The Ultimate Change of Address Checklist & Timeline

Is a move in your future? If so, make things as smooth as possible by submitting a change of address for your mail, utilities, and other services. It can be easy to overlook this step, but ensuring it’s taken care of means you won’t miss any important notifications or risk an interruption in service.  

Read on for recommended steps, contact details, suggested timeline, and a convenient checklist to update your address, including which government agencies and service providers you definitely want to notify of an address change. And, if you’re looking for a larger run down of what needs to be done for a move, see our ultimate guide to moving and downloadable checklist for a breakdown of all the important moving “to-dos.” 

The United States Postal Service (USPS)

Government Agencies

Financial Services

Public and Private Utilities

Employers and Service Providers

Subscription Services and Memberships

Timeline for Changing Address

Frequently Asked Questions

The United States Postal Service (USPS)

Perhaps the most important change of address to make before you move is with the United States Postal Service (USPS). Keeping your address current goes beyond just not missing your mail; it’s important for combating identity theft or avoiding any possible late fees or penalties from missed notifications. About two weeks before your move, decide if you’ll change your address online or by visiting your local Post Office location.

• To change your address online:
  • Go to the Official USPS Change of Address® website.
  • Choose either an “Individual,” “Family,” or “Business” move, and complete the form.
  • Verify your identity online by receiving a verification code or link on your mobile phone. If you’re unable to complete this step online, plan to visit a post office with an acceptable photo ID to complete the process in person.
  • Enter a valid email address for your online change of address (COA) submission. If you are moving from a military address, your email address must end in “.gov” or “.mil”.Pay the $1.10 identity verification fee.
  • Receive the USPS COA confirmation code. Use this code if you need to modify or cancel your request.
  • A welcome kit with coupons from USPS partners will arrive at your new address.
  • Mail will be rerouted to your new address piece by piece.

Note that if you’re moving to an international address you won’t be able to do the online change of address. Please visit a post office to request a change of address to an international address.

• To change your address at your local post office:
  • Visit your local post office location with an acceptable photo ID.
  • Bring one of the following photo identifications with you that is current and unexpired:
    • State issued driver’s license or non-driver’s license identification card (name and address must match either the old or new address on your request).
    • Uniformed Services Identification Card (requires a secondary form of identification).
    • U.S. Passport (requires a secondary form of identification).
  • It is recommended that you bring a secondary form of identification with you, such as:
    • Lease, mortgage, or deed of trust.
    • Voter or vehicle registration card.
    • Home or vehicle insurance policy or card.
  • Request a free Mover’s Guide packet.
  • Fill out the PS Form 3575 found inside the packet.

Tip: According to the USPS, there are third party websites that will charge you fees of $40.00 or more to submit your change of address. The Postal Service is not affiliated with the businesses that own these sites and won’t guarantee completion of the change of address request. It’s advised to only use the USPS directly to change your mailing address.

A permanent Change of Address (COA) order will provide a “piece-by-piece” forwarding of first-class mail for 12 months and periodicals for 60 days but generally won’t forward any USPS Marketing Mail (which is neither first class mail nor periodicals) or Package Services mail. Also, while Media Mail (educational material such as books, DVDs, scripts, and film) and USPS Retail Ground mail will be forwarded, you will need to pay the cost for shipping from your local post office to your temporary address.

If you want to have all mail forwarded, then you can pay extra for the USPS Premium Forwarding Service (PFS) Residential® Service, which will forward all mail to your residence for a single week and can be extended for up to a year.

If you’re moving as a family, then you may have to fill out different COA forms depending on everyone’s last name or if some are moving to different locations. Here’s the breakdown of what’s required on the COA form:

Filling Out the USPS COA Form

Note that your change of address order only changes your mailing address with the USPS. No matter your state of residence, you will still have to update your address with government agencies and private companies or services.

What if your mail isn’t being forwarded to your new address? There may have been a typo or some other error with your updated address. Start by checking your COA confirmation that you received when you placed your order. IIf you’ve lost your confirmation code, you’ll need to visit your local Post Office with a photo ID branch and ask them to check your change of address order or make any changes.

