Change of Address Checklist: Everyone You Need to Notify

Reviewed by Joey Padgett · Last reviewed September 2026

Start this process about 4 weeks before your move. USPS mail forwarding catches a lot, but it's not permanent, and many institutions won't send to a forwarded address. Getting ahead of the list reduces the headache of chasing down missed mail six months later.

Start Here: USPS Change of Address

File a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service first. This creates a mail forward from your old address to your new one for up to 12 months for first-class mail.

Do it at usps.com/manage/forward.htm. The online identity verification fee is $1.25. Set the start date 1 to 2 days before your official move date, and allow up to two weeks for forwarding to fully activate.

Mail forwarding is a bridge, not a solution. It doesn't forward packages from all carriers, it doesn't update your address with anyone automatically, and it expires. Use it to catch what you miss while you work through the list below.

Government and Legal

IRS: Update your address at irs.gov or by filing Form 8822 (individuals) or 8822-B (businesses). This ensures your tax refund and any correspondence reaches you.
Social Security Administration: Update at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Driver's license: Most states require you to update your license within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's DMV timeline. This is often required before vehicle registration.
Vehicle registration: If you've moved to a new state, you'll need to re-register your vehicles. Requirements and timelines vary by state.
Voter registration: Update at vote.gov or through your new county or state's election office. Deadlines vary by state for upcoming elections.
Passport: No address update is required for domestic moves. Your passport is valid regardless of your current address. If your passport is expiring soon, renew it through the State Department — but that's a separate process unrelated to your move.
Military service records: If applicable, notify the appropriate branch or the VA.

Financial

Bank and checking/savings accounts
Credit card companies (each one separately)
Investment accounts and brokerage accounts
Retirement accounts (401k, IRA)
Loans: mortgage, auto, student loans
Insurance companies: auto, home or renters, life, umbrella
PayPal, Venmo, and other payment apps
Financial advisor or accountant

Employer and Income

HR department (for W-2 and direct deposit purposes)
Payroll provider if you're self-employed
Any freelance clients or platforms that issue 1099s

Healthcare

Health insurance provider (address for correspondence, and update your primary care region if your plan is location-based)
Primary care doctor, specialists, and dentist
Pharmacy (transfer prescriptions to a location near the new home)
Optometrist
Therapist or mental health provider
Children's pediatrician
Veterinarian if you're moving within a reasonable distance

Subscriptions and Deliveries

This list is longer than most people expect. Go through your bank and credit card statements for the past two months to catch everything.

Amazon and other online retailers (update your default shipping address)
Grocery delivery services
Meal kit subscriptions (HelloFresh, Blue Apron, etc.)
Streaming services that mail physical media
Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
Box subscriptions (clothing, beauty, food, etc.)
Pet food and pet medication subscriptions
Book and media clubs

Utilities and Home Services

Electric company
Gas company
Water and sewer (if not included in rent)
Internet and cable provider
Trash collection (if billed separately)
Home security monitoring company
Lawn care or cleaning services

Children's Schools and Activities

Current school (request official records transfer)
New school (enrollment, records submission)
Extracurricular activities and sports programs
Youth organizations (scouts, clubs, religious programs)

Professional and Legal

Attorney or legal services
Accountant or CPA
Any professional licenses or certifications that list your address

Other Common Ones People Forget

Frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs
Gym or fitness club membership
Library card (especially if you're staying in the same county system)
Alumni associations from colleges or universities
Professional associations
Anyone who sends you holiday cards or physical gifts regularly

State-Specific Timing Requirements

Several address-related updates have legal deadlines:

Driver's license: Most states give new residents 30 to 60 days from establishing residency to update their license. Some states are stricter. Look up the specific requirement for your destination state.

Vehicle registration: Similar timeline to driver's license in most states, often tied to it.

Voter registration: Deadlines vary significantly by state. Some states allow same-day registration; others require registration weeks before an election. Check vote.gov for your state.

Title and registration for vehicles: For interstate moves, you typically have 30 to 90 days to re-title and re-register in the new state. Some states require a vehicle inspection as part of registration.

For week-by-week timing on when to handle address changes, see the Moving Timeline. For the full move checklist, see Moving Checklist.