You can change your address online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office

The fastest way to change your mailing address with Social Security is through your my Social Security account online at ssa.gov. You log in, go to your profile settings, and update the address yourself — no waiting on hold. If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative, or walk into your local Social Security office with proof of identity and your new address.

Social Security uses your mailing address to send you statements, notices about your benefits, and tax documents. If you move and do not update it, important mail can be delayed or lost. The change usually takes effect within a few days once Social Security processes it.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through my Social Security is the fastest — you can change your address in minutes without calling.
  • You need a username and password to log into my Social Security; if you do not have an account, you can create one with your Social Security number and basic identity information.
  • By phone, call 1-800-772-1213 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time) and have your Social Security number ready.
  • In person, bring a photo ID and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease) to your local Social Security office.

Changing your address online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov and select "Sign in to my Social Security" in the upper right corner. Enter your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, select "Create an account" and follow the steps — you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a mobile phone number or email).

Once you are logged in, select "Profile" or "Settings" (the exact wording varies slightly). Look for "Address" or "Mailing Address" and select the option to edit or change it. Type in your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Review it for accuracy, then save the change. You will see a confirmation message on screen, and Social Security will send you an email confirming the update.

This method works for people who receive Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits, as well as those who have a my Social Security account but do not yet receive benefits. The change is usually live within one to three business days.

Changing your address by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. A representative will ask you to confirm your identity by answering questions about your personal history or verifying information on file. Once confirmed, tell them your new address and they will update it in the system.

Social Security's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

The representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down. The address change takes effect within a few business days, and you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail at your new address.

Changing your address in person at a Social Security office

Find your local Social Security office by going to ssa.gov, selecting "Locations," and entering your ZIP code. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the office nearest you. Most offices do not require an appointment for address changes, but some do — call ahead to check.

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and new address. The office staff will update your address on the spot, and you will receive a written confirmation before you leave.

Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some offices have extended hours on certain days. If you cannot visit in person, the phone or online method is faster anyway.

What counts as proof of your new address

Social Security accepts documents that show your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days works well. So do a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.

If you are moving to a new address but have not yet received mail there, you can use a signed lease or a letter from your landlord or property manager on official letterhead stating your new address and move-in date. A utility company letter confirming your service at the new address also works.

Do not use a PO box as your mailing address with Social Security — they need a physical street address. If you are moving to a place without a street address, ask the Social Security office staff what documents they can accept.

How long the change takes to show up

Once you submit your address change, Social Security usually processes it within one to three business days. If you changed it online or by phone, you will receive a confirmation letter at your new address within one to two weeks. If you changed it in person, you get a written receipt when ready.

If you are expecting important mail — such as a benefits statement, a tax form, or a notice about your account — and you just changed your address, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the change went through. They can tell you whether the mail has already been sent to your old address or will go to the new one.

What happens if you do not update your address

Social Security will continue sending mail to your old address. This means you might miss important notices about changes to your benefits, requests for information, or tax documents you need for filing your return. If mail piles up at your old address, you may not know about it until months later.

If you have moved and realize you have not updated your address, do it as soon as you can. If you are concerned that important mail went to your old address, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to resend recent documents to your new address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if someone else manages my Social Security account?

If a representative payee or a family member is authorized to handle your account, they can change your address by calling Social Security or visiting an office with proof of their authority. You can also change it yourself if you have access to your my Social Security account, even if someone else helps manage your benefits.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

If you are changing your address in person and do not have a driver's license or passport, bring other forms of ID such as a state ID card, tribal ID, military ID, or a combination of documents that prove your identity (such as a birth certificate plus a utility bill). Call your local Social Security office first to ask what they will accept.

Do I need to change my address with Medicare or Medicaid too?

Yes, those are separate systems. Changing your address with Social Security does not automatically update Medicare or Medicaid. Contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or log into Medicare.gov, and contact your state Medicaid office separately. Your state Medicaid office number is on your Medicaid card or available through your state's health department website.

Can I change my address if I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Yes, the same methods work for SSI. If you receive SSI, updating your address is especially important because SSI has strict rules about where you live, and Social Security needs to know your current address to manage your case correctly.

What if I am moving to a different state?

The process is the same whether you are moving across town or across the country. Update your address through my Social Security, by phone, or in person. If you receive SSI, contact your local Social Security office to make sure there are no state-specific requirements or changes to your benefits based on your new state of residence.