How to Change Your Mailing Address With Social Security

The fastest way to change your Social Security mailing address

You can change your mailing address with Social Security in three ways: online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — the change takes effect when ready once you log in and update your address. If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov in about 10 minutes using your email, Social Security number, and proof of identity.

If you call or visit an office, the change typically takes 5 to 7 business days to process. You will need to provide your Social Security number and the new address. Social Security does not mail a confirmation letter automatically, so if you need proof the change went through, ask the representative for a written confirmation or check your my Social Security account a week later to verify the address appears correctly.

Key Takeaways

Creating a my Social Security account and updating your address online is the fastest method and takes effect the same day.
You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office, though these methods take 5 to 7 business days to process.
You will need your Social Security number and the correct new address, including ZIP code.
If you receive benefits by direct deposit, changing your mailing address does not affect your bank account — only where Social Security sends mail.

Setting up a my Social Security account to change your address online

Go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account" in the upper right corner. You will need your email address, Social Security number, and a way to prove your identity — either a state ID or driver's license number, or answers to questions about your credit history. The system will ask for your date of birth and address as it currently appears in Social Security's records.

Once your account is created and verified, log in and select "My Profile" from the menu. Click "Address" and enter your new mailing address. The system will ask you to confirm the address is correct before saving. After you click save, the change is complete — you do not need to wait for a confirmation email or letter.

If you do not have a state ID number or driver's license, or if you cannot answer the credit history questions, you can still create an account by visiting a Social Security office in person with your Social Security card and photo ID. A representative will verify your identity and set up the account for you on the spot.

Changing your address by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number and new address ready before you call. The representative will ask you to confirm your date of birth and current address, then will record your new address.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number or reference number for your records. Write it down along with the date and time of your call. The address change will take 5 to 7 business days to appear in Social Security's system. If you do not see the change reflected after a week, call back with your reference number and ask them to check the status.

Changing your address in person at a Social Security office

Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). You do not need an appointment for an address change, but offices can have long wait times, especially early in the week and early in the month.

Tell the representative at the window that you need to change your mailing address. They will ask you to confirm your date of birth and current address, then will enter the new address into the system. Ask for a written confirmation slip showing the new address and the date the change was made. Keep this slip in case you need to prove the change was submitted.

What happens if you move before your address change goes through

If you are moving soon and your address change has not processed yet, contact Social Security again before you move. Give them your new address instead of the old one. If mail arrives at your old address after you have moved, contact your local post office and ask them to forward it to your new address — the Postal Service can forward Social Security mail for up to 12 months.

If you receive Social Security benefits and your mailing address changes, your benefit payments themselves are not affected if you receive them by direct deposit to your bank account. Only the address where Social Security sends letters and notices will change. If you receive a paper check, updating your address ensures the check goes to the right place.

Changing your address if you do not have internet or a phone

Visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring your Social Security card and photo ID. This is the only method that does not require a phone call or internet connection. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by location. Call ahead at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your office's hours before you go.

If you have difficulty traveling to an office, you can ask a trusted family member or representative to make the change on your behalf. They will need to bring a signed letter from you giving them permission, along with their own photo ID and your Social Security number. Some offices may ask for additional documentation, so call ahead to ask what you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online changes through my Social Security take effect when ready. Phone and in-person changes take 5 to 7 business days. If more than a week has passed and you do not see the change, call 1-800-772-1213 with your reference number to check the status.

Do I need to change my address if I get benefits by direct deposit?

Your direct deposit payments will continue to your bank account regardless of your mailing address. However, Social Security will still mail you letters and notices about your account, so updating your address ensures you receive those documents at the correct location.

Can someone else change my address for me?

Yes, if you give them written permission. They will need to bring a signed letter from you, their photo ID, and your Social Security number to a Social Security office. Some offices may require additional documentation, so call 1-800-772-1213 beforehand to ask what is needed.

What if I do not have a state ID or driver's license to create a my Social Security account?

You can visit a Social Security office in person with your Social Security card and any photo ID (passport, tribal ID, or military ID work). A representative will verify your identity and create the account for you, or they can change your address directly without creating an account.

Will changing my address affect my Social Security benefits?

No. Your benefit amount and payment schedule will not change. Only the address where Social Security sends mail will be updated. If you receive benefits by direct deposit, your bank account information remains the same.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.