How to change your address in the US.
Are you planning to move? You have to follow several steps to change your address. In general terms, you will need to contact the post office, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), all the financial institutions with which you are a client and all your insurance companies and utility companies.
Note: Although this guide focuses on how to change your address if you live in the United States, the general recommendations may have broad application in many other countries.
United States Postal Service (USPS)
The post office is one of the first places you should send your change of address request. In most cases, it can be done online. Go to USPS.com/move and fill in the new contact information.
Alternatively, you can go in person to a post office and fill out a change of address form, which is usually found inside the “Moving Guide”.
You’ll also want to apply for mail forwarding service so that any mail sent to your old address is automatically sent to your new mailing address. It’s free for a limited time after a move.
Other Legal Address Changes
In addition to the post office, you must notify other government offices of your change of address. These include the DMV, the US Social Security Administration, the IRS, and sometimes the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Each has its own requirements.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
To change your address with the DMV, you may have to go in person, as it may require the creation of a new identification card. Also check online to see your options where you live.
Laws vary by state in terms of how long after an address change you are legally required to update your address with the DMV.
If you move to a new state, you will need a new ID and/or license. Most of the time, you will simply be able to apply for a new license in the new state, as long as your current driver’s license is still valid.
If you have a commercial driver’s license, check with the DMV you moved to for any additional requirements.
Vehicle records, such as registration information, will also need to be updated with the DMV.
Changing your ID cards should be your first priority, not only because there are legal requirements to do so, but also because you can use your ID as proof of address.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
If you’re filing your taxes using your old address, you can simply change it on the return, and that will be enough for the IRS to update their records. If you already applied this year, there is a change of address form: Form 8822.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
This is another change of address that you can do online. You likely already have an account if you’re receiving any type of Social Security benefit. If not, you can create a “My Social Security” account online, where you would include your new address.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
If you live in the United States but are not a US citizen, you may need to contact USCIS to change your registered address. You can change your address online if you have an online account. Otherwise, you will need to complete form AR-11.
State and local voter registration
If you are registered to vote, you will need to change your address at the elections office. Although this can usually be done online, contact the US Election Assistance Commission for more information about the requirements, especially if you’re moving to another state.
Financial institutions
It is also important that you change your address with any bank, credit card company or loan provider. Don’t forget retirement accounts (401K, IRA, brokerage accounts, etc.).
How to change your address in a financial institution? Your financial institution may have online services to make these changes, or you can do so by calling customer service to request a change of address in the system.
Landlord and employer
You must give your forwarding address to your landlord, if applicable. This is very important if you are expecting to receive a refund of your deposit after the inspection of the rental unit.
You must also give it to your employer. You may be able to do it electronically.
If you’ve worked for more than one employer in a year (or the previous year if you’re moving before filing your taxes), you’ll also need to tell your previous employers. This way, they can send your W-2 forms to your new address.
Public services
From a logistical point of view, utility address changes are critical. This could include services such as:
landline
electricity (you can change your service address OR cut off service at one address and re-contract with a new service provider at the new address)
cell phone
Internet
wire
gas
Water
You’ll need to call those that don’t allow you to change your address online, or where you haven’t set up an account online. See your most recent bill for more information.
Medical care
You will need to change your address on all types of health insurance. If you’re moving to another state, you may need to change insurance companies. What is required will depend on your specific circumstances.
Some pharmacies have multiple locations, and may not require any changes beyond updating their system. But if your pharmacy doesn’t have a branch near your new address, you’ll need to pick a new one to transfer any prescriptions.
Other insurers
You’ll also need to update all other types of insurance, such as home or renters insurance, general insurance, flood insurance, etc.
You may have to take out a new policy and possibly new levels of coverage or premiums.
Home delivery
Finally, remember to update your address with all subscription services and online delivery providers.
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