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

The fastest way is the online tool at ssa.gov if you have a Social Security account and a valid email address. You can update your mailing address in minutes without calling or visiting an office. If you do not have an online account or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 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 identification.

Social Security uses your address to mail benefit checks, tax documents, and important notices about your account. If you have moved or are about to move, updating your address prevents mail from going to the wrong place and keeps your account current. The process itself takes no more than a few minutes, and you do not need to bring documents if you use the online method.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at ssa.gov is the fastest option if you have a Social Security account and can verify your identity with an email address.
  • You can call 1-800-772-1213 to update your address over the phone without visiting an office.
  • Bring a government-issued ID and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) if you visit a Social Security office in person.
  • Your address change takes effect when ready online or by phone, but allow 5 to 7 business days if you update it in person at an office.

Updating your address online through your Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov and sign in to your Social Security account. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same page by clicking "Create an account." You will need a valid email address and a way to verify your identity—Social Security will ask you to answer security questions or confirm information from your credit history.

Once you are signed in, look for the "Profile" or "Account Settings" section. Select the option to update your address or contact information. Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Review the information for accuracy, then submit. You will see a confirmation message on screen, and the change takes effect right away. Social Security will send a confirmation letter to your new address within 5 to 10 business days.

This method works only if you have internet access and a valid email address. If you run into trouble creating an account or signing in, you can call Social Security's customer service line for help, but you will still need to complete the address change through one of the other methods.

Changing your address by phone

Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number ready. A representative will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your personal information or recent financial activity. This usually takes a few minutes.

Once you are verified, tell the representative your new address. They will read it back to you to confirm it is correct. The change takes effect when ready, and you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

Phone lines can be busy, especially early in the morning or on Mondays. If you cannot reach someone, try calling later in the day or on a different day of the week. You do not need to schedule an appointment—just call and wait in the queue.

Changing your address in person at a Social Security office

Find your nearest Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment for an address change, but you can request one to avoid a long wait. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your number) and a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport.

You will also need proof of your new address. Social Security accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent document, ask the office staff what other proof they will accept.

Tell the clerk you want to update your address. They will fill out the form with you, verify your identity, and process the change on the spot. The change takes effect when ready in their system, though it may take 5 to 7 business days to appear in all of Social Security's records. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address.

What happens after you change your address

Social Security will mail a confirmation letter to your new address within 5 to 10 business days. This letter shows your name, Social Security number, and the address on file. Keep it for your records. If you do not receive a confirmation letter within two weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to make sure the change went through.

If you receive benefits, your next check or direct deposit will be unaffected—Social Security processes payments before mailing address changes take full effect. Future benefit statements, tax documents (Form SSA-1099), and any other mail from Social Security will go to your new address. If you changed your address because you moved, make sure to update your address with other agencies too, such as the IRS, your bank, and your employer.

If you need to change your address for a dependent or someone you represent

If you are a parent or guardian changing the address for a child's Social Security account, you can do it online if you have access to their account, or by phone or in person using the same methods above. You will need to verify your relationship to the child and provide their Social Security number.

If you are a representative payee (someone who manages benefits for another person), you can update their address using the same three methods. Social Security will ask you to verify your authority to make changes on their behalf. If you are unsure whether you have this authority, ask the Social Security office before you visit or call.

What to do if your address change does not go through

If you updated your address online or by phone but still receive mail at your old address after two weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number ready. A representative can look up what address is currently on file and correct it if there was a mistake.

If the address was entered incorrectly (for example, a wrong ZIP code or misspelled street name), ask the representative to fix it right away. They can do this over the phone. If the system shows your new address but mail is still going to the old one, it may be a postal service issue—contact your local post office to see if they can forward mail to your new address.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you change your address online or by phone, it takes effect when ready. If you change it in person at an office, it may take 5 to 7 business days to appear in all of Social Security's records. You will receive a confirmation letter within 5 to 10 business days no matter which method you use.

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

Yes. You can use your Social Security number instead of the card itself. If you do not know your number, you can bring other documents that show it, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement. At an office, bring a government-issued ID and proof of your new address.

What if I moved but do not have a recent utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

Social Security accepts other documents dated within the last 60 days, such as a mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail, or insurance policy. If you do not have any of these, ask the office staff what other proof they will accept. Some offices may accept a signed letter from a landlord or a recent lease without a utility bill.

Do I need to update my address with Social Security if I only receive a one-time payment?

If you received a one-time payment and do not expect to receive benefits in the future, updating your address is not required. However, if there is any chance you will receive future benefits or tax documents, it is a good idea to keep your address current.

Can I change my address to a P.O. box instead of a street address?

Social Security prefers a street address, but you can use a P.O. box if that is your only mailing address. When you enter it, make sure to include the full P.O. box number. If you have both a street address and a P.O. box, provide the street address—it is more reliable for mail delivery.