Your Change of Address Checklist

Not sure where to start? This change of address checklist will help you figure out who to notify when you need to change your address.

Address Change Checklist

• The U.S. Postal Service
• Tax agencies
• Social Security Administration
• Department of motor vehicles
• Gas and electric companies
• Phone, cable and internet providers
• Other utilities
• Homeowners or renters insurance
• Your employer
• Your bank and credit card company
• Loan providers
• Insurance providers
• Magazines and subscription services
• Online shopping sites
• Business associates
• Clubs and organizations
• Individual service providers
• Friends and family

The U.S. Postal Service
Start here since notifying the post office of your change of address will get any mail sent to your old place forwarded to your new one for 12 months. You can easily make the address update online and set it for a specific start date. To change your address online, go to USP.com/move and let the post office know who is moving, your old address, your new address, and whether the move is permanent or temporary. You will be charged a small fee as an identity verification fee to prevent fraud.

Or, you can change your address by picking up a Mover’s Guide packet from the local post office. Inside the packet, you’ll find a change of address form as well as coupons to home improvement stores and moving-related products and services.

Tax Agencies
You should notify both the federal revenue agency and your state tax agency of your change of address. There are several ways to notify the IRS of your change of address. First, you can call them and provide your full name, date of birth, social security number (or ITIN or EIN), and old and new addresses. Or, you can send a signed written statement to the IRS that contains the above information.

Ask your tax preparer which method is best for you. For your state tax agency, go to your specific state’s government website and look for directions. In most states, you can easily handle this online or, at least, download the forms you need to complete and send to the state tax agency.

Social Security Administration
If you receive social security benefits, don’t forget to let the SSA know. Log into your My SSA Account, click on your profile, and select “Update Contact Information.” You can then enter your new address and select its start date. Or call the SSA at (800) 772-1213 to verbally change your address.

Department of Motor Vehicles
If you’re moving to a new state, you’ll be required to get your change of address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident. This includes your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable. Check with your new local DMV for next steps.

Gas and Electric Companies
This is one you’ll want to get done as soon as you know what your new address will be and the date that you’ll be moving, lest you risk a day or more without heat or electricity. When transferring your electric service, arrange for shut off at your current place to happen at the end of moving day and for service at your new location to start either the morning of your move in or the evening before. That way, there will be no moving in the dark.

Not sure who the providers will be at your new property? You can check your new city’s (or county’s) website for information on local utility providers.

Phone, Cable and Internet
Start by finding out whether you will need to terminate services with your current provider or whether you can transfer their services to your new address. Depending on the provider, you will likely be able to initiate service, terminate service, and change your address with them online. If not, a quick phone call will do the trick.

Homeowners or Renters Insurance
Let your home or renters insurance agency know where they need to transfer your policy. With renters insurance, some landlords or management companies will want proof of transfer before your move-in date, so get this taken care of early. And while you’ve got your policy provider on the phone, ask if they cover items in transit, so you’ll know if your belongings are protected during the moving process. If not, you may want to look into moving insurance.

Although you can usually change your address online, don’t use this as a way to bypass talking to your agent or agent’s representative directly. Simply changing your address doesn’t change your coverage. Make sure your policy covers you in your new home.

Your Employer
Even if your paychecks are directly deposited into your bank account, you’ll want to let your employer know about your change of address to make sure pay stubs, tax forms, and the like go to the right place. It is also important to let your employer know of a change of address to help them notify your loved ones in an emergency when they can’t be reached any other way.

Your Bank and Credit Card Company
You’ll need to provide your bank and credit card company with your new address so they can send you information about your account, statements and new cards. Usually, you can do this by updating your profile information on your bank or credit card company’s website. Some banks also allow you to update your address through their apps. Or, you can always call and speak to someone directly.

Loan Providers
Yes, we all wish our student loans couldn’t find us, but you have to let any loan providers know if you move. This involves going to the loan provider’s website and updating your mailing address most of the time. You can also call the provider’s customer service number and ask to have your address changed. If you have a Sallie Mae or Freddie Mac loan, you should be able to change your address by logging into your account and selecting “Settings,” then “Account Settings,” and, finally, “Edit Address.”

Insurance Providers
Notify the agencies that provide you with health insurance, dental insurance, car insurance and life insurance. You should be able to do this online, although you can always call a customer service representative or your local agent’s office. If you have health insurance through the federal marketplace, visit Healthcare.gov and follow the directions for reporting a life change.

Take note. Your car insurance can increase or decrease based on your new address and the risks associated with driving in that new area, such as increased traffic. While you may be tempted to avoid notifying your car insurance provider, be sure you do. Failure to report a change of address could result in any claim being denied and possible fraud charges.

Magazines and Subscription Services
If you’re signed up for any magazines or other subscription boxes/services, change your address by emailing or calling their customer service department. This includes meal services like Hello Fresh, recurring product deliveries like razors from Dollar Shave, and even your favorite bacon-of-the-month club.

Online Shopping Sites
Make a list of the online stores you shop at most frequently and take some time to go in and change your address with each of them. With sites like Amazon and eBay, it’s easy to place orders without looking closely at the shipping details, and if you fail to change your address early on, you might forget to make the change during your first purchase at your new place. Save yourself the time and the headache of tracking down a package sent to your old home by switching your address now.

Business Associates
If you work from home and receive deliveries from vendors, contact them to change your address. You may need to call the vendors who ship to you, or you may be able to change your mailing address the next time you place an order. If you have accounts with services like FedEx, log into your account and update your mailing address.

Clubs and Organizations
Notify any clubs, organizations and charities you’re involved with of your new address so that they know where to reach you with mailers. This includes your memberships to places like Costco or Sam’s Club.

Individual Service Providers
Let your doctor, dentist, veterinarian and other service providers know about your new address. If you’re staying in the area, they’ll need to know for mailing and billing purposes. If you’re moving further away, they may be able to assist you with referrals.

Friends and Family
Don’t forget this all-important group! People used to send out change of address cards, but you can just send out a mass email with your new information and BCC everyone on it.

Changing your address does take time, but it’s much easier to take care of it before any problems arise from missing mail. Keep in mind that once you change your address with your bank, you’ll also need to update your billing address for any stores or services that bill you through that account.

And remember: While it is work to change your address everywhere, it’s even more work to track down lost items.