Start with your mortgage lender and homeowners insurance
Your lender and insurance company need your current address because they send you statements, notices, and documents there. If mail goes to an old address, you might miss a payment deadline or not know about a policy change. Contact both within the first week of moving.
For your mortgage, call the loan servicer (the company that collects your payments—check your statement). They will ask for your new address and update it in their system. This usually takes one business day. For homeowners insurance, contact your agent or the insurance company directly. Some insurers also update your address online through their customer portal.
Keep records of when you notified each company. If a payment or notice goes to your old address and causes a problem later, you will have proof you reported the change.
Key Takeaways
- Your mortgage servicer and homeowners insurance company must have your new address within the first week of moving to avoid missed payments or notices.
- The county assessor's office updates your property tax records when you file a change-of-address form or when the deed is recorded with the new owner information.
- Your homeowners association, if you have one, needs your new address so they can send you notices and bills.
- The U.S. Postal Service change-of-address form does not automatically update government or financial records—you must contact each organization separately.
- Some utilities and service providers update your address when you call to set up service at the new property, but confirm the address is correct on your first bill.
Update your address with the county assessor
The county assessor's office maintains property tax records and the official mailing address for your home. This is separate from your mortgage servicer's records. You do not have to file a form yourself—the assessor updates the address when a new deed is recorded after a sale. If you are staying in the same home but moving your mailing address, you can contact the assessor's office directly.
Search online for "[your county] assessor's office" to find the phone number or website. Some counties let you update your mailing address online; others require a phone call or a written request. Have your property's parcel number or street address ready. The change usually takes one to two weeks to appear in their system.
Property tax bills go to the mailing address on file with the assessor. If you do not update it, your bill may arrive late or go to the wrong place, which can trigger penalties even if you pay on time.
Notify your homeowners association
If your home is in a planned community or condo building with an HOA, the association needs your new address for dues notices, meeting announcements, and violation letters. Contact the HOA management company or the board directly—the contact information is usually in your HOA documents or on the community website.
Some associations update your address automatically when you provide it; others require a written request. Ask whether they need anything beyond your new address, such as a forwarding phone number or email. Keep a copy of your request and any confirmation they send you.
File a change-of-address form with the U.S. Postal Service
The USPS change-of-address form tells the postal service to forward mail from your old address to your new one. This is useful for catching mail from organizations you may have forgotten to notify, but it does not update government or financial records on its own.
You can file the form online at usps.com, by mail, or in person at your local post office. The online form costs about $1.10 and takes effect within three to five business days. Mail forwarding typically lasts for 12 months, after which you can renew it if needed.
The USPS forwards first-class mail, magazines, and some packages. It does not forward mail marked "Address Service Requested" or mail from government agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration. Those organizations require you to notify them directly.
Update utilities and service providers
When you set up electricity, gas, water, internet, or phone service at your new address, the utility company records your new address automatically. However, confirm that the address on your first bill is correct. If it is wrong, call the company immediately and ask them to correct it in their system.
If you are transferring service from your old home to your new one (rather than signing up with a new provider), the utility company will update your address when you call to schedule the move. Some utilities let you manage this online through their customer account.
Notify other organizations that have your address
Beyond the major financial and government entities, think about who else sends you mail or needs to reach you. This includes your employer (for tax withholding and benefits), your bank or credit card companies, your doctor's office, your car insurance company, and any subscriptions or memberships you hold.
You do not need to do all of these on the same day, but prioritize financial institutions and your employer first. For each one, keep a simple list and check them off as you go. Many organizations let you update your address online through their website or app; others require a phone call.
If you have a P.O. box or mailbox at a private mail center, update that address too, since some organizations may still send mail there.
What to do if you receive mail at your old address
Even after you notify everyone, some mail will still arrive at your old address—usually from organizations you forgot about or that take time to process the change. If you still have access to your old address (because you own it or a tenant is there), ask whoever lives there to forward important mail to you.
If you no longer have access to the old address, contact the sender directly and provide your new address. For financial or legal mail, this is especially important. Keep the envelope or letter so you have the sender's contact information.
The USPS will forward most mail automatically for 12 months, but do not rely on that alone for time-sensitive documents like mortgage statements or tax notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update my address with my state's DMV?
Yes, but that is a separate process from updating your mortgage and insurance. Your driver's license and vehicle registration must show your current address. Contact your state's DMV or do it online through their website. Most states give you 10 to 30 days to update your address after moving.
What happens if I do not tell my mortgage servicer my new address?
Statements and payment notices will go to your old address, and you might miss important information about your loan. If a payment is late because you did not receive the notice, the servicer may still charge a late fee. It is also harder for the servicer to contact you if there is a problem with your account.
Can I change my address online with most companies?
Many companies offer online address updates through their customer portal or website, but not all. Your mortgage servicer, insurance company, and bank usually have online options. Government agencies like the assessor's office vary by county. When in doubt, call to confirm the address was updated correctly.
How long does it take for address changes to go through?
Most financial institutions and utilities update your address within one to three business days. The county assessor may take one to two weeks. The USPS takes three to five business days to start forwarding mail. Government agencies vary widely, so assume two to four weeks for agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration.
What if my old address and new address are in different states?
The process is the same, but you will also need to update your driver's license and vehicle registration with your new state's DMV. If you have a mortgage or homeowners insurance in the old state, those companies still need your new address even though you have moved out of state. Property tax records in your old county will be updated when the property is sold or transferred.