Steps to Change Your Address with Ease: Moving is stressful — changing your address doesn’t have to be. This clear, step-by-step guide shows you how to forward mail with the U.S. Postal Service, notify key federal agencies (IRS, Social Security, USCIS, Veterans), update voter and motor-vehicle records, avoid scammers, and keep a printable checklist. Information below was verified against official government sources as of August 2025. (USAGov)
Why one accurate address change matters
If you don’t update the right agencies and services, important mail — tax notices, benefits letters, immigration notices, ballots — can be delayed or lost. A few smart moves now will save time, money, and headaches later. (USAGov)
Step 1 — Start with USPS: forward your mail the easy way
Submit a Change of Address (COA) through the official USPS move page or in person at a local post office. Choose a temporary or permanent forward depending on how long you’ll be away. The USPS uses a $1.10 identity-verification charge for online requests — you do not need to hire any third-party “address-change” service that charges far more. Always use USPS.com/move or your post office to avoid scams. (USPS)
Tip: When you complete the online COA you’ll get a confirmation code and notification letters — keep the code handy in case you need to modify or cancel the request.
Step 2 — Tell the IRS (if you expect tax mail)
If you recently filed a tax return, the IRS will usually use the address on that return. If your address changes after you file, tell the IRS by filing Form 8822 (individuals) or Form 8822-B (business/responsible party) so notices and refunds reach you. If you’re expecting a refund or correspondence, don’t delay this step. (IRS)
Step 3 — Update Social Security info (beneficiaries)
If you receive Social Security benefits (retirement, disability, survivors) or are enrolled in Medicare, update your mailing address through your My Social Security account (or by contacting SSA if you cannot use the online tools). Beneficiaries can change their address and direct-deposit details online in many cases — but procedures can vary depending on benefit type and recent SSA security changes. (Social Security)
Step 4 — Immigration/USCIS notices (non-citizens)
Non-citizens must notify USCIS of address changes (legal requirement) — use the USCIS online AR-11/E-COA tool in your USCIS online account to update your address quickly. Do this as soon as you move so you keep receiving important case notices. (USCIS)
Step 5 — Veterans benefits & VA contacts
If you receive VA benefits, sign into your VA.gov account to update your contact information, or contact your regional VA office. Keeping your VA record current prevents missed benefit notices and helps with healthcare and claims processing.
Step 6 — DMV / driver’s license & vehicle registration (state-level)
Your driver’s license and vehicle registration are state matters — visit your state DMV’s website to see whether you must update your license and tag/address within a certain number of days. Many states allow online updates; some require an in-person visit for a new physical ID or proof of residency.
Tip: If you’re moving across states, start the new state’s DMV process early so you meet residency and insurance rules.
Step 7 — Voter registration & local services
Change your voter registration through your state’s election office (use Vote.gov to find your state’s portal). Updating your voter registration keeps you eligible to vote in local and national elections and ensures your ballot is sent to the right place. (USAGov)
Also update local utilities, library cards, vehicle/taxi permits, and city services while you’re at it.
Step 8 — Practical hacks and safety tips (avoid scams)
- Only use official sites (USPS, IRS, SSA, USCIS, VA, state DMV, Vote.gov). Scammers often imitate official sites and charge hefty fees. (USPS, IRS)
- The official USPS online fee is $1.10 — if someone asks for $40+ to “submit your COA,” it’s a scam. (USPS)
- Keep your confirmation proof (USPS confirmation code, SSA/VA/USCIS receipts, IRS form copies).
- Update billing addresses for banks, credit cards, subscriptions, and frequent-buyer programs — automatic payments sent to an old address can cause missed notices or fraud alerts.
- If you help someone else move mail (elderly or incapacitated person), check each agency’s requirements — many require power-of-attorney or in-person verification.
Step 9 — Printable one-page checklist (ready to use)
- USPS: Submit COA (temporary or permanent) and save confirmation code. (USPS)
- IRS: File Form 8822 (if you filed taxes previously or expect tax mail). (IRS)
- Social Security: Update via My Social Security (if you get benefits). (Social Security)
- USCIS: File AR-11 / E-COA (if applicable). (USCIS)
- VA: Update contact info on VA.gov (if applicable).
- DMV: Update license/registration as required by your state.
- Voter Registration: Update at Vote.gov or your state elections site. (USAGov)
- Financial accounts & subscriptions: update billing and shipping addresses.
- Utilities & local services: schedule start/stop/transfer of utilities; add trash/recycling, internet, and local accounts.
- Keep receipts and screenshots of each confirmation in a single folder (digital + printed backup).
Short FAQs
Q: How soon should I submit the USPS COA?
A: Submit COA several weeks before your move date so forward routing begins on day one at the new address. You’ll get notification letters to old/new addresses after processing. (USPS)
Q: Can someone else change my address online for me?
A: For many agencies, no — or they will require special authorization. For USPS you can be an “Authorized Agent” but may need to appear in person with ID and documents; for federal benefit changes, agencies usually need proper authorization (POA). Check each agency’s rules. (USPS, IRS)
Q: Is it safe to use a paid “change my address” service?
A: No — the official USPS online COA costs $1.10. Paid services often duplicate the same work at a much higher cost. Use official sites instead. (USPS)
Disclaimer
This guide is informational and not legal, tax, or financial advice. Procedures and agency requirements change periodically — always confirm details on the agency’s official website before you act. Official pages used to verify this post are listed below. Images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.
Helpful official links (click for step-by-step forms and agency pages)
- USA.gov — How to change your address: https://www.usa.gov/change-address. (USAGov)
- USPS — Change of Address & mail forwarding: https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm. (USPS)
- Social Security — Update contact information / My Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/update-contact-information. (Social Security)
- IRS — Change of address information & Form 8822: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc157 and https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8822. (IRS)
- USCIS — AR-11 / online change of address tool: https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11 and https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange. (USCIS)
- Vote.gov — Find your state’s voter registration page: https://www.vote.gov. (USAGov)