If your address information is correct and you’re still not receiving your forwarded mail, there’s a few extra steps you can take:

• Check your mail status with the USPS tracking service. Look for the tracking number on your online orders or ask the mail sender if they can give you the tracking number.
• Complete a USPS Help Request form. If your mail status states it’s being delivered but you’re still not receiving it, fill out the USPS Help Request form and they will try to locate your missing mail.
• Submit a Missing Mail Search Request after seven business days. If there’s mail you’re still waiting for after seven business days, submit a search request and the USPS will look for it within its missing package and mail inventory.

Government Agencies

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

In some cases, you will not have to submit a change of address form to the IRS, as they will automatically register your new address when you file your federal tax return for the first time after moving. However, you may want to proactively file an address change to ensure that you will receive any important tax documents or IRS correspondence at your new address. For example, not all post offices forward government checks, and the Economic Impact Payments mailed during the COVID-19 pandemic were mailed to the IRS’ addresses on file.

There are several ways to notify the IRS of an address change:

1. When filing your tax return

If you change your address before filing your federal tax return, enter your new address on your return when you file. When your return is processed, the IRS will update their records. Be sure to also notify your return preparer.

2. By form over mail

To change your address with the IRS, you may complete Form 8822, Change of Address or Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business and send them to the address shown on the forms. For information on changing the “responsible party,” see Form 8822-B.

3. In writing

You can write to the IRS directly to inform them of a change of address. In the letter, include your:

• Full name
• Old and new addresses
• Social security number, individual taxpayer identification number, or employer identification number
• Signature

Be sure to mail the signed statement to the address where you filed your most recent tax return. If you filed a joint return, you should provide the information and signatures for both spouses. If you filed a joint return and now have separate residences, you will both need to notify the IRS of your new, separate addresses.

4. In person or over the phone

You can visit your local IRS office or call directly to inform them that your address is changing. You will need to provide your:

• Full name
• Old and new addresses
• Date of birth
• Social security number, individual taxpayer identification number, or employer identification number

Note that the IRS office may request additional information to verify your identity, so be sure to call ahead for full details if visiting an office.

5. Employment Tax Returns

If your change of address relates to an employment tax return, the IRS issues confirmation notices (Notices 148A and 148B) for the change to both the new and former addresses.

It takes roughly four to six weeks for the IRS to process a change of address request, so try to get this done about a month before your move.

• State tax agency

Similarly to your federal taxes, in most cases your address will be automatically updated when you file your state tax form for the year. However, there are some considerations if you’re moving to another state, including:

• Which state is considered the source of your income
• The specific states involved
• If you changed jobs or kept the same one

In most cases, you must file a tax return in every state where you resided during the year. So if you’re relocating to another state and will earn both before and after your move, you’ll have to file a part-year resident tax return in both your old and new states.

Fortunately, if you moved out of state and continued to work the same job, you won’t be subject to double taxation on your earnings. Though, you will still have to file tax returns for each state and pay any state taxes on the portion of your total income that you earned while there.

If you’re moving to a new state, be sure to check the rules on income and residency for each state. Some states consider you a full-year resident if you’re present in the state for at least 183 days. Other states may have a reciprocity agreement, which is a pact to only tax workers on where they live rather than where they work.

You can find your state government’s website on the official IRS website for details on residency and taxation information.

• Social Security Administration (SSA)

If you are receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration, you will want to be sure to update your contact information, including your mailing address and any new phone numbers, as soon as possible. You can update your information directly if you have a registered account with the SSA.

You can also call the SSA directly at +1 800-772-1213 in most U.S. time zones, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Just explain to the representative you want to update your contact information. You may also choose to call teletype (TTY) +1 800-325-0778 if you’re deaf or hard of hearing.

• Department/Bureau of Motor Vehicles

If you’re moving in-state, then plan to visit the local bureau or division of motor vehicles office within a month to update your license to reflect your new address. If you’re moving to a new state, then you’ll need a new license from that state, usually within 10-60 days of your move.

As for vehicle registration, many states don’t allow vehicle registration without a matching driver’s license, while other states don’t require your license to match your registration. Each state makes its own rules, so it’s a good idea to visit your state’s department of motor vehicles to review the requirements.

