You can change your Social Security address online, by phone, or in person at a local office
The fastest way to update your address is through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. If you have created an account, you can log in and change your mailing address yourself in about five minutes. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one during the same visit.
If you prefer not to use the website, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative who will update your address over the phone. You will need to provide your Social Security number and answer security questions to verify your identity. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person with a photo ID and proof of your new address.
The address change takes effect when ready in Social Security's system, though it may take a few days for the change to appear in all their records. If you are expecting a check or important mail from Social Security, let them know your new address before you move so there is no gap in delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov lets you change your address online without calling or visiting an office.
- You can call 1-800-772-1213 to update your address by phone, and a representative will verify your identity before making the change.
- Visiting a local Social Security office in person requires a photo ID and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Address changes take effect when ready in Social Security's system, though mail delivery may take a few additional days to reflect the update.
- If you receive benefits or checks from Social Security, notify them of your move before you leave your current address to avoid missed payments.
Setting up a my Social Security account to change your address online
If you do not already have a my Social Security account, you will need to create one before you can change your address through the website. Go to ssa.gov and click the "Create an account" button. You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a password. Social Security will then send you a verification code by email to confirm your identity.
Once your account is set up and verified, log in and look for the "Profile" or "Personal Information" section. Click on the mailing address field and enter your new address. Double-check the spelling and zip code before you submit, because an incorrect address will cause mail to be delayed or returned. After you submit the change, you will see a confirmation message on the screen.
If you already have a my Social Security account, straightforward log in with your email and password, navigate to your profile, and update your address the same way. You do not need to create a new account or provide any additional documents.
Changing your address by phone
Call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your Social Security number ready before you call, because the representative will ask for it right away.
The representative will ask you security questions to confirm your identity—these might include your mother's maiden name, the last four digits of your phone number, or details about accounts you have opened. Answer honestly and completely. Once you have been verified, tell the representative your new address and ask them to repeat it back to you to make sure they have written it correctly.
The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will not receive a written confirmation in the mail, but you can log into your my Social Security account a few days later to confirm the change went through, or you can call back and ask a representative to verify it for you.
Changing your address in person at a Social Security office
Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require you to make an appointment first. Check the office's page online or call ahead to see whether you need to schedule a time or if you can drop in.
Bring a photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a recent 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, bring two older ones that together show your move.
Tell the representative at the desk that you need to change your mailing address. They will update it in the system while you wait. The change is complete when ready, and you can leave. You will not receive a separate confirmation letter, but your address will be updated in Social Security's records right away.
What happens after you change your address
Social Security's system updates your address when ready, but mail that is already in the postal system may still go to your old address. If you are receiving benefit checks, direct deposit, or important notices, contact Social Security before you move to give them time to process the change. Ideally, notify them at least two weeks before your move date.
If you have direct deposit set up for your benefits, your payments will continue without interruption because they go to your bank account, not your mailing address. If you receive paper checks, the next check will be mailed to your new address once the change has been processed.
If mail arrives at your old address after you have moved, you can file a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service to have it forwarded to your new location. This gives you extra protection in case Social Security's mail is delayed. The postal service will forward mail for up to 12 months.
Changing your address if you do not have a Social Security number yet
If you are explore for a Social Security number and need to provide an address, you will give your address when you submit your process in person at a local Social Security office. Bring documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status, along with proof of your current address.
Once your number is issued, you can update your address using any of the three methods described above. If your address changes before your card arrives in the mail, contact Social Security to make sure they have your correct mailing address so the card reaches you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my address change to go through?
The change is when ready in Social Security's computer system. However, mail that is already being processed may still go to your old address. Allow a few days for the change to fully take effect across all their mailing systems. If you are expecting urgent mail, call Social Security to confirm the change was recorded.
Can I change my address if I do not have a photo ID?
If you are changing your address online or by phone, you do not need a photo ID—you just need to answer security questions. If you want to change it in person at an office without a photo ID, ask the representative what other documents you can bring to prove your identity. A passport, state ID, or even a recent bank statement with your name may work.
What if I move and forget to tell Social Security?
If you do not update your address, benefit checks or important notices will go to your old address and may be lost or delayed. If this happens, contact Social Security right away and give them your new address. They can reissue checks or resend notices to your correct location. You can also file a postal forwarding order with the U.S. Postal Service to catch mail sent to your old address.
Do I need to change my address with Social Security if I have direct deposit?
Yes, you should still update your address even if you receive direct deposit. Social Security may send you notices, tax documents, or other important mail to your address on file. Keeping your address current ensures you receive all correspondence, even though your benefit payments will continue uninterrupted.
Can someone else change my address for me?
Generally, only you can change your own address. If you are unable to do so because of age, disability, or other reasons, a legal representative or guardian may be able to change it on your behalf. Contact your local Social Security office to ask about their rules for representative payees or guardians making address changes.