You can change your Social Security address online, by phone, or in person at a local office
Social Security keeps your address on file to send you notices about your benefits, tax documents, and other important mail. If you move, you need to update it so documents reach you. The fastest way is through your my Social Security account online — you can do it in minutes without calling or visiting an office. If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security directly or go to a local office in person.
Which method you choose depends on whether you have internet access and how quickly you need the change processed. Online updates usually show up in Social Security's system within a day. Phone and in-person updates can take a few days longer, but all three routes are free.
Key Takeaways
- Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to change your address online in minutes without waiting on hold.
- If you already have an account, log in, go to your profile, and update the mailing address field — no additional documents needed.
- You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to report your new address by phone.
- Visit your local Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of your new address if you prefer to update it in person.
- Social Security will use your new address for all future mail, including benefit statements and tax forms, but the change may take a few days to process.
Changing your address through my Social Security online
The online method is the simplest if you have internet access and a valid email address. Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button on the homepage. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address to set up an account. Social Security will send you a verification code by email — enter it to confirm your identity.
Once you are logged in, click on your name or profile icon in the top right corner and select "Profile." Look for the "Mailing Address" section and click "Edit." Type in your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Review the information for accuracy, then click "Save." Social Security will confirm the change on screen and send you an email receipt. The address update usually takes effect within one business day.
If you already have a my Social Security account but have forgotten your password, click "Forgot username or password?" on the login page. Social Security will send you a reset link by email. Do not create a second account — using the same email address will merge any duplicate accounts automatically.
Changing your address by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your Social Security number and new address ready before you call. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
When you reach a representative, tell them you need to update your mailing address. They will ask you to confirm your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address on file. Then provide your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. The representative will read it back to you to make sure it is correct. The change will be recorded in their system, and you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within a few days.
Changing your address in person at a Social Security office
You can walk into any Social Security office and update your address without an appointment, though you may wait. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address.
Tell the staff member at the front desk that you need to update your mailing address. They will direct you to the right window. The representative will verify your identity, confirm your Social Security number, and enter your new address into the system. You will receive a receipt showing the change was processed. Updates made in person typically take effect within one to three business days.
To find your nearest office, go to ssa.gov/locator and enter your ZIP code. The website will show office hours, phone numbers, and whether the office requires an appointment for other services (address changes do not).
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Time to Process |
|---|---|---|
| Online (my Social Security) | None — just your login credentials | 1 business day |
| Phone | None — just your SSN and new address | 2–3 business days |
| In person | Photo ID and proof of new address (utility bill, lease, or government mail) | 1–3 business days |
What happens after you report your new address
Social Security will send all future mail to your new address once the change is processed. This includes your annual benefit statement (if you receive benefits), tax forms like the SSA-1099, notices about changes to your benefits, and any other official correspondence. If you are expecting a specific piece of mail before the change takes effect, you can contact Social Security to ask them to resend it to your new address once it is updated.
If you receive benefits by direct deposit, your bank account information does not change — only your mailing address. Your benefits will continue to deposit on the same schedule. If you receive a paper check, Social Security will mail it to your new address starting with the next payment cycle after the address change is processed.
If you need to change your address for Medicare or other programs
Updating your Social Security address does not automatically update your address with Medicare, the Veterans Administration, or other government programs. If you receive Medicare benefits, you will need to update your address separately by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or logging into Medicare.gov. If you are a veteran, update your address with the VA at va.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000.
Some people receive benefits from multiple programs. Make a list of which ones apply to you and update each one separately to make sure your mail reaches you at the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my address change to show up in Social Security's system?
Online changes usually take effect within one business day. Phone and in-person updates typically take two to three business days. If you are expecting important mail, you can call Social Security to confirm the change was recorded before the document is sent.
Can I change my address if I do not have a photo ID?
Online and by phone, you do not need a photo ID — just your Social Security number and date of birth. If you go in person without a photo ID, Social Security may ask for other documents to verify your identity, such as a birth certificate or passport. Call your local office first to ask what documents they will accept.
What if I move again before my first piece of mail arrives at the new address?
You can update your address as many times as you need. Each update replaces the previous one in Social Security's system. If you move frequently, the online method is fastest because you can make changes immediately without waiting on hold or visiting an office.
Do I need to update my address if I only receive Social Security benefits and not Medicare?
Yes. Social Security and Medicare are separate programs with separate address records. Updating your Social Security address does not change your Medicare address. You need to update both if you receive benefits from both programs.
What if I am homeless or do not have a permanent address?
You can use a shelter address, a friend's or family member's address, or a care facility address as your mailing address with Social Security. You can also use a Post Office box if you have one. The address just needs to be a place where you can receive mail reliably.