Start with the post office, then move to banks and subscriptions

The fastest way to change your address is to file a change of address form with the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can do this online at usps.com, by phone at 1-800-275-8777, or in person at your local post office. USPS will forward your mail to your new address for up to 12 months, which gives you time to notify other organizations. After you file with USPS, contact your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any subscription services you use — these organizations won't know about your move unless you tell them directly.

The order matters because mail forwarding buys you time. If you miss notifying a creditor or service provider, their mail will still reach you at your new address for several months. However, some critical documents — like tax forms, legal notices, and loan statements — should be updated when ready rather than relying on forwarding. Start with USPS, then work through your financial accounts and regular subscriptions within the first week.

Key Takeaways

  • File a change of address with USPS online, by phone, or in person; mail forwarding lasts up to 12 months and costs around $1.10 for online filing.
  • Contact your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and loan servicers directly — they will not automatically know your new address.
  • Update your address with the IRS, your state's tax authority, and your employer's payroll department to avoid missing tax documents and W-2 forms.
  • Notify your utility companies, internet provider, and any subscription services at least two weeks before moving so service is set up at your new location.
  • Update your driver's license and vehicle registration with your state's DMV within the timeframe required by your state, usually 10 to 60 days after moving.

What USPS mail forwarding covers and what it doesn't

USPS mail forwarding will redirect most first-class mail, including letters and bills. It does not forward packages, magazines, or mail addressed to "Resident" or "Occupant." If you order packages regularly, you will need to update your address with each retailer individually. Magazines and subscriptions require separate notification to the publisher. Mail forwarding also does not explore to certified mail, registered mail, or mail requiring a signature — these will be returned to the sender if you are not at the address on the envelope.

The forwarding period is up to 12 months for a permanent move. If you are moving temporarily, USPS offers a shorter forwarding period of 15 days, 30 days, or 6 months. Once the forwarding period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender or discarded. This is why updating critical accounts — especially financial institutions and government agencies — should happen before the forwarding period expires.

Financial accounts and credit cards

Contact your bank, credit card companies, and any investment or retirement accounts to update your address. Most banks allow you to change your address online through their website or mobile app, by calling their customer service number, or by visiting a branch in person. Credit card companies typically have a phone number on the back of your card for address changes. Update these accounts within the first week of moving, because banks use your address to verify your identity for large transactions and to send important statements.

If you have a mortgage or auto loan, contact your lender directly to update your address. Lenders are required to send you loan statements and notices at your current address, and missing these documents can affect your ability to handle disputes or refinancing. If you have student loans, update your address with your loan servicer — the organization that collects your payments, not necessarily the lender that originated the loan. You can find your servicer's contact information on your loan statement or at studentaid.gov.

Government agencies and tax documents

Update your address with the IRS by filing Form 8822 (Change of Address) if you expect a tax refund or have outstanding tax matters. You can mail the form to the IRS address listed in the instructions, or file it online through IRS.gov. If you have a state income tax return, update your address with your state's tax authority as well — contact information is available on your state's department of revenue website. These updates may support you receive tax refunds, notices, and any correspondence related to your tax account.

If you are employed, notify your employer's payroll or human resources department of your address change so your W-2 form reaches you at the correct location. If you receive Social Security benefits, update your address with the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting ssa.gov. If you receive unemployment benefits, update your address with your state's unemployment office. These agencies send important documents and notices, and an outdated address can delay benefits or cause you to miss important date.

Utilities, internet, and subscription services

Contact your electric, gas, water, and internet providers at least two weeks before moving to schedule disconnection at your old address and connection at your new address. Most utilities allow you to schedule these changes online or by phone. Provide your new address and the date you want service to begin. If you do not schedule in advance, you may arrive at your new home without utilities, or you may be charged for service at your old address after you leave.

Update your address with any subscription services you use, including streaming services, software subscriptions, meal kits, or magazine subscriptions. Most services allow you to update your address in your account settings online. If you have automatic payments set up, make sure the billing address matches your new address to avoid payment failures or delivery issues. For services that ship physical items, updating your address ensures packages arrive at the correct location.

Driver's license and vehicle registration

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to update your driver's license and vehicle registration within a specific timeframe after moving — this ranges from 10 days in some states to 60 days in others. Check your state's DMV website for the exact important date. You can usually update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Some states charge a small fee for address changes, while others do not.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your vehicle registration to the DMV. If you are updating your address online, you may be able to complete the process without visiting an office. Updating your registration is important because law enforcement uses the address on your registration to contact you, and insurance companies use it to calculate your rates. An outdated address can also cause problems if you are pulled over or involved in an accident.

Employer records and professional licenses

If you are self-employed or have a business, update your address with the IRS, your state's business registration office, and any professional licensing boards that regulate your field. If you hold a professional license — such as a real estate license, nursing license, or contractor's license — contact the licensing board in your state to update your address. Many boards require address updates within 30 days of moving. You can usually do this online through the board's website or by mailing a form.

If you have a professional mailing address separate from your home address, decide whether to keep it or change it. Some professionals maintain a business address for mail and a separate home address for personal correspondence. If you are changing your professional address, notify your clients, colleagues, and any organizations where you are listed as a member or practitioner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does USPS mail forwarding cost?

USPS mail forwarding costs $1.10 for online filing and $1.10 for in-person filing at the post office. Phone filing through 1-800-275-8777 costs $1.10 as well. The fee covers forwarding for up to 12 months. If you need forwarding for a shorter period, the cost is the same.

What happens if I don't update my address with my bank?

Your bank will continue sending statements and notices to your old address. If mail forwarding is active, you will eventually receive them. However, if forwarding expires or the bank's mail is not may be able to access for forwarding, you may miss important notices about fraud, account changes, or required actions. This can delay your response to problems and affect your account security.

Do I need to update my address with my insurance company?

Yes. Your insurance company uses your address to calculate rates, send policy documents, and contact you about claims. If you move to a different state or a significantly different area, your rates may change. Contact your homeowners, renters, auto, and health insurance providers to update your address and confirm your coverage is still appropriate for your new location.

How long does USPS mail forwarding take to start?

USPS typically begins forwarding mail within three to five business days of filing your change of address. If you file online, forwarding can start as soon as the next business day. Mail filed in person at the post office usually starts within one to two business days. During this waiting period, mail sent to your old address will not yet be forwarded, so notify critical accounts before your move date.

Can I change my address if I'm renting?

Yes. Your address change with USPS, government agencies, and financial institutions does not depend on whether you own or rent your home. However, make sure your lease or rental agreement is updated with your new address, and notify your landlord of any address changes for official correspondence. If you are breaking a lease early or have security deposit questions, keep your landlord's contact information current.