS
The IRS website says that if your address is changing, you should notify them. Otherwise, you may experience issues, such as delays, with your tax refund and other notifications.
Let the IRS know about your address change by filling out their forms, sending a written letter or calling the agency. Keep in mind that it can take four to six weeks for the IRS to process your change-of-address request. So the earlier, the better.
8. Notify your insurance companies
Relocating may mean contacting several insurance providers. Even if you already informed your employer of the change in your living arrangements, find out whether your dental and medical insurance providers want you to fill out any paperwork as well. Also notify your car insurance and renter’s insurance providers of your change of address.
You may also want to inform your dentists’ or doctors’ offices of your move directly. They should be able to transfer your records to your new healthcare provider, and possibly refer you to professionals in your new area.
9. Contact your utility companies
Every time you move, make sure you turn off the utilities at your old address. Then set up your new utilities at your new home. When ending an old service or establishing a new one, the best place to begin is the utility company’s website. You may also call them for instructions on how to do this.
10. Inform your service providers
These service providers may include your cable company and Internet Service Provider (ISP). You can avoid inconveniences like unpaid bills and service interruptions by updating your location before you hit the road. Keep track of your incoming correspondence to remember which businesses you need to alert. Most service providers can be contacted by phone, online or email.
11. Alert your kids’ schools of your address change
Your children’s school(s) will want your address change information as well. The school district(s) will most likely need to be informed that you have relocated. Find out what steps you should take. You may want to visit the school, call them or fill out and send the required change-of-address forms.
12. Change your address on memberships and subscriptions
Do you have a gym membership? A food delivery subscription? In some cases, like with a gym membership, you’ll want to simply change your gym location from your old city to your new city. In other cases, you may decide to keep the current location. It depends on your specific circumstance.
13. Update the address in your online store accounts
If you shop online often, change your address ASAP to avoid having your orders sent to the wrong location. In most cases, you can update your address in the accounts you created online or by visiting the retailer’s app or website. Once you make the update, click “Save” if that option is available so you don’t have to repeatedly enter your new address.
Also, for any current items that are in the mail, find out the exact delivery dates. Hopefully, you can arrange for the orders to arrive at your new address in time for your move. If not, you may want to ask a trusted neighbor, friend or landlord to keep an eye out for any packages you might miss.
FAQs
When should you change your address?
Generally speaking, you should begin alerting people 30 days before relocating. Correspondence could be in the form of a personal visit, mail, email or telephone. You could also update address changes online via an organization’s website.
There are, however, instances where a change-of-address notification requires less time before moving. For example, the USPS asks that you provide 2 weeks’ notice. Still, it’s always best to do it sooner rather than later to avoid a rush or losing mail.
What is the first thing you should do when you change your address?
When it comes to certifying your new address, the post office is an excellent place to start. You may only receive mail at your new location if you establish a mail forward with the USPS. It’s as easy as filling out an application online.
You should also notify your employer and landlord as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to change your address?
When you change your address online, expect to pay a fee of $1.10. Your credit or debit card and email address are required as well.
How do I notify Social Security of a change of address?
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security benefits, you may inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) via its website. If you can’t access this service, you can contact this government department at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY). You could also visit a Social Security office near you.
Do I need to tell the IRS I moved?
Yes, the IRS needs to be made aware of your move. Address changes may be communicated to the IRS in several ways. For instance, you may fill in your new address on your tax return form if you’re filing before relocating. You may also inform the IRS by telephone or through the post office. Or, fill out the appropriate forms.
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