# 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](https://www.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](/advice/moving-checklist/moving-timeline). For the full move checklist, see [Moving Checklist](/advice/moving-checklist). --- ## Sources - [Change of Address — USPS](https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm) - [Change of Address — IRS](https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/address-changes) - [Change of Address After Moving — Move.org](https://www.move.org/change-of-address/) - [How to Change Your Address When Moving — HireAHelper](https://www.hireahelper.com/advice/change-of-address/) - [Voter Registration — Vote.gov](https://vote.gov)