How to Change Your Address

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

Moving is part of life and requires a few steps to ensure a positive experience. If you are moving, you will need to update your address to have your mail forwarded to you. Other reasons for updating your records include avoiding landlord disputes and paying utility bills.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Changing Your Address with the USPS

1
Change your address online. Go online to fill out a Change of Address (COA) form at the U.S. Postal Service website. ^{[1]
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Research source} The step-by-step instructions will require:
- Indicate whether your move is permanent or temporary (under twelve months).
- Your full name and the names of any family members who are moving with you. A separate form will be required for each member with a different last name.
- A debit or credit card for the $1.05 verification fee. The post office uses your debit or credit card to verify your address information. You can avoid the verification fee if you go to your local post office and fill out the COA^{[2]
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  Research source}
2
Request the form by phone. You can contact your local post office and request a 3575 form to be mailed to you. The number for USPS is 1-800-275-8777. You will have to pay the $1.05 verification fee if you choose to change your address over the telephone.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
USA.GOV
Official website for the United States federal government
Go to source}

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3
Fill out the form in person. Visit your nearest post office and request a 3575 form. By going into the post office, you will avoid paying the service fee that is required for telephone and online conveniences.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source
USA.GOV
Official website for the United States federal government
Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Notifying Social Security Administration

1
Determine if you receive benefits. The Social Security Association is in charge of federal benefits other than social security. You must receive one of the following in order to change your address with this department:
- Social Security Income
- Retirement
- Survivors benefits
- Medicare^{[5]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Social Security Administration
  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for the administration and management of Social Security
  Go to source}
2
Contact the nearest Social Security office. Report your change of address to the Social Security Administration if you are receiving their benefits. This is the best way to make sure you continue to receive your government benefits without interruption.
- If you go to their website, you can enter your new zip code and find the nearest location.
- At the office, a representative will help you change your address so you can receive your benefits.
3
Change your address online. Use your free account, my Social Security account, to update any personal information online. SSA has simplified many of the petty changes in administrative work to be completed online.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Changing Your Address For the IRS

1
Keep a positive standing with the IRS. It is important for the IRS to stay updated with your current address. Even if you changed your address with the post office, this doesn’t always crossover to the IRS’ information. Tax season can sneak up on you and it is your duty to stay on top of your records.
2
Submit a written statement. You can download and print Form 8822 and include it with some other key information. Compile the necessary information followed by your signature. You’ll need to additionally supply your:
- Full name
- Old address
- New Address
- Social security number^{[6]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Internal Revenue Service
  U.S. government agency in charge of managing the Federal Tax Code
  Go to source}
3
Use your tax return. When filing for a tax return, put down your new address directly on the return. This is a simple way to update your information without doing any additional paperwork.
- The only instance where the IRS will accept an electronic request is if your tax return wasn’t mailed.^{[7]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Internal Revenue Service
  U.S. government agency in charge of managing the Federal Tax Code
  Go to source}
4
Call them. Look up the phone number for the nearest office to you. This can be done if you do not wish to mail out your SSN, and would like confirmation. Before dialing have the following information in hand:
- Full name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Social security number^{[8]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Internal Revenue Service
  U.S. government agency in charge of managing the Federal Tax Code
  Go to source}

Community Q&A

Question

My mom died and I would like to have any mail forwarded to me from her old address. I've had power of attorney and am now executrix of her estate. What should I do?

Community Answer

Contact the postal service, tell them that your mother passed away and that any of her mail should be redirected to your address.
Question

What’s the phone number to change your address with the IRS?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Don't call them. Change your address as described in the above article. The IRS will learn about the change from the Postal Service or through their written exchanges with you. If they have your Tax ID Number and your Social Security Number, they don't care much about your address.
Question

I never moved and received a letter that the post office returned mail undeliverable?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Show the letter to the people at your local post office. They need to see it in order to fix the problem.

Help Changing Your Address

Sample Change of Address Letter to Official Entity

Envelope Template

Warnings

Magazines and newspapers are forwarded for 60 days at no charge. After 60 days, the post office discards them, so notify the publishers of any magazine or newspapers you subscribe to that you have a new address. Publications often take as long as 60 days to change your address, so notify them individually at the same time you put in your change of address at the post office.

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According to U.S. Postal regulations, “Anyone intentionally submitting false or inaccurate information on a COA request form is subject to punishment by fines or imprisonment or both under Sections 2, 1001, 1702 and 1708 of Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C.). “

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