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

The fastest way is the Social Security website if you have a my Social Security account. You log in, go to your profile settings, and update your mailing address in a few minutes. If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and give your new address to a representative. The slowest but most direct route is walking into your nearest Social Security office with proof of your new address — you can find the office location on ssa.gov by entering your zip code.

Social Security uses your address to mail you notices, tax documents, and benefit statements. If you move and do not update it, important letters may go to your old place, and you might miss important date or not know about changes to your benefits. The address change itself is free and takes no more than a few minutes whichever way you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • The online my Social Security account is the fastest method and works any time of day without waiting on hold.
  • You can call 1-800-772-1213 during business hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday) to update your address over the phone.
  • In-person visits to your local Social Security office require proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
  • Social Security mails tax forms, benefit statements, and important notices to your address on file, so updating it prevents mail from going to the wrong place.

Creating and using a my Social Security account online

If you have never set up a my Social Security account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a U.S. mobile phone number or a credit card. Social Security will send a one-time code to your phone or email to confirm you are who you say you are.

Once you are logged in, click on your name or profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Profile Settings" or "Personal Information." Look for the mailing address field, delete the old address, type in your new one, and save the change. The update usually takes effect within a few days. You can check back in your account to confirm the address was recorded correctly.

The my Social Security account also shows your earnings record, lets you request a replacement Social Security card, and displays your benefit statement if you receive benefits. Keeping your account active means you can make future changes without calling or visiting an office.

Calling Social Security to update your address

Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you need to change your mailing address. Have your Social Security number ready, and be prepared to spell out your new street address, city, state, and zip code. The representative will read it back to you to make sure it is correct before hanging up.

Wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Early morning (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and mid-week calls usually have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. The call is free, and the address change takes effect within a few days.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator by typing your zip code. Walk in during business hours — most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have extended hours. Bring one document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license with your new address also works.

Tell the staff member at the front desk you are there to change your address. They will take your document, update your file, and give you a receipt. The change is recorded on the spot, though it may take a few days to appear in all Social Security systems. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can call ahead to ask about current wait times.

What documents prove your new address

Social Security accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements all work. Some offices also accept a government-issued ID with your new address, such as a state driver's license or passport.

If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Social Security will usually accept this as proof while you wait for a utility bill or lease to arrive.

Timing and what to expect after you update

An address change submitted online or by phone takes effect within 3 to 5 business days. An in-person change at an office is recorded when ready in that office's system but may take a few days to sync across all Social Security databases. If you are expecting an important letter — such as a notice about your benefits or a tax form — and you just moved, tell Social Security your new address as soon as possible.

Once your address is updated, all future mail from Social Security will go to the new location. If you submitted the change after Social Security already mailed something to your old address, that piece may still arrive there. You can contact your local post office and request mail forwarding, which will redirect letters to your new address for up to one year.

Changing your address if you receive benefits

If you receive Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, updating your address is especially important because Social Security mails your benefit statement and tax forms to the address on file. You can change it the same way — online, by phone, or in person — and the process is identical whether you work or receive benefits.

If you are receiving benefits and move without updating your address, you risk missing notices about changes to your payment amount, tax withholding, or other account matters. Social Security may also flag your account if mail is returned as undeliverable, which can delay future payments. Updating your address within a week of moving prevents these problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. Both methods work without an online account. Creating an account is optional but convenient if you plan to make changes in the future.

How long does it take for my address change to show up in Social Security's system?

Online and phone changes take 3 to 5 business days. In-person changes are recorded when ready at that office but may take a few days to appear everywhere in the Social Security system. If you need to confirm the change was processed, log into your my Social Security account or call to verify.

What if I moved but do not have a recent document with my new address?

Ask your landlord, property manager, or the person who rented you the space to write a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and current address. Social Security will usually accept this as temporary proof while you wait for a utility bill or lease to arrive in your name.

Do I need to change my address with Social Security if I already changed it with the post office?

Yes. Telling the post office to forward your mail does not update your address in Social Security's records. You must contact Social Security directly through one of the three methods — online, phone, or in person — to change your official address with them.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. Social Security requires you to make the change yourself for security reasons. If you cannot do it online, by phone, or in person, you can bring a trusted person with you to the office to help, but you must be present and verify your identity.