You can change your Social Security address online, by phone, or in person at a local office

The fastest way to update your address with Social Security is through your my Social Security account online at ssa.gov. You can make the change yourself in minutes without calling or visiting an office. If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. You can also walk into any Social Security office with proof of your new address and a document showing your identity.

Social Security uses your address to send you notices, tax documents, and payment information. If you move and do not update it, you may miss important mail about your benefits or account. The address change itself takes effect when ready online or by phone, though paper mail sent to your old address may take a few days to stop.

Key Takeaways

  • Creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov lets you change your address without waiting on hold or visiting an office.
  • By phone, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the new address ready before you call 1-800-772-1213.
  • In person, bring a government-issued ID and one document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The address change takes effect right away, though mail already in transit to your old address will still arrive there.

Changing your address online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account" if you do not already have one. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. Social Security will send you a code to verify your identity — this usually arrives by text or email within minutes.

Once you are logged in, look for "Profile" or "Personal Information" in the menu. Select the option to change your address. Type in your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Review it for spelling and accuracy, then submit. The system will show you a confirmation page with your updated address.

Keep your my Social Security login information in a safe place. You can use the same account to check your earnings record, see your benefit amount, and request a replacement Social Security card.

Changing your address by phone

Call 1-800-772-1213 and have ready your Social Security number, date of birth, and your new address. Wait times are shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The representative will confirm your identity by asking questions about your Social Security record, then update your address on the spot.

The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. You do not need to schedule an appointment — just call and wait in the queue.

Changing your address in person at a Social Security office

Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to get the address and hours. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport), and one document showing your new address.

Documents that show your address include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be recent — usually within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now ask you to schedule one online or by phone first.

Processing time at the office is usually 10 to 20 minutes. The staff member will update your address in the system while you wait, and you will receive a confirmation.

What happens after you change your address

Your new address takes effect when ready in Social Security's system. Any mail Social Security sends after that will go to your new location. However, letters already in the mail to your old address will still arrive there — this can take a few days depending on postal delivery times.

If you are receiving Social Security benefits, your payment information and any notices about your benefits will now be sent to your new address. If you receive a paper check, make sure your new address is correct so the check reaches you on time. If you have direct deposit set up, your payments will continue without interruption.

Changing your address if you do not have a Social Security card

You can still change your address without your card. By phone or online, you only need your Social Security number and date of birth. In person, bring a document showing your Social Security number — such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement — along with your photo ID and proof of your new address.

If you have lost your card and want a replacement, you can order one through my Social Security or ask for one when you visit the office in person. Replacement cards are sent by mail and usually arrive within two weeks.

If you moved and did not update your address right away

Update your address as soon as you remember. Social Security will not penalize you for a delay. If you have missed mail or are not sure what notices you should have received, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask the representative to check your account.

If you are receiving benefits and your payment went to your old address, contact Social Security when ready. They can help you locate the payment or arrange for it to be reissued to your new address. The sooner you report the change, the easier it is to track down.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my address change to go through?

The change takes effect when ready when you update it online, by phone, or in person. Mail already sent to your old address will still arrive there, which can take a few days. Future mail from Social Security will go to your new address right away.

Do I need to change my address with Medicare or other benefits at the same time?

Social Security and Medicare are separate systems. Changing your address with Social Security does not automatically update it with Medicare. You will need to contact Medicare separately at 1-800-MEDICARE or through Medicare.gov to update your address there as well.

Can I change my address if I am outside the United States?

Yes. You can change your address online through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213 from outside the U.S. If you are living abroad and receiving benefits, Social Security needs your current address to send you required notices and tax documents.

What if I have a P.O. box instead of a street address?

Social Security prefers a street address, but you can use a P.O. box if that is your only mailing address. When you enter it, type "P.O. Box" in the street address field. Make sure the city, state, and ZIP code match the post office that serves that box.

Will changing my address affect my Social Security benefits?

No. Your benefit amount and payment schedule will not change. The address change only affects where Social Security sends your mail and notices. Your benefits will continue to be paid on the same schedule to the same account or address.