The fastest way to change your address with Social Security
You can change your Social Security address online through your personal account at ssa.gov/myaccount, which takes about five minutes and requires no paperwork. If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative, or visit your local Social Security office in person with proof of your new address.
Social Security does not automatically pull your address from other government agencies, so you need to notify them directly. The address you register with Social Security is what they use to mail your benefits statement, tax documents, and any official notices — so updating it matters even if you receive benefits by direct deposit.
Key Takeaways
- Creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount lets you change your address online without calling or visiting an office.
- If you call 1-800-772-1213, have your Social Security number and proof of your new address ready, though the representative can often verify your identity by asking security questions instead.
- Visiting a local Social Security office requires a government-issued ID and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
- Social Security processes address changes within one to two weeks, so mail sent to your old address during that time may arrive late.
- Changing your address with Social Security does not automatically update it with Medicare, the IRS, or your state — you will need to contact those agencies separately if you receive benefits from them.
Creating a my Social Security account to change your address online
The online method is the simplest if you have not yet created a my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a password. Social Security will ask you security questions based on your credit history to verify your identity — these are questions only you should know the answer to, like the name of a previous employer or the amount of a past loan.
Once you are logged in, select "Profile" or "Personal Information" (the exact wording varies slightly), then find the address field. Enter your new address, confirm it, and submit. You will see a confirmation message on screen, and Social Security will send a confirmation email to the address you registered with your account. The change typically takes effect within one to two weeks.
If you already have a my Social Security account, log in and follow the same steps — go to your profile, update the address field, and submit. You do not need to create a new account.
Calling Social Security to report your address change
Call 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number ready. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity — they may ask your date of birth, mother's maiden name, or other security questions, or they may ask you to verify information from your Social Security record.
Tell the representative your new address and spell it out if it is unusual or has numbers that could be confused (like "O" versus "zero"). The representative will repeat it back to you to confirm. Ask them to note the date of the change in your record. The call usually takes five to ten minutes.
Social Security processes phone-reported changes within one to two weeks. If you are expecting important mail, you can ask the representative to note in your record that you have moved, which may help if mail arrives at your old address and you need to request it be forwarded.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Enter your zip code and the site will show you the nearest office, hours, and phone number. Some offices require you to make an appointment; others take walk-ins. Calling ahead is safer — you can confirm they are open and ask whether you need an appointment.
Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it. The document should be recent — usually dated within the last 60 days, though Social Security staff can tell you if an older document is acceptable.
Tell the representative you want to change your address on file. They will update it in the system while you wait. Ask them to give you a receipt or confirmation, and note the date. The change takes effect when ready in their system, though mail processing may take one to two weeks to catch up.
What counts as proof of your new address
Social Security accepts documents that show your name and new address together. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowners insurance policy also works. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail (like a tax notice or voter registration card) are acceptable if they show your current address.
Documents do not have to be in your name alone — a joint utility bill or lease with a spouse or household member is fine. The document should be dated within the last 60 days, though older documents may be accepted if you explain why you do not have a recent one (for example, if you just moved and your first bill has not arrived yet). If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your local office before you visit.
How long the address change takes to process
Online changes through my Social Security usually take effect within one to two weeks. Phone and in-person changes also take one to two weeks to fully process, though the representative updates your record when ready when you are in the office or on the phone.
During that one- to two-week window, mail sent to your old address may still arrive there. If you have a mail forwarding order with the post office, mail will be forwarded automatically. If you do not, ask a family member or the new resident to forward important mail to you, or contact Social Security directly if you do not receive something you expected.
Updating your address with other agencies at the same time
Changing your address with Social Security does not automatically update it with Medicare, the IRS, the Veterans Administration, or your state. If you receive benefits from any of these, you will need to contact them separately.
For Medicare, log into your account at medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For the IRS, file a change of address form (Form 8822) online at irs.gov or mail it to the address shown on the form. For Veterans benefits, update your address at va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000. For state benefits, contact your state's department of human services or social services office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have a government ID or proof of my new address?
Call your local Social Security office and explain what documents you have. They may accept alternative documents or allow you to bring a combination of documents that together prove your identity and address. Some offices can verify your identity through security questions instead of requiring an ID, though this varies by location.
Can someone else change my address for me?
A representative can change your address if you call and authorize it, or if you give someone power of attorney over your Social Security matters. If you are unable to call or visit, ask a family member to call on your behalf — the representative may ask security questions to verify your identity, and your family member can provide those answers if you brief them first.
What if I moved but do not know my new address yet?
Wait until you have a confirmed address before updating Social Security. If you are in temporary housing, you can provide that address and update it again once you move permanently. There is no penalty for changing your address more than once.
Will changing my address affect my benefits?
No. Changing your address does not change the amount you receive or your may be able to access. It only updates where Social Security sends your mail and documents.
What if I moved to a different state?
The process is the same — use my Social Security, call, or visit a local office in your new state. If you receive state benefits in addition to Social Security, contact your new state's benefits office to update your address there as well.