How to Update Your Address After You Move

After moving into a new apartment, condo, or rental home, updating your address is one of the most important tasks to complete. Changing your address helps prevent missed bills, delayed packages, and account security issues.

This renter-friendly checklist covers where to update your address after moving and how to make the process easier.

Set Up Mail Forwarding

The first step when updating your address is setting up mail forwarding through USPS. This ensures letters sent to your old address are redirected to your new home. You can do this online through the USPS website or in person at your local USPS post office.

Standard USPS mail forwarding lasts 12 months, so it’s still important to update your address directly with businesses and service providers.

Where to Update Your Address

Keeping track of every account tied to your old address can feel overwhelming. Here’s a checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything important.

Government agencies

Be sure to notify federal and state government agencies regarding your change of address, starting with the IRS.

If you move before you file your taxes for the year, you’ll just need to enter your new address on your tax return, and the IRS will update your file. If you move after you file your taxes, there are three ways to change your address with the IRS:

• By completing Form 8822 and mailing it to the address listed for your state
• Write a letter informing the IRS of your address change, including your old address, new address, and Social Security number
• Call the IRS and provide your old address, new address, and Social Security number

If you collect Social Security or Medicare benefits, you’ll need to contact the Social Security Administration to update your mailing address. If you receive Medicaid benefits, contact your state’s Medicaid office.

Driver’s license and vehicle registration

Most states require residents to update their driver’s license and vehicle registration within a certain timeframe after moving. Depending on your state, you may also need to replace your vehicle tags and update your car insurance records.

Make sure you have all the documents you need before going to the DMV, like a copy of your lease agreement and utility bills that show your new address. Verify your state’s requirements through your local DMV website.

Financial institutions

To avoid missed statements or fraud alerts, update your address with all financial accounts as soon as possible. This includes:

• Banks
• Credit card companies
• Investment accounts
• Loan providers
• Retirement accounts

Many financial institutions allow you to update your address online through your account settings.

Voter registration

Make sure your voter registration is updated before the deadline for the next election. You may be able to update your voter registration at the DMV when you update your driver’s license and vehicle registration, but you can also update your address through your state’s voter registration website.

Employers

Don’t forget to update your address with your employer so payroll, tax documents, and benefits information reach the correct location.

Insurance providers

You should also update your address with health insurance, auto insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance providers. If you’re moving rentals, now is also a good time to review your renters insurance policy and verify your coverage still fits your needs.

Utilities and subscription services

After moving, update your address for all utility accounts and recurring services including:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Internet and Wi-Fi
• Streaming subscriptions
• Phone plans
• Security systems

If you’re transferring services to a new rental, verify activation dates ahead of move-in day to avoid a lapse in service.

Delivery apps and online shopping accounts

Many renters forget to update addresses saved in shopping and delivery apps until after an order is shipped to the wrong place. Review the information you have saved in the online shopping accounts you visit most often and delete your old address to prevent delivery mistakes later on.

This article was originally published on February 22, 2019, by Lauren Ing and has been updated.

FAQs

How soon should I update my address after moving?

You should start updating your address as soon as possible after moving—ideally within the first week. Start with USPS mail forwarding, then update important accounts like banking, utilities, and insurance providers.

What happens if I forget to update my address?

Missing an address update can lead to delayed mail, missed bills, account security issues, and packages being delivered to your old apartment.

Does USPS mail forwarding update my address everywhere automatically?

No. USPS forwarding only redirects mail temporarily. You still need to update your address directly with companies and service providers.

What accounts should I update after moving?

Renters should update addresses for banks, credit cards, utilities, insurance providers, employers, subscriptions, delivery apps, and government documents like driver’s licenses and voter registration