Where to start: USPS first, then tell everyone else

A change of address involves three separate steps, and they do not happen automatically. You must file a form with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to forward your mail, notify your landlord or property manager in writing, and then update your address with every government agency, employer, bank, and service provider you deal with. USPS handles mail forwarding only — it does not notify anyone else. You are responsible for the rest.

Start with USPS because mail forwarding takes five to seven business days to activate, and you want it running before you move. Then notify your landlord, because your lease or rental agreement likely requires written notice. After that, work through a list of places that need your new address: the IRS, your state's tax authority, your voter registration, your driver's license or ID, Social Security Administration, banks, insurance companies, employers, and any subscriptions or memberships you hold.

Key Takeaways

  • File your USPS change of address form online at usps.com, by phone at 1-800-275-8777, or in person at your local post office at least five to seven days before you move.
  • Notify your landlord or property manager in writing (email or certified mail) as required by your lease, usually 30 to 60 days before your move-out date depending on your state and lease terms.
  • Update your address with the IRS, your state tax authority, your state's driver's license office, and Social Security within 30 days of moving to avoid mail delays and tax filing problems.
  • Banks, insurance companies, and employers need your new address to send statements, bills, and tax documents; contact each one directly rather than assuming they will receive the information automatically.
  • Keep a record of which agencies you have notified and when, because mail can still arrive at your old address for months after you move.

Filing your USPS change of address form

You can file a change of address with USPS online, by phone, or in person. The online method at usps.com is fastest and available 24 hours a day. You will need your current address, your new address, and a valid email address. USPS charges $1.10 for online filing. The form takes about five minutes to complete.

If you prefer to file by phone, call 1-800-275-8777 during business hours. A representative will walk you through the form and charge the fee to a credit or debit card. You can also visit your local post office in person and fill out Form 3575 on paper; staff will file it for you and charge the same $1.10 fee.

Mail forwarding begins five to seven business days after you file. If you are moving on the 15th of the month, file your form by the 8th to ensure forwarding is active when mail starts arriving at your new address. USPS will forward mail for 12 months; after that, mail addressed to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "No Forwarding Address."

Notifying your landlord or property manager

Your lease or rental agreement almost certainly requires written notice before you move out. Most states require 30 to 60 days' notice, though some require more and a few allow less. Check your lease first to see what it says, then check your state's landlord-tenant law to confirm the minimum required notice period. If your lease requires 60 days but your state requires only 30, you must follow what your lease says.

Send your notice in writing — email is acceptable if your landlord has agreed to email communication, but certified mail with return receipt is safer because it creates a record that they received it. Include your current address, your move-out date, your new address, and your forwarding phone number. Keep a copy for your records. Do not assume a phone call counts as notice; landlords often dispute whether they received verbal notice, and you will have no proof.

If you are breaking a lease early, your landlord may charge you a penalty or hold you responsible for rent until they find a new tenant, depending on your state's laws and what your lease says. Some states require landlords to make a reasonable effort to re-rent the unit; others do not. Review your lease and your state's tenant laws before you move to understand what you might owe.

Updating government agencies and the IRS

The IRS needs your new address so tax documents and refunds reach you. You can update your address online through your IRS account at irs.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or by mailing Form 8822 (Change of Address) to the address listed on the form. If you file taxes jointly with a spouse, both of you should update your addresses.

Your state's tax authority also needs your new address. Most states allow you to update it online through your state tax portal or by mailing a change-of-address form. Search "[your state] tax change of address" to find the right form and instructions for your state.

Update your driver's license or state ID at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states allow you to update your address online, by mail, or in person; some charge a small fee ($5 to $15 typically) and some do not. You will need your license number and usually a proof of residency document (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). Update your voter registration at the same time through your county clerk's office or online at vote411.org.

Notify the Social Security Administration by visiting your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID. You can also update your address online if you have a my Social Security account at ssa.gov.

Updating banks, insurance, and employers

Contact each bank and credit card company directly to update your address. Do not assume they will receive it from USPS or another source. Log into your online account and update it there, or call the customer service number on the back of your card. The same applies to insurance companies (auto, home, renters, health, life) — call or log in to update your address with each one.

Your employer needs your new address for your personnel file and for sending W-2 forms at tax time. Contact your HR department or payroll office and provide your new address in writing. If you receive benefits through your employer (health insurance, retirement plans), update your address with those administrators as well.

Subscriptions, memberships, and services (streaming services, gym memberships, utilities, internet providers, phone companies) all need your new address. Go through your bank and credit card statements from the past few months to find every recurring charge, then contact each provider to update your information. This prevents bills from going to your old address and keeps your account active without interruption.

What to do about mail still arriving at your old address

Even after USPS forwarding is active, mail can arrive at your old address for weeks or months — especially bills, statements, and marketing mail that were already in the mail system when you moved. If you still have access to your old address (because you own the home or the new tenant lets you check), collect that mail and update the sender's records yourself.

If you no longer have access to your old address, ask the new tenant or property manager to forward mail to you, or write "Return to Sender — Person No Longer at This Address" on unopened mail and put it back in the mailbox. USPS will return it to the sender, who should then update their records.

For important documents like tax forms, bank statements, or legal notices, do not rely on USPS forwarding alone. Contact the sender directly and confirm they have your new address before you move. This is especially important for the IRS, your state tax authority, banks, and any government agencies you deal with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file a change of address with USPS if I am moving within the same city?

Yes. USPS forwarding works the same way whether you are moving across town or across the country. File your form at least five to seven days before you move so forwarding is active when mail starts arriving at your new address.

What happens if I do not tell my landlord I am moving?

Your landlord may charge you rent for the days after your move-out date, file an eviction case against you, or report you to a collections agency. You are responsible for rent until your lease ends or until your landlord re-rents the unit, depending on your state's laws. Written notice protects you by creating a record of when you informed them.

Can I update my address with multiple agencies at once?

No. Each agency maintains its own records and does not share address information with others. You must contact each one separately — the IRS, your state tax authority, Social Security, your driver's license office, banks, insurance companies, and employers all need to hear from you directly.

How long does USPS mail forwarding last?

USPS forwards mail for 12 months from the date your form is processed. After 12 months, mail addressed to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "No Forwarding Address." If you need forwarding to continue, file a new form before the 12 months expire.

What if I move and forget to update my address with the IRS?

Tax refunds and notices may be delayed or sent to your old address. If you do not receive a tax document you are expecting, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and provide your new address. The IRS can reissue documents and update your file, but it is faster to update your address before you move.