You can change your address online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office
Social Security keeps your mailing address on file to send you notices, tax documents, and payment information. If you move, you need to update that address so mail reaches you. The fastest way is through your my Social Security account online — you can do it in minutes without calling or visiting an office. If you don't have an online account, you can call Social Security directly or walk into a local office with proof of your new address.
The method you choose depends on whether you have internet access and how quickly you need the change recorded. All three routes — online, phone, and in-person — update the same record, so there's no advantage to one over another except speed and convenience.
Key Takeaways
- The my Social Security online account is the fastest way to change your address and takes about five minutes if you already have a login.
- If you don't have an online account, you can call Social Security's main number (1-800-772-1213) and speak to a representative who will update your address over the phone.
- You can also visit your local Social Security office in person with 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 plan ahead if you're moving and want to avoid missed mail.
Changing your address through my Social Security online
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one first — this requires your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file). Once you're logged in, look for "Personal Information" or "Profile Settings" in the menu.
Click on the option to change your address. Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check that everything is spelled correctly, because Social Security will mail documents to exactly what you type. When you're done, click save or submit. You'll see a confirmation message on screen, and Social Security will send you an email confirming the change.
The online method is available 24 hours a day, and the change usually shows up in Social Security's system within one to two weeks. If you're moving soon, do this as early as possible so there's no gap where mail goes to your old address.
Calling Social Security to update your address
Call 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number ready, and be prepared to provide your new address. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity by answering questions about your Social Security record, such as your date of birth or the names of people on your account.
Tell the representative your complete new address — street, city, state, and ZIP code. Ask them to repeat it back to you to make sure it's correct. They'll confirm that the change has been recorded and let you know when to expect it to appear in the system. The whole call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how busy the line is.
Wait times can be long during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon). If you call early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you may reach someone faster. You don't need to make an appointment — just call and wait in the queue.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Enter your ZIP code or city name, and the website will show you the nearest office, hours, and phone number. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though some offices now ask you to call ahead or take a number when you arrive.
Bring your Social Security card (or a document with your number on it) and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued ID with your new address on it. The document should show your name and current address.
Tell the staff member at the desk that you need to change your mailing address. They'll take your information, verify your identity, and update your record on the spot. The change is usually recorded when ready in the office, though it may take a week or two to show up in all of Social Security's systems. Ask for a receipt or confirmation that the change was made.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | What You Need | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Online (my Social Security) | Username and password; internet access | 5 minutes |
| Phone (1-800-772-1213) | Social Security number; answers to identity questions | 10–15 minutes |
| In-person office visit | Social Security card or number; proof of new address | 15–30 minutes |
How long the change takes to go into effect
Social Security usually records your new address within one to two weeks of when you submit it. During that time, mail may still arrive at your old address if it was already in the system. If you're moving and want to be safe, file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service at the same time — that way, any mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new one for up to 12 months.
If you don't see the change reflected in your my Social Security account after two weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm it went through. Sometimes a typo or system delay can cause a change to not process correctly, and a representative can check the status and fix it if needed.
What happens if you move and don't update your address
If Social Security sends mail to an address where you no longer live, the Postal Service will return it as undeliverable. This can delay important documents, such as your Social Security statement, notices about your benefits, or tax forms you need for filing. If you receive benefits, missing a notice could affect your payments or cause you to miss a important date.
Updating your address prevents these problems. Even if you've already moved, you can update it at any time — there's no penalty for doing it late. The sooner you do it, the sooner Social Security's mail will reach you at the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update my address if I'm receiving Social Security benefits?
Yes. Social Security sends benefit statements, notices about changes to your account, and tax documents to your mailing address. If you move and don't update it, you may miss important information about your benefits or payments. Update your address as soon as you know your new one.
Can I change my address for just my benefits, or does it change my address everywhere?
Changing your mailing address with Social Security updates the address they have on file for you. This is the address they use for all mail related to your Social Security account. If you need to update your address with other agencies (Medicare, the IRS, your bank), you'll need to contact them separately.
What if I don't have proof of my new address for an in-person visit?
Call 1-800-772-1213 instead. You can change your address over the phone using just your Social Security number and answers to identity questions — you don't need to show a document. Once the phone change is processed, you can visit the office later if you need to for other reasons.
Will changing my address affect my Social Security benefits or payments?
No. Updating your mailing address does not change your benefits, your payment amount, or your may be able to access. It only changes where Social Security sends your mail. Your benefits continue without interruption.
How do I change my address if I'm moving to another country?
Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you're moving abroad. They'll update your address to your new country and may ask additional questions about your situation. Some countries have restrictions on how Social Security can send mail, so the representative will let you know what to expect.