The Next Checklist

Change of Address Checklist: Who to Notify When You Move

Introduction

Changing your address is not one task — it is a couple dozen small ones, because almost every account you have holds your old address separately. The most common mistake is assuming a single mail-forwarding request takes care of everything. It does not.

This page explains what mail forwarding actually does, then walks through who to notify, in a sensible order: the postal service first, then government agencies, then money, then everything else. It is general information, not legal or financial advice. Government processes change, so confirm details with each agency at the official links below.

Start here

10 Minute Version

If you can only do a few things right now, start here.

  • File a mail-forwarding request with USPS at USPS.com/move about two weeks before you move.
  • Know the key fact: forwarding does not update any government or financial account — you must notify each one directly.
  • Update the big three first: the IRS, Social Security (if you receive benefits), and your state's DMV.
  • Tell your bank, credit cards, and insurers so statements and cards reach you.
  • If you moved to a new state, you must register to vote there — updating your old registration is not enough.
  • Use only official .gov sites; third-party sites charge extra for free or low-cost government services.

First: Set Up USPS Mail Forwarding

Mail forwarding buys you time — it catches mail from anyone you forget — but it is temporary and it does not change your address of record anywhere.

  • File your change of address at USPS.com/move, or at a local post office using the Mover's Guide (PS Form 3575).
  • The official online service charges a small identity-verification fee. Confirm the current amount at USPS.com/move, and ignore lookalike sites that charge far more for the same thing.
  • Do it about two weeks ahead so forwarding is active by move day.
  • Treat forwarding as a safety net, not the finish line — use the time it buys to update your real address everywhere below.

Government Agencies

Each federal and state agency runs its own address-change process. Forwarding does not touch any of them.

IRS

  • You can notify the IRS four ways: file Form 8822 (Form 8822-B for a business), put your new address on your next tax return, send a signed written statement, or tell them by phone or in person.
  • A written statement must include your full name, old and new addresses, and your SSN, ITIN, or EIN, and it must be signed.
  • Allow four to six weeks for the change to fully process.

Social Security, Medicare, and benefits

  • Update your address with the Social Security Administration if you receive benefits or Medicare, through your my Social Security account or your local office.
  • Update any other benefit programs (VA, pensions) directly.

Driver's license, vehicle, and voter registration

  • Update your driver's license and vehicle registration with your state's DMV within the deadline your state sets.
  • If you moved within your state, update your voter registration. If you moved to a new state, you must register to vote in the new state — go to vote.gov and select your state.

If it applies to you

  • Veterans: update your address with the VA at va.gov.
  • Non-citizens: most must report a new address to USCIS, generally within 10 days, using Form AR-11 at uscis.gov/addresschange.

Money and Insurance

These keep statements, cards, and important notices reaching you — and help prevent identity theft from mail sent to your old address.

  • Banks and credit unions.
  • Credit card companies.
  • Investment, brokerage, and retirement accounts.
  • Loan and mortgage servicers.
  • Auto, home or renters, health, and life insurance.
  • Your employer or payroll, so tax forms and pay information are correct.

Everyday Accounts and Services

These are easy to forget and cause the most day-to-day disruption when they lapse.

  • Utilities: electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, and phone — schedule to start at the new home and stop at the old one.
  • Pharmacy, doctors, dentist, and any specialists; transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near the new home.
  • Schools, childcare, and any records transfers if you changed areas.
  • Subscriptions and deliveries: streaming, memberships, and anything that ships to you.
  • Online shopping accounts and saved default addresses.
  • Veterinarian and pet microchip registry.

A Sensible Order and Timing

You do not have to do it all at once. This sequence keeps nothing important from lapsing.

  • About two weeks before: file USPS mail forwarding, and schedule utilities to switch on move day.
  • Around the move: update banks, credit cards, insurers, and your employer.
  • Within a few weeks after: update the IRS, Social Security, DMV, and voter registration, and transfer prescriptions and records.
  • Ongoing: watch forwarded mail for a few months and update any sender you missed directly.

Printable Change of Address Checklist

Use this condensed list as a working page. Print it or keep it on your phone.

Postal and government

  • File USPS mail forwarding at USPS.com/move.
  • IRS (Form 8822, return, written statement, or phone).
  • Social Security, Medicare, and benefits.
  • DMV license and registration; voter registration.

Money

  • Banks and credit cards.
  • Investment, retirement, and loan accounts.
  • Auto, home, health, and life insurance.
  • Employer or payroll.

Everyday

  • Utilities, internet, and phone.
  • Pharmacy, doctors, and prescription transfers.
  • Schools and record transfers.
  • Subscriptions, deliveries, and saved addresses.

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming mail forwarding updates your accounts — it does not.
  • Paying a third-party site extra for what USPS and government agencies do for free or a small official fee.
  • Only updating your old voter registration after moving to a new state, instead of registering anew.
  • Forgetting the IRS and Social Security because no bill reminds you.
  • Leaving investment, retirement, and insurance accounts on the old address.
  • Missing your state's DMV deadline for license and registration updates.

Extra care

When To Slow Down And Check

Take extra care before entering personal information if any of these apply:

  • A site asking to "change your address" is not an official .gov or USPS.com page.
  • A service charges a large fee to update government records — the official processes are free or low-cost.
  • You are unsure whether a move across state lines affects benefits, taxes, or voter eligibility — confirm with each agency directly.
  • You receive mail suggesting an account you did not update, which can be a sign of fraud.

Last Reviewed

Last reviewed: July 7, 2026

This page is reviewed periodically. Agency fees, forms, and processes may change — confirm details at the official links below.

Sources And Further Help

These official resources handle each part of a change of address.

  • USPS: file your official change of address and mail forwarding.
  • USAGov: the government's own overview of who to notify when you move.
  • IRS: the ways to change your address for tax records.
  • Social Security Administration: update your address for benefits and Medicare.
  • Vote.gov: register or update your voter registration by state.
  • USCIS: report an address change (Form AR-11), if it applies to you.