Where to notify first: the post office, then everyone else
Start with the United States Postal Service. File a change of address form at usps.com, by phone at 1-800-275-8777, or in person at your local post office. The USPS will forward mail to your new address for 12 months. This is the fastest single step — it takes effect within three to five business days — and it catches most mail automatically.
After the post office, notify the places that send you mail or bills directly: your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, employer, and any subscription services. The post office forwards mail, but it does not forward packages, certified mail, or time-sensitive documents like tax forms. Those go to your old address unless you tell the sender.
Government agencies do not use the postal service's change of address system. You must contact them separately. The order matters less than the completeness — missing one creates a gap where bills or notices pile up at your old address or get lost.
Key Takeaways
- File a change of address with the USPS first, either online at usps.com, by phone, or at your local post office, and it takes effect in three to five business days.
- The post office forwards regular mail but not packages, certified mail, tax documents, or court notices, so you must notify senders directly for those.
- Banks, credit card companies, insurance, and employers need separate notification — do not assume the post office reaches them.
- Government agencies including the IRS, Social Security, and your state's DMV require you to contact them directly with your new address.
- Update your address with your employer and the IRS before tax season to avoid missing W-2 forms and refunds.
How to file with the USPS online or by mail
Go to usps.com and select "Mail & Packages" from the top menu, then "Change of Address." You will need your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. The form costs $1.10 online. You can pay by debit card or credit card. The USPS will send a confirmation postcard to your new address within a week to verify you live there.
If you prefer not to use the website, call 1-800-275-8777 and a representative will file the form over the phone. You still pay $1.10, and the process takes about five minutes. You can also walk into any post office with your ID and old and new addresses, and staff will file the form in person — this is the fastest way to get a confirmation.
The change takes effect three to five business days after you file. Mail sent to your old address will be forwarded for 12 months. After 12 months, mail stops being forwarded and returns to the sender marked "moved, left no address."
Notifying banks, credit cards, and insurance companies
Call the customer service number on the back of your credit card or bank statement. Have your account number ready. Tell them your new address and ask them to update it in their system. Most companies make the change within one business day. Some allow you to update your address online through your account portal — log in, find "Account Settings" or "Profile," and look for an address field.
For insurance — home, auto, health, or life — contact your agent or the company directly. Your address affects your premium for auto and home insurance, so updating it is important. Some insurers will not process a claim if your address on file does not match your policy.
Update your address with your employer's payroll or human resources department. This ensures your W-2 form arrives at the right place in January. If you miss this step and your W-2 goes to your old address, you may not receive it in time to file taxes, and the IRS will not have your correct address either.
Updating your address with the IRS and Social Security
For the IRS, file Form 8822 (Change of Address) if you expect a refund or correspondence. You can mail it to the address listed on the form — it varies by state — or file it online through IRS.gov if you have an account. The IRS recommends filing this before tax season. If you file your taxes electronically, the address on your return becomes your IRS address, so you do not need Form 8822 if you file before moving.
For Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID. You can also update your address online if you have a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Social Security uses your address to mail your benefit statements and notices.
If you receive Medicare, your address is linked to your Social Security record, so updating Social Security updates Medicare automatically. If you have a separate Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan, contact that plan directly to confirm your address is correct.
Updating your driver's license and vehicle registration
Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to find the process for your state — some allow online updates, others require you to visit in person or mail a form. You will need your driver's license number and new address. Some states charge a small fee, usually $5 to $15. The DMV typically processes address changes within one to two weeks.
Update your vehicle registration at the same time. In most states, you can do this online or by mail using the same DMV form. Your registration renewal notice will go to your new address once the change is processed. If you move before your registration expires, update it before the expiration date to avoid a lapsed registration.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the same DMV process applies. If you have a concealed carry permit, check your state's rules — some states require you to notify the issuing agency within a set number of days.
Notifying government agencies and utilities
Contact your state's Department of Revenue or tax agency if you file state income taxes. Most states allow you to update your address online through their tax portal or by mailing a form. This ensures your state tax refund reaches you.
For utilities — electric, gas, water, internet — contact each company at least two weeks before you move. They will close your account at the old address and open one at the new address. Ask about final billing and deposits. Some utilities offer a moving checklist on their website.
If you receive unemployment benefits, SNAP (food information), Medicaid, or other state benefits, contact your state's benefits office or update your address through your online account. Benefits are tied to your address, and mail about your case will go to the address on file.
If you are registered to vote, update your voter registration with your state or county election office. Most states allow online updates through their Secretary of State website. Voter registration is separate from your driver's license, even though they are often updated together.
What to do with mail that arrives at your old address
If you receive mail at your old address after you move, write "Return to Sender — Moved" on the envelope and put it back in the mail. Do not open it. The post office will return it to the sender, who will then have your correct address on file.
If you are still receiving mail at your old address months after moving, contact the sender directly. This usually means they did not receive your change of address notification. Give them your new address over the phone and ask them to update their records.
If you are concerned about mail going to the wrong place, ask the post office to hold mail at your old address for a few weeks while you contact senders. You can pick it up in person or have it forwarded to your new address.
Timeline and checklist for moving
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks before moving | Notify utilities, internet, and moving companies. Update address with employer and benefits agencies. |
| 2 weeks before moving | File change of address with USPS. Notify banks, credit cards, and insurance. |
| 1 week before moving | Update DMV and vehicle registration. Notify subscription services and any remaining senders. |
| Moving day | Confirm utilities are disconnected at old address and connected at new address. |
| 1 week after moving | Confirm USPS forwarding is working. Check that mail is arriving at new address. |
| Before tax season | File Form 8822 with IRS if you have not filed taxes yet at new address. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a change of address for someone else?
No. The USPS requires the person whose name is on the mail to file the change of address, or you must have a power of attorney. If someone in your household is moving and you are staying, they must file their own change of address. If you are moving a business, the business owner or authorized representative must file.
What happens if I file a change of address and then move again?
File a new change of address with the USPS for your second move. The new change of address overrides the old one. The USPS will forward mail from your first address to your second address for the remainder of the 12-month period, then stop.
Do I need to notify my landlord or mortgage company about my address change?
If you are moving out of a rental, your landlord already knows your new address from your lease or move-out notice. If you own a home and are moving, your mortgage company does not need notification for mail purposes — they have your address on the mortgage document. However, notify them if you want to change the mailing address for your mortgage statement.
How long does it take for the post office to forward my mail?
The change takes effect three to five business days after you file. Mail sent to your old address will begin forwarding when ready after that. Some mail, like packages and certified mail, may not be forwarded — check with the sender if you do not receive something important.
What if I move to a different state?
The USPS change of address works across state lines. However, you must update your driver's license and vehicle registration with your new state's DMV, and you may need to file a new voter registration. Contact your new state's tax agency to update your address for state income tax purposes.