Where to report your address change to Social Security

You report an address change to Social Security through the Social Security Administration (SSA), not through a separate SSN office — there is only one Social Security system. You have three main routes: online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

The online route is fastest if you already have a my Social Security account set up. You log in, go to your profile settings, and update your mailing address directly. The change usually takes effect within a few days. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount — you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or state ID).

If you prefer to call or visit in person, have your Social Security number ready and be prepared to answer security questions to confirm your identity. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. In-person visits at your local office do not require an appointment, but wait times vary — calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You update your address through the Social Security Administration using your my Social Security account online, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
  • Creating a my Social Security account online is the fastest way to change your address, and the change takes effect within a few days.
  • You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing identification, whether you update online, by phone, or in person.
  • Your Social Security number itself does not change — only the address on file with Social Security changes.

What happens after you report the change

Once Social Security processes your address change, they update their records and begin sending any future mail to your new address. This includes your Social Security statement (if you receive one by mail), notices about benefits, tax documents like your SSA-1099, and any other correspondence from the agency.

The change does not automatically update your address with other government agencies, employers, banks, or the IRS. You will need to report your new address separately to each organization that has your information on file. This is especially important for tax purposes — the IRS maintains its own address records, and you should update them through the IRS website or by filing a change of address form with your tax return.

Updating your address for benefits or work

If you receive Social Security benefits — retirement, disability, survivor benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — Social Security will use your updated address to send benefit statements and notices about your account. The address change does not affect your benefit amount or may be able to access.

If you are working and your employer uses your Social Security number for tax withholding, updating your address with Social Security does not change your W-2 or tax records. Your employer reports your earnings to the IRS under the address they have on file, so you should also update your address with your employer's payroll department and with the IRS directly.

If you need to change your address urgently

If you are moving soon and need your mail redirected when ready, the fastest option is to update your address online through my Social Security if you have an account. Online changes process within a few days. If you cannot wait, calling 1-800-772-1213 allows you to speak with someone who can note your change in the system the same day, though official processing still takes a few days.

You can also file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service, which will forward your mail to your new address for up to one year. This does not update Social Security's records, but it ensures you receive mail while the SSA processes your official address change.

What to do if your address change does not go through

If you updated your address online or by phone but continue receiving mail at your old address weeks later, contact Social Security again to confirm the change was recorded. Sometimes technical issues or data entry errors prevent updates from processing. Call 1-800-772-1213 and have your Social Security number ready so they can check your account status.

If you are having trouble accessing your my Social Security account or creating one, the SSA website has a troubleshooting section, or you can call the same number for help. Social Security staff can also update your address over the phone if you prefer not to use the online system.

Changing your address if you live outside the United States

If you are moving to another country, you can still update your address with Social Security. Use the same methods — my Social Security online, phone, or in person — and provide your full international address. Social Security will mail documents to addresses outside the U.S., though delivery times are longer.

If you receive Social Security benefits and move abroad, you may need to report this separately to Social Security's International Section, depending on which country you move to. Some countries have agreements with the U.S. that affect benefit payments. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to speak with someone about international address changes if you are moving outside the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my address with Social Security change my Social Security number?

No. Your Social Security number never changes. Only the mailing address on file with Social Security updates. Your SSN stays the same for your entire life.

How long does it take for Social Security to process an address change?

Online changes through my Social Security typically take effect within a few days. Phone and in-person changes may take one to two weeks to fully process, though Social Security notes the change in their system when ready.

Do I need to update my address with the IRS separately?

Yes. Social Security and the IRS maintain separate address records. You should update your address with the IRS through their website, by calling 1-800-829-1040, or by filing a change of address with your next tax return.

What if I do not have a my Social Security account and cannot visit an office?

You can call 1-800-772-1213 to update your address by phone. You will need your Social Security number and will answer security questions to verify your identity. Creating a my Social Security account online is also free and takes about 10 minutes if you have an email address and a way to verify your identity.

Will changing my address affect my Social Security benefits?

No. Updating your address does not change your benefit amount, may be able to access, or payment schedule. It only changes where Social Security sends your mail.