• Voter registration

You will need to find and contact your state or local election office for help with updating your voter registration. You will want to be sure to submit your registration before your new home state’s registration deadline, which can be up to 30 days before Election Day. You will also want to check registration requirements, as your new state may also require additional forms of identification, such as a new driver’s license or ID card.

Visit the U.S. governments’ state and local election officer finder or visit vote.gov to locate your state’s government website for more information about voter registration requirements.

Financial Services

About two weeks before your move, you’ll want to contact all of your financial service providers to submit a change of address. This includes:

• Your bank or credit union
• Credit card companies 
• Investment companies
• Loan issuers

There are three major reasons to prioritize your financial services address change when moving:

You’ll avoid any interruptions or delays. By updating your address, you’ll ensure that you receive important communications after your move, such as account statements, notifications, or new credit and debit cards.

You’re protecting yourself against fraud. Your financial service provider may use your address to verify your identity when you make transactions, so make sure they have the right one by the time you move. By keeping your address on file updated, you greatly reduce the risk of fraudulent activity on your account.

You can take advantage of local services. Some services or offerings may only be available in certain states. By notifying your financial service provider of your new address, you may be able to access additional services or benefits that weren’t previously available.

You’ll also want to set aside time updating your address with your homeowner, car, and health insurance company. In fact, there are several reasons why it’s a good idea to tackle this change of address at least a month in advance:

Changes in risk. Your move could bring changes to the risks associated with your insurance policy. For example, if you move to an area with a higher incidence of severe weather events, your homeowners insurance policy may need to be adjusted to reflect the increased risk of damage from storms. Your insurance company will need to assess and adjust your coverage accordingly.

Changes in Premiums. Insurance premiums are based on a variety of factors, including the location of the insured property. Your move to a new location will likely result in changes to your premiums, which could be higher or lower than what you’re currently paying.

Available Coverage. Insurance companies may not operate in every state, or they may have different offerings in different states. By informing your insurance company of your move, they can confirm that they offer coverage in your new state, and ensure that you have the appropriate coverage.

Filing Claims: If you need to file a claim after your move, it is important that your insurance company has your updated contact information and address so that they can process your claim quickly and efficiently.

Taking care of this step at least a month in advance gives you more time to explore your options, such as shopping around for an insurance company that may offer lower premiums or better coverage.

Public and Private Utilities

If you want to be sure that the lights will be on when you move in — not to mention that the water is running and you can check your email — you’ll need to find utility providers at your new location and give them a month’s notice so they have time to set up your service. At the very least you’ll want to give two week’s notice before you move so you can be sure you’ll have your electricity, gas, and water services turned on in time for move-in day.

• Gas and electricity

Different states have different regulations for gas and energy providers. While some states are regulated markets with fully public utilities, other states have deregulated markets where retail companies sell gas or electricity to consumers.

If you’re moving to a deregulated area, then you will have a choice of retail gas or electricity providers. Take the time to research the different retail providers and choose the one with the energy plans and services that best fit your needs. You can check each company’s website to see their coverage areas, listed plans, and if you can transfer your utilities online.

If you’re a resident of Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or Indiana, then Santanna Energy Services would be proud to be your energy service provider. For over 30 years, we’ve been the energy supplier of choice for thousands of customers, offering the best in simplicity, convenience, and value.

Check If You’re In Our Coverage Area

• Water, sewage, and garbage

Water, sewage, and garbage collection are usually provided through the city or county. If you are renting, then you won’t need to worry about registering these services yourself — they will be covered by your property management company. However, if you own your new home, you’ll either have to call to set up service or take a trip to the town hall.

If you’re able to call, be prepared to provide the service address, the billing address, a phone number, and the start or end date for the service.

If you need to go to the town hall, there are a few documents that you should prepare to have on hand:

• Proof of ID: Valid driver’s license, passport, or state-issued photo ID.
• Proof of residency: Your lease/rental agreement or mortgage/proof of homeownership.
• Completed service application: Visit your city’s homepage for their application form.

