What a change of address registration does

A change of address registration tells government agencies, banks, credit card companies, employers, and other organizations where to send your mail and records. When you move, updating your address prevents bills and important documents from going to your old home, stops mail delays that can affect loan applications or job offers, and helps you stay current with tax notices and court documents.

The process varies depending on who holds your information. The U.S. Postal Service handles mail forwarding. Government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, and your state's motor vehicle department each have their own systems. Banks and credit card companies update through their customer service lines or online portals. There is no single "change of address" that updates everywhere at once.

Key Takeaways

  • File a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service first, either online at usps.com, by mail, or in person at your local post office.
  • Update your address separately with the IRS, Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, and your employer's payroll system.
  • Contact each bank, credit card company, insurance provider, and loan servicer directly to update your address in their records.
  • Keep a list of all organizations you have notified and check your credit report a few weeks after moving to catch any mail delays or missed updates.

Starting with the U.S. Postal Service

The Postal Service's mail forwarding service redirects letters and packages sent to your old address to your new one for up to 12 months. You can file this change online at usps.com without paying a fee, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your local post office. The online option is fastest — you can complete it in a few minutes and forwarding typically begins within three to five business days.

If you file online, you will need to verify your identity by providing your driver's license or state ID number. The Postal Service will send a confirmation postcard to both your old and new addresses. Keep the confirmation from your new address as proof you filed. Mail forwarding does not update your address with any other organization — it only redirects physical mail.

Updating your address with the IRS and Social Security

The IRS needs your current address to send tax notices, refunds, and correspondence. You can update it by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, by mail using Form 8822, or through your online account at irs.gov if you have one set up. Mail the form to the IRS address listed in the form's instructions for your state.

The Social Security Administration maintains a separate address record for benefits, earnings statements, and official notices. You can update it by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office in person, or creating an account at ssa.gov. If you receive Social Security benefits, updating your address with SSA is especially important because benefit payments depend on current contact information.

Notifying your state's motor vehicle and licensing departments

Your driver's license and vehicle registration are tied to your address in your state's records. You must update both separately. Most states allow you to change your address online through their motor vehicle department website, by mail, or in person at a local office. Some states charge a small fee for address changes; others do not. Check your state's motor vehicle website for the exact process and any required documents.

If you have a commercial driver's license, professional license, or hunting or fishing license, each of those may have its own address record that needs updating. Contact the specific agency that issued each license to find out how to update it.

Updating banks, credit cards, and loan servicers

Financial institutions hold your address for statements, fraud alerts, and account notices. Log into your online banking portal and look for an account settings or profile section where you can update your address yourself. If you do not use online banking, call the customer service number on the back of your card or your loan documents and provide your new address over the phone.

Update every account you hold: checking and savings accounts, credit cards, home loans, auto loans, student loans, and lines of credit. Some lenders send important notices only by mail, so a missed address change can delay your knowledge of rate changes, payment due dates, or account problems. If you have accounts you have not used in years, update those too — creditors may try to reach you at your old address if there is a problem.

Notifying your employer and other regular contacts

Your employer needs your current address for W-2 forms, tax withholding changes, and payroll records. Contact your human resources or payroll department with your new address. If you are self-employed or a contractor, update your address with each client or platform that sends you 1099 forms.

Also notify your insurance companies (auto, home, health, life), utility companies, subscription services, and any organization that bills you or sends you regular mail. Keep a written list as you go through each one — this helps you track what you have updated and catch anything you missed.

Checking your credit report after moving

A few weeks after you move, order a free copy of your credit report from annualcreditreport.com to check that your address has updated correctly across credit bureaus. Your credit report should show your current address, not your old one. If your old address still appears, contact the credit bureau to report the discrepancy.

Monitoring your credit report also helps you catch any mail that went to your old address and was used fraudulently, or any accounts you forgot to update. If you see accounts you do not recognize, contact the creditor when ready and file a dispute with the credit bureau.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does mail forwarding last?

U.S. Postal Service mail forwarding lasts for 12 months from the date you file. You can renew it for another 12 months before it expires, or let it end if you no longer need it. After forwarding ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender as undeliverable.

What happens if I forget to update my address with a bank?

Your statements and notices will go to your old address. If mail forwarding is active, the Postal Service will redirect it. Once forwarding ends, you may miss important account notices, fraud alerts, or payment due dates. Contact the bank as soon as you realize the oversight and ask if any mail was sent to your old address.

Do I need to update my address if I am moving within the same city?

Yes. Even a move within the same city changes your address in government and financial records. File with the Postal Service and update each organization separately, because they do not share address information.

Can I change my address online with the IRS?

You cannot change your address directly through the IRS website, but you can file Form 8822 by mail or call 1-800-829-1040. If you have an IRS online account, you can view your address on file, but you must use the form or phone to change it.

What if I move before my mail forwarding is approved?

Mail forwarding typically begins within three to five business days of filing online. If you move before approval, contact the Postal Service to update your forwarding start date, or file a new change of address from your new location. You can also ask your old landlord or neighbor to collect mail until forwarding begins.