Yes, you can change your address online through your Social Security account
You can update your mailing address on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website if you have a my Social Security account. This is the fastest way to make the change — it takes about five minutes and you do not have to visit an office or call. The change usually shows in SSA records within one business day.
If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you will need to create one first. The account requires your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a way to verify your identity — either a U.S. state-issued ID, passport, or military ID. Once your account is set up and verified, you can log in and update your address whenever you need to.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a verified my Social Security account to change your address online; creating one takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid ID.
- The online address change takes effect within one business day and is the fastest method available.
- If you cannot create an online account, you can change your address by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office.
- Social Security uses your mailing address to send you important documents like your Social Security Statement and notices about benefit changes.
- You should update your address as soon as you move to make sure you receive all mail from Social Security without delay.
Steps to change your address online
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your my Social Security username and password. If you do not have an account, select "Create an account" and follow the prompts to verify your identity. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a photo ID or passport.
Once you are signed in, look for "Personal Information" or "Profile Settings" in the menu. Select the option to change your mailing address. Type in your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check that the address is spelled correctly — Social Security will mail documents to exactly what you enter. Click "Save" or "Submit" to confirm the change.
You will see a confirmation message on the screen. Social Security will also send you an email confirming that your address was updated. Keep that email for your records. Your new address will be active in SSA records within one business day, though it may take longer for the change to reach all departments that use your file.
What to do if you cannot create an online account
If you do not have a state-issued ID, passport, or military ID, you cannot verify your identity online and will need to use another method. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Have your Social Security number ready, and a representative will update your address over the phone. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. A staff member will update your address on the spot. To find your nearest office, go to ssa.gov and use the "Find a Social Security Office" tool, or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask for the address and hours.
Why Social Security needs your correct address
Social Security mails you important documents at your address on file. These include your annual Social Security Statement (which shows your earnings history and estimated benefits), notices about changes to your benefits, tax forms for benefit income, and information about Medicare. If your address is wrong, you may not receive these documents in time to act on them.
If you move and do not update your address, your mail may go to your old address and get lost. This can delay you finding out about benefit changes, missing important date to report information, or not receiving tax documents you need. Updating your address as soon as you move prevents these problems.
How long the change takes to go into effect
If you change your address online, it takes effect within one business day. If you change it by phone or in person, it usually takes one to three business days. Social Security counts Monday through Friday as business days and does not process changes on weekends or federal holidays.
Even after your address is updated in Social Security's main system, it may take longer for the change to reach other agencies or contractors that use your information. For example, if you receive Medicare, you may need to update your address separately with Medicare. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your address change with Social Security also updates your SSI record.
Common mistakes to avoid when updating your address
The most common error is typing your address incorrectly — misspelling your street name, using the wrong ZIP code, or forgetting to include an apartment number. Take time to enter your address exactly as it appears on your mail or driver's license. If you are unsure of your ZIP code, you can look it up at usps.com before you update Social Security.
Do not assume that changing your address with one government agency changes it everywhere. Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, and your state's benefits programs all keep separate address records. If you receive benefits from multiple programs, you may need to update your address with each one. Check each agency's website or call to confirm your address is correct with them.
If you recently moved and are still receiving mail at your old address, do not ignore it. Open it to see if it is from Social Security. If it is, update your address right away so future mail goes to the correct place. If you moved out of state, make sure you enter your new state correctly — some benefits and tax rules depend on which state you live in.
What happens if Social Security has the wrong address
If Social Security has been sending mail to an old address and you did not receive important documents, contact them as soon as you realize the problem. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. A representative can tell you what documents were sent and may be able to resend them to your correct address or provide the information another way.
If you missed a important date because of a wrong address, explain the situation when you contact Social Security. Depending on what the important date was for, you may be able to request an extension or file a late report. Social Security understands that mail delays happen and will work with you to fix the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update my address with Social Security if I moved within the same city?
Yes. Even if you moved a few blocks away, update your address with Social Security. They use your exact address to mail documents, and a small change like a different apartment number or street can cause mail to be delivered to the wrong place.
Can I change my address on my Social Security card itself?
No. Your Social Security card does not have your address printed on it, so there is nothing to change on the card itself. You only need to update your address in Social Security's records, which you do through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at an office.
If I change my address online, will it also update my Medicare address?
Not automatically. Social Security and Medicare keep separate records. If you have Medicare, you should update your address with Medicare as well. You can do this on Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or by contacting your Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug plan directly.
What if I do not have email and cannot create a my Social Security account?
You do not need an online account to change your address. Call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative will update it for you over the phone, or visit your local Social Security office in person. Both methods are free and do not require email.
How do I know if my address change went through?
If you changed your address online, you will see a confirmation message on the screen and receive an email confirmation. If you changed it by phone or in person, ask the representative for a confirmation number or receipt. You can also log back into your my Social Security account a few days later to verify your new address appears there.