The fastest way to change your address at Social Security

You can change your address at Social Security in three ways: online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a local office. The online method is fastest — it takes about five minutes and your change shows up in their system within one business day. If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, creating one takes another five to ten minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address.

If you prefer not to go online, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Have your Social Security number ready. A representative will update your address over the phone, though processing takes three to five business days. You can also walk into any Social Security office in person with proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works — and they will change it when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The my Social Security online portal is the fastest method and updates your address within one business day.
  • You will need proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days) if you change it in person.
  • Phone changes take three to five business days to process, but you can do it from home without creating an online account.
  • Changing your address does not affect your benefits — it only updates where Social Security sends mail and documents.

Creating a my Social Security account to change your address online

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button on the homepage. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. Social Security will send you a verification code to your email — check your inbox and spam folder, then enter the code on their site. This step confirms you own the email address.

Next, Social Security asks you to verify your identity by answering questions about your financial history — things like which bank you used in 2015 or the amount of a past loan. These questions pull from credit reports, so answer based on what you actually remember explore for, not what you think the answer should be. If you answer incorrectly three times, you will be locked out for 24 hours. Once you pass identity verification, your account is active and you can log in when ready.

Updating your address in your my Social Security account

After you log into my Social Security, look for "Personal Information" or "Profile Settings" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on when your account was created. Click on the address field. Delete your old address completely and type in your new one, including apartment or unit number if you have one. Social Security's system will not let you submit a partial address, so make sure every line is filled in.

Click "Save" or "Submit" — again, the button name varies. You will see a confirmation message on screen saying your address has been updated. Social Security sends a confirmation letter to your old address within five to seven business days, so do not be alarmed when it arrives — this is normal. Your new address is active in their system right away, even though the letter is still in the mail.

Changing your address by phone

Call 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number ready before you call. When a representative answers, tell them you need to update your mailing address. They will ask you to confirm your date of birth and may ask a security question to verify you are who you say you are.

Give them your complete new address, including apartment or unit number. The representative will read it back to you — listen carefully and correct any mistakes before they submit it. They will give you a confirmation number on the call. Write it down. Your address change takes three to five business days to appear in Social Security's system, and you will receive a confirmation letter at your old address.

Changing your address in person at a Social Security office

Find your nearest Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask for the address and hours. Bring one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. A driver's license or state ID card is also helpful but not required if you have your Social Security card.

Walk in during business hours or call ahead to ask about wait times. Tell the receptionist you need to update your mailing address. A representative will take your document, copy it, and update your address on the spot. You will receive a receipt showing your new address. This is the only method where your change is final when ready — you do not have to wait for processing.

What happens after you change your address

Social Security will send all future mail to your new address. This includes your annual Supplemental Security Income (SSI) statement, Medicare information, and any notices about your benefits. If you are receiving benefits, the amount does not change — updating your address only changes where documents are mailed, not what you receive.

If you changed your address because you moved out of state, check whether your benefits are affected by state-specific rules. Most benefits work the same everywhere in the United States, but SSI has different rules in some states. Call 1-800-772-1213 if you moved out of state and want to confirm your benefits continue without interruption.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address

Do not use a P.O. box as your mailing address if you are receiving SSI benefits — Social Security will reject it. Use your street address instead. If you live in a care facility, use the facility's street address, not a room number alone. Social Security needs a complete, deliverable address.

Do not assume your change went through if you do not receive a confirmation. If you changed your address online and do not see a confirmation message on screen, log out and log back in to check whether it saved. If you changed it by phone and did not write down a confirmation number, call back to verify. If you changed it in person and did not receive a receipt, ask the representative for one before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my address change to show up?

Online changes appear in Social Security's system within one business day. Phone changes take three to five business days. In-person changes are when ready. All methods send a confirmation letter to your old address within five to seven business days, which is normal and expected.

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 a local Social Security office in person. You do not need an online account to update your address through either of these methods.

What if I moved and did not update my address — will my benefits stop?

No. Your benefits continue even if Social Security does not have your current address. However, mail sent to your old address may not reach you, so update it as soon as you can to avoid missing important notices about your account.

Do I need to bring anything if I change my address online?

No. Online changes require only your login information. You do not need to upload documents or provide proof of your new address. In-person changes do require proof of your address, but online and phone changes do not.

What counts as proof of address for an in-person change?

Social Security accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government-issued documents dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. A P.O. box receipt does not count as proof of a street address.