Complete Change of Address: Who to Notify When You Move

To prepare for your change of address, you should acquire boxes and packing supplies, rent a truck or hire professional movers, and start notifying the appropriate individuals and organizations. Doing this as early as possible is better to avoid any complications.

You can use this change of address checklist to determine who you need to notify.

The U.S. Postal Service

To forward mail to your new address, notify the post office by updating your address online at USP.com/move or picking up a Mover’s Guide packet. Use caution when filling out the change of address request, selecting the appropriate option for individual or entire family moves, and providing proper names as they appear in the mail. Each person with a different last name must complete a separate form. An identity verification fee of $1.10 applies for online updates to prevent fraud. The Mover’s Guide packet offers a free change of address option with coupons for moving-related products and services.

Tax agencies

Notify the federal revenue agency and your state tax agency of your change of address by calling them, sending a signed statement, or completing Form 8822. First, consult your tax preparer to determine the best method. Then, check your state’s government website for directions and complete the necessary forms to update your address with the state tax agency.

Social Security Administration

To update your address with the SSA for social security benefits, log into your My SSA Account, select “Update Contact Information,” and enter your new address and start date. Alternatively, call the SSA at (800) 772-1213. If you don’t have an account, quickly set one up and enter your new address. Those receiving SSI or without a U.S. mailing address should call the phone number or local SSA office.

Department of Motor Vehicles

Before settling in as a resident in a new state, you must get your change of address forms in order, including your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Our guides can assist you through this process.

Gas and electric companies

To avoid being without heat or electricity, arrange to transfer your electric service as soon as you know your new address and move-in date. Schedule shut off at your current location for the end of the moving day and service at your new place to start either the morning or the evening before move-in. Contact your Realtor or property manager for provider information, or check your new city or county’s website. Read our article on setting up utilities in your new home for further guidance.

Phone, cable, and internet

Contact your Realtor, property manager, or landlord if you need to terminate or transfer services with your current provider. Most providers allow you to initiate or terminate service and change your address online. If not, a quick phone call is usually sufficient.

Other utility companies

If you’re responsible for utilities at your new home, such as water, sewer, and garbage/recycling, notify the corresponding utility companies. Ask your Realtor, property manager, or landlord about your responsibilities and available properties. Once you have this information, you can initiate or terminate service and update your address with the utility companies.

Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance

Inform your home or renters insurance agency of your move and request that your policy be transferred. Check if your belongings are covered during the move and inquire about getting moving insurance if needed. 

Your employer

It’s essential to inform your employer of your change of address, even if your paychecks are directly deposited. This ensures that important documents such as tax forms and pay stubs are delivered to the correct address. Furthermore, notifying your employer of your new address can be helpful in case they need to contact your loved ones in an emergency.

Your bank and credit card company

Notify your bank and credit card company of your new address to receive important account information and statements. This can be done online through their website or app or by calling and speaking to someone directly. Also, remember to update your address for loyalty programs or store-specific credit cards.

Loan providers

To ensure you receive critical information about your student loans, update your address with your loan provider by going to their website or calling their customer service number. 

Insurance providers

Take the time to notify your health, dental, car, and life insurance agencies about your change of address. This can typically be done online or by contacting customer service. Remember that your new location may affect your car insurance rates, so updating your address is essential to avoid denied claims or fraud charges.

Other financial agencies

Ensure you inform any financial agencies you work with about your new address. This includes credit unions, credit reporting agencies, PayPal, IRA/401k administrators, and investment account holders. You can update your information online for some companies like PayPal and Charles Schwab, but others may require a phone call to your accountant or financial advisor.

Online shopping sites

To avoid the inconvenience of missed deliveries to your old address, you must create a list of the online stores you frequent the most and update your address with each. Ensure you update your shipping details immediately during your first purchase in your new location to prevent complications.

Business associates

Contact your vendors who deliver to your home if you work from home and update your mailing address. You can update your address by calling the vendors or through their website the next time you place an order. For services like FedEx, log in to your account and update your mailing address.

Clubs and organizations

When you move, it’s essential to inform the clubs, organizations, and charities you’re involved with of your new address to ensure you receive their mailers. To do so, you can either contact them directly or update your information on their website. Also, remember to update your address for memberships to stores such as Costco or Sam’s Club.

Individual service providers

When moving to a new location, you must let your doctor, dentist, veterinarian, and other service providers know about your new address. This will ensure that you receive bills and mail at the correct address. Additionally, if you’re moving further away, they can provide you with referrals to new providers in your new location.

Friends and family

Remember to inform your friends and family of your new address by sending a mass email. Changing your address in advance will prevent missing any mail. After updating your address with the bank, update the billing address for any stores or services connected to that account. Remember that finding lost items is more complicated than changing your address everywhere.

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