Start with the post office, then handle the rest by category

The United States Postal Service is the first stop. File a change of address form at usps.com or at your local post office — it costs $1.10 online and takes effect within three to five business days. This redirects mail to your new address for 12 months. After that, mail goes back to the sender or gets discarded, so you will need to update your address directly with each sender before the redirect expires.

After USPS, your next moves depend on what you receive at your current address. Government agencies, banks, employers, and subscription services all need separate updates. There is no single form that reaches all of them. The sections below break down where to go for each type of organization.

Key Takeaways

  • File a change of address with USPS first — it costs $1.10 online and redirects mail for 12 months, but does not update your address with individual companies.
  • Government agencies like the DMV, Social Security, and the IRS each require their own address update, usually through their website or a local office.
  • Banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers need updates to prevent mail delays and account holds.
  • Employers, subscription services, and utilities require separate notifications to keep paychecks, bills, and deliveries going to the right place.
  • Update your address with the post office before moving day so the redirect is active when mail starts arriving at your old address.

Government agencies: DMV, Social Security, and taxes

Your driver's license and vehicle registration go through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states let you update online through their DMV website; some require an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV site for the exact process. You typically need your license number, new address, and a way to pay a small fee — usually $10 to $25.

Social Security requires an in-person visit to a local Social Security office or a phone call to 1-800-772-1213. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). There is no fee.

The IRS does not require you to report a move, but updating your address prevents tax documents from going to the wrong place. File Form 8822 with the IRS, or update your address through your online IRS account at irs.gov. Mail the form to the address listed in the instructions, or submit it electronically if you file taxes online.

Banks, credit cards, and insurance

Call or log into your accounts with each bank and credit card company. Most let you update online in seconds. If you do not update before mail starts arriving at your old address, statements and fraud alerts may be delayed, and your account could be flagged for suspicious activity if someone else opens mail addressed to you.

Insurance companies — auto, home, renters, or health — need your new address to send renewal notices and policy documents. Contact your agent or log into your insurer's website. Some insurers also use your address to recalculate your premium, so updating quickly can prevent billing surprises.

If you have a mortgage or rental agreement, notify your lender or landlord in writing. Keep a copy for your records. This is separate from updating your mailing address and ensures legal documents reach you.

Employers and payroll

Tell your employer's human resources or payroll department about your move. They need your new address for W-2 forms, tax withholding, and direct deposit records. If you receive a paper paycheck, updating ensures it goes to the right place.

If you are self-employed or a contractor, update your address with any platforms you use to invoice or receive payments — PayPal, Stripe, Square, or your accounting software. This prevents payment holds and ensures tax documents are mailed correctly.

Utilities and subscription services

Contact your electric, gas, water, and internet providers at least two weeks before you move. They need your new address to set up service at your new home and close your account at the old one. Most let you update online or by phone.

Subscription services — streaming, software, meal kits, magazines, gym memberships — all need address updates. Log into each account and update your billing address. Some services use your address to determine regional pricing or content availability, so the update may affect your service.

Online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy should have your new address in your account settings. Update your default shipping address so future orders go to the right place. You do not need to contact them directly.

Medical providers and pharmacies

Call your doctor's office, dentist, and any specialists you see regularly. They need your new address for appointment reminders and medical records. Some offices update this during your next visit, but calling ahead prevents mail delays.

Update your address with your pharmacy — whether it is a chain like CVS or Walgreens or an independent pharmacy. They use it to mail prescription refill reminders and insurance documents. Most let you update by phone or in person.

Schools and student loans

If you have children in school, update your address with the school district and each school. They use it for report cards, permission slips, and emergency contact information.

If you have student loans, update your address with your loan servicer through their website or by phone. The servicer's contact information is on your loan statement. This ensures you receive billing statements and notices about income-driven repayment plans or loan forgiveness programs.

Timing and what to do if you miss something

File your USPS change of address at least one week before you move, ideally two weeks. This gives the redirect time to set up and catches mail that arrives at your old address during your transition.

If you miss updating an address and mail goes to your old home, contact the sender directly and ask them to resend documents to your new address. For government mail, call the agency's main line and request a remail. For financial institutions, log into your account or call customer service.

Keep a checklist as you go. Write down each company or agency, the date you updated, and any confirmation number or reference they provide. This protects you if a payment is mailed to the wrong address or a document goes missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address with every company, or does USPS handle it?

USPS only redirects mail — it does not notify companies of your move. Each bank, employer, government agency, and subscription service needs a separate update. The USPS redirect buys you time to contact them, but it is not a replacement for individual updates.

What counts as proof of address for government agencies?

A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. Some agencies accept a government-issued ID with your new address, a cell phone bill, or a letter from your employer. Check the specific agency's website for their exact requirements.

Can I update my address before I officially move?

Yes. USPS lets you file a change of address up to 30 days before your move date. Most companies also let you update early. Doing this before moving day prevents mail from piling up at your old address and gives you time to catch anything you missed.

What happens if I do not update my address with my bank?

Your bank will continue mailing statements and fraud alerts to your old address. If someone else opens your mail, they could see account numbers and sensitive information. More importantly, you might miss fraud alerts or important notices about your account, leaving you vulnerable to unauthorized charges.

How long does the USPS mail redirect last?

The redirect lasts 12 months. After that, mail addressed to your old address is returned to the sender or discarded. Before the 12 months end, make sure you have updated your address directly with all the companies and agencies that send you mail regularly.