You need to contact Social Security directly to change the address on your Social Security record
Social Security keeps a file with your name, number, and address. When you move, that address needs to update so the agency can reach you about benefits, tax documents, or account changes. You cannot change your address online through a government website — you must go to a Social Security office, call their national number, or mail a form to them.
The fastest route is usually a phone call to Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213. You will need your Social Security number and proof of your new address ready. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you prefer in person, you can walk into any Social Security office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-772-1213 to update your address by phone, which takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number and proof of your new address.
- Visit a local Social Security office in person with your Social Security card and a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your new address.
- Mail Form SS-8 (Statement Regarding Your Residence) along with proof of your new address to the Social Security office that serves your area.
- Social Security will not update your address based on a driver's license change or IRS records, so you must notify them separately.
- Address changes take effect when ready by phone or in person, but may take two to four weeks if you mail the form.
Calling Social Security to update your address
The phone line 1-800-772-1213 is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number ready and know your new address. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity by answering questions about your Social Security record, then will update the address in the system while you are on the call.
You do not need to provide proof of your address over the phone — Social Security accepts your word during the call. However, if you are receiving benefits, the agency may mail a verification form to your new address asking you to confirm it. Send that form back promptly so there is no delay in your benefit payments.
Call wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you reach a busy signal, hang up and try again in a few minutes rather than staying on hold.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
Walk into any Social Security office with your Social Security card and one document showing your new address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. You do not need an appointment — just arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn.
Bring the original document or a certified copy. A photocopy is usually not accepted. If your Social Security card shows an old address, bring that too so the representative can see what needs to change. The update happens when ready, and you will receive a receipt showing the change was made.
Office hours are typically 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, though some locations stay open until 5 p.m. on certain days. You can find your local office and its hours at ssa.gov by entering your zip code.
Mailing a form to Social Security
If you cannot call or visit an office, you can mail Form SS-8 (Statement Regarding Your Residence) to Social Security. read the form from ssa.gov, fill it out with your name, Social Security number, and new address, then sign and date it. Include one document proving your new address — a copy of a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement is fine.
Mail the form and proof to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the correct mailing address on ssa.gov by searching for your state and region. Mail takes two to four weeks to process, so use this method only if calling or visiting is not possible.
Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you do not hear back within a month, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the form arrived and was processed.
What counts as proof of your new address
Social Security accepts documents dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also work. A government-issued ID like a driver's license does not count as proof of address for this purpose, even if it shows your new address.
The document must show your name and the new address clearly. If you just moved and do not yet have a bill in your name, a lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord is acceptable. If you are staying with family or in temporary housing, ask Social Security what documents they will accept — options may be more flexible than the standard list.
When your address change takes effect
If you call or visit in person, the change is when ready. Social Security updates your record while you are on the phone or before you leave the office. If you are receiving benefits, your next payment will go to your new address if you update before the payment is processed for that month.
If you mail the form, allow two to four weeks. Social Security will process the form and update your address, then send you a confirmation letter to your new address. If you are receiving benefits and need the address changed before your next payment, call instead of mailing.
Updating your address in other places too
Changing your address with Social Security does not automatically update it with other agencies. If you receive benefits from Social Security (retirement, disability, or survivor benefits), you should also notify the benefits office directly. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), tell Social Security when you call about the address change, and they will update both your record and your benefits file.
You will also need to update your address separately with the IRS, your state's tax agency, your employer, your bank, and your insurance companies. Social Security does not share address changes with these organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update my Social Security address if I changed my driver's license address?
No. Social Security and your state's motor vehicle department keep separate records. Changing your driver's license address does not change your Social Security address, and vice versa. You must contact Social Security directly to update your address with them.
What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, call Social Security and explain your situation. A signed lease agreement, a letter from your landlord on their letterhead, or a recent bank statement showing your new address may work. Ask the representative what documents they can accept.
Can I update my address online through my Social Security account?
No. Social Security does not offer online address changes through their website or my Social Security account portal. You must call, visit an office, or mail a form. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized changes to your record.
How long does it take to update my address by mail?
Mailed forms typically take two to four weeks to process. If you need the change faster — for example, because your next benefit payment is coming soon — call 1-800-772-1213 instead. A phone call takes effect when ready.
Will my benefits be delayed if I change my address?
No. Updating your address does not pause or delay your benefits. If you change your address before your benefit payment is processed for the month, the payment goes to your new address. If you change it after the payment has already been sent, that payment goes to your old address, and the next one goes to the new address.