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

The fastest way to update your address with Social Security is through your my Social Security account online at ssa.gov. You can make the change yourself in minutes without calling or visiting an office. If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. You can also walk into any Social Security office with proof of your new address and a document showing your identity.

Social Security uses your address to mail you important notices, tax documents, and benefit statements. If you move and do not update your address, you may miss critical information about your benefits or account. The change takes effect when ready when you make it online or by phone, though mail sent to your old address may take a few days to stop arriving.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online through my Social Security at ssa.gov without calling or visiting an office.
  • By phone, call 1-800-772-1213 and have your Social Security number and new address ready.
  • In person, bring a government-issued ID and a document showing your new address to any Social Security office.
  • The change takes effect right away, though mail in transit to your old address may still arrive.
  • If you receive benefits, updating your address ensures you keep getting payments and important notices.

Changing your address online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov and sign in to your my Social Security account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your email address, Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or bank account). Once you are signed in, look for the "Profile" or "Personal Information" section and select the option to change your address.

Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check that everything is spelled correctly, because Social Security will use this address for all future mail. Click save or confirm, and the change is complete. You will see a confirmation on the screen, and Social Security will send you a confirmation letter to your new address within a few days.

Changing your address by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready, along with your new address. A representative will ask you to confirm your identity by answering questions about your Social Security record. This usually takes a few minutes.

Once your identity is confirmed, tell the representative your new address. They will read it back to you to make sure it is correct. The change takes effect when ready, and you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

Changing your address in person at a Social Security office

Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring two documents: one showing your identity (such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one showing your new address (such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The address document does not have to be in your name if you can explain the connection — for example, a utility bill in a spouse's name at your new address works.

Walk in during office hours or schedule an appointment online if your office offers that option. Tell the representative you need to change your address, and they will update it in the system while you wait. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address.

What documents prove your new address

Social Security accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, insurance policies, bank or credit card statements, and government mail. A cell phone bill typically does not work because it does not show a physical address.

If you are moving to a new address but do not yet have a document in your name, bring a lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord, or a utility bill in a household member's name along with a note explaining your relationship. Social Security is flexible about this — the goal is to confirm you actually live there, not to reject you on a technicality.

If you receive Social Security benefits

Updating your address is especially important if you receive retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. Social Security mails your benefit statement and important notices to your address on file. If you move and do not update your address, you might miss a notice about a change to your benefits or a required action.

If you receive benefits by direct deposit, your payments will continue to your bank account even if your address is out of date — but you still need to update it so you receive other mail. If you receive a paper check, updating your address ensures the check reaches you at your new location.

How long the change takes to show up

When you change your address online or by phone, the change is active in Social Security's system right away. However, mail that was already in the system before you made the change may still go to your old address. It can take a few days for all the mail streams to catch up.

If you are expecting an important document and you just moved, consider calling Social Security to confirm they have your new address before the document is mailed. If a piece of mail does arrive at your old address, you can ask the person living there to forward it to you, or contact Social Security to request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I do not have my Social Security card?

Yes. You do not need your card to change your address. You only need your Social Security number, which you can find on tax documents, bank statements, or previous Social Security mail. When you change your address online, you will need to verify your identity, which does not require the card.

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 at a local office. Social Security will mail your confirmation letter to your new address regardless of which state it is in.

Do I need to change my address if I only moved temporarily?

If you are moving temporarily (for example, for a few months), you can update your address to your temporary location and then change it back when you return. Alternatively, you can leave your permanent address on file and have mail forwarded through the post office. Either way works.

What if I change my address and then move again before receiving my confirmation letter?

Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and update your address again. You can change your address as many times as needed. Each time you make a change, Social Security will send a new confirmation letter to your most recent address.

Can someone else change my address for me?

Only you can change your address online or by phone, because Social Security verifies your identity. If you are unable to make the change yourself, a representative payee or legal guardian can change it in person at a Social Security office with proper documentation of their authority.