• Internet, cable, and phone

Your communications provider can be just as important as any other utility, especially if you’re hoping to work from home. Unlike the other utilities, there are no public communications utilities, so you’ll need to research different retail providers and select the one that provides coverage in your area and offers the plans that best fit your needs.

• Do a general web search to find a list of providers in the area.
• Check the local city government or Chamber of Commerce sites for details on providers.
• Review websites that compare providers and plans, such as BroadbandNow or Allconnect.

If you’re definitely changing communications providers, check with your current provider as many of them will charge you if you don’t return their hardware. They will usually accept returned equipment through UPS or in-store drop-offs and some will even send pre-paid packaging to return any rented equipment.

Tip: Pay off any remaining balances you have with your utility companies before moving. Moving out before you’ve paid your bills could hurt your credit down the line and even delay the sale of your home.

Be sure to contact your current utility provider and request a disconnect date either a day or two after your move. Or if you’re selling your home, request the disconnect for closing day. This will ensure that your utilities will be functioning until you’re fully out of your old home.

Employers and Service Providers

Your employer

If your move is work related, then you can safely skip this step. However, even if your move isn’t job related, you should still let your current employer know about a month in advance. This will help you secure any needed time off and have a discussion about possible work adjustments, such as going fully remote or to a hybrid schedule.

If you’re changing employers, consider giving the standard two weeks notice to help with the transition period at work and ensure that you leave on good terms.

Doctors, dentists, veterinarians, and lawyers

Try to update your healthcare and legal providers about a month before your move date. If you’re keeping providers, then submitting the change of address will ensure a continuity of service. However, if you need to find new providers, then ask your current providers for referrals for your new location.

If you or any member of your family are taking medications, make sure there’s enough to last through at least a few weeks of settling in at your new home. Refill and stock up before you move and find a new pharmacy that you can forward your prescriptions to.

If you have pets, check with your veterinarian to ensure your pets are up-to-date on all their vaccines and if there are any pet ordinances at your new location they can inform you about.

Subscription Services and Memberships

Finally, about two weeks before your move, you’ll want to update your address with any organizations or retail services that you have a subscription or membership with. This includes:

• Retail websites and e-commerce platforms like Amazon.
• Subscription boxes and services.
• Clubs, organizations, and charities.
• Any religious organizations that you belong to.

This will help to avoid any service interruptions and reduce risks of fraud.

Recommended Timeline for Changing Address

The timing of when to submit a change of address can be tricky — too late and you’ll risk a lack of service, but too early can cause confusion. To ensure a smooth transition for your move, consider the following recommended timeline.

• 1 Month Before Your Move
  • Inform the IRS
  • Inform the SSA
  • Check the tax and residency requirements of the state you’re moving to
  • Research your insurance providers
  • Research public and private utility providers
  • Inform your employer (if you’re staying with the company)
  • Inform your healthcare and legal service providers
• 2 Weeks Before Your Move
  • Inform the USPS
  • Inform your financial service providers (bank, credit cards, etc)
  • Inform your employer (if you’re leaving the company)
  • Update your subscription services and memberships
• Within 30 Days After Your Move
  • Get a new driver’s license with the Bureau/Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Update your voter registration

Frequently Asked Questions

If I change my address at the USPS, do I still need to let institutions know that I’m moving?

Yes. While changing your address with the USPS is an important first step, you should still submit a separate change of address form with institutions such as government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. You also want to contact subscription services and e-commerce providers, as some types of mail, such as magazines or catalogs, may not be forwarded.

Should I update my address on my apps?

Yes, because many apps operate on location-based services to provide you with information. This is especially true for official apps provided by your service providers, such as a banking or healthcare app.

Why should I let my employer know that I’m moving?

It’s considered good form to let your employer know that you’re moving. If you’re staying with your employer, try to let them know a month in advance to secure some time off for the move. If you’re leaving your employer, consider giving them the standard two weeks’ notice.

How soon should I let gas and electric companies know that I’m moving?

You should let your gas and electricity providers know as soon as possible, mostly to give yourself the time to research new providers and ensure that they’ll have services turned on in time for your move date. Ideally, contact your current and future providers a month in advance, but try to provide at least two weeks’ notice.

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