Most address changes cost nothing, but a few require small fees

Changing your address with the post office, your bank, your employer, and most government agencies is free. You fill out a form online or in person, and the change takes effect within days. The exceptions are a driver's license or state ID card — those typically cost $10 to $30 depending on your state — and a passport, which costs $130 to $200 depending on whether you need a new book or just a correction.

If you are moving and need to update multiple places, the post office change is the one that costs nothing and reaches the most organizations automatically. The USPS mail forwarding service costs $1.10 for a single address change online and $1.10 per address for multiple forwarding addresses, and it lasts for one year. After that, mail stops forwarding and returns to sender.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS mail forwarding costs $1.10 for one address and lasts one year; after that you must renew or mail returns to sender.
  • Driver's licenses and state ID cards require a fee of $10 to $30 in most states, and you must visit a DMV office in person.
  • Passports cost $130 to $200 for a new book or $35 to $110 for a correction-only amendment, depending on your situation.
  • Banks, employers, insurance companies, and most government agencies (Social Security, IRS, Medicare) change your address for free online or by phone.
  • Utility companies and subscription services change your address at no cost, though some may charge a reconnection fee if you move to a new service area.

Driver's License and State ID Card Fees

A driver's license or state ID card address change requires a visit to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent office. The fee varies by state: most charge between $10 and $30, though a few states charge nothing if you are only updating your address without renewing the card itself. Some states allow you to change your address online or by mail for free, but you will still need to visit in person if you need a new photo or if your card is expiring soon.

You will need to bring proof of your new address — typically a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring your current license or ID card and any documents showing your legal name if it has changed. Processing takes a few minutes to a few hours depending on how busy the office is, and your new card arrives by mail within one to three weeks.

Passport Address Change Costs

A U.S. passport does not require you to update your address with the State Department — the passport itself remains valid even if you move. However, if you want the address in your passport book to match your current location, you have two options, each with different costs.

A passport amendment (correcting information in your existing book without getting a new book) costs $35 by mail or $110 in person at a passport acceptance facility. This is the cheaper route if your passport is not expiring soon. A passport renewal (getting a new book with your new address) costs $130 for a standard book or $200 for an expedited book if you need it within two weeks. If your passport is damaged or your name has changed, renewal is your only option.

Bank and Financial Account Address Changes

Banks, credit unions, and investment firms change your address for free through their website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. The change usually takes effect within one to three business days. You do not need to visit a branch in person unless you want to, though some banks may ask you to verify your identity by phone or email before processing the change.

If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits set up, your bank will continue to process them at your new address without interruption. Credit card companies also change your address for free and will mail your new card to the updated address. If you move to a different state, your bank may require you to close your account and open a new one if they do not operate in that state, but this is rare for large national banks.

Government Agency Address Changes (Social Security, IRS, Medicare)

The Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and Medicare all change your address for free. You can update your Social Security address online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. The IRS accepts address changes through your online tax account, by mail with Form 8822, or through your tax preparer. Medicare address changes go through your Medicare.gov account or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

These changes typically take effect within two to four weeks. If you are receiving benefits, the agency will mail your next check or statement to your new address automatically. If you are expecting a tax refund or important mail, contact the agency before you move to make sure they have your new address on file.

Utility and Subscription Service Address Changes

Electric, gas, water, internet, phone, and streaming service providers change your address for free. You can update most of them online through your account portal, by phone, or in person at a local office. The change takes effect on your requested date, usually within three to five business days.

If you are moving to a new service area (a different city or region), your utility company may charge a reconnection fee of $25 to $100 to set up service at the new address, but this is a one-time setup fee, not a fee for changing your address. Some companies waive this fee if you are already a customer moving within their service territory. Subscription services like insurance, gym memberships, and online retailers change your address at no cost and do not require advance notice.

Employer and Tax Withholding Address Changes

Your employer changes your address for free through your HR portal, by email to your HR department, or in person. This is important because your employer uses your address to mail your W-2 form at the end of the year and to send any tax documents you may need. The change usually takes effect within one pay period.

If you are self-employed or a contractor, you can update your address with the IRS using Form 8822 by mail or through your online tax account. If you receive 1099 forms from clients or vendors, contact them directly to update your address so they mail your year-end tax documents to the correct location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address with the DMV if I move?

Most states require you to update your driver's license address within 30 to 60 days of moving, though enforcement varies. Even if it is not legally required in your state, updating it is practical because your license is often used as proof of address for banks, apartments, and government services. The fee is typically $10 to $30.

What happens if I do not renew my USPS mail forwarding after one year?

Mail sent to your old address will stop being forwarded and will be returned to the sender marked "addressee unknown." You can renew your forwarding order online or in person at the post office for another year at the same cost ($1.10). If you forget to renew, contact the sender and provide your new address.

Can I change my passport address without getting a new book?

Yes, through a passport amendment, which costs $35 by mail or $110 in person. An amendment adds a sticker with your new address inside your existing passport book. If your passport is expiring within the next year or two, renewal (getting a new book) may be more practical, even though it costs more, because you will need a new one anyway.

Will my bank account close if I move to a different state?

Most large national banks allow you to keep your account open when you move to a different state. You can change your address online or by phone at no cost. Some smaller regional banks may require you to close your account and open a new one in the state where you are moving, but this is uncommon. Call your bank before you move to confirm.

Do utility companies charge a fee to change my address?

Changing your address with a utility company is free. However, if you are moving to a new service area outside your current utility's territory, you may be charged a reconnection or set up fee of $25 to $100 to set up service at the new location. This is a one-time setup fee, not a fee for the address change itself.