You can change your address with Social Security online, by phone, or in person at a local office
The fastest way is the online tool at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account. You log in, go to your profile, and update your mailing address in a few minutes — no forms, no waiting. If you do not have an account, you can create one at the same website.
If you prefer not to use the website, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and give your new address to a representative. You will need your Social Security number and some basic information to verify who you are. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.
You can also walk into any Social Security office with a photo ID and your Social Security card or number, and staff will update your address on the spot. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.
Key Takeaways
- The my Social Security online account is the quickest method and takes just a few minutes from home.
- Calling 1-800-772-1213 works if you do not want to use the website, though wait times vary by time of day.
- You can visit a local Social Security office in person with photo ID and your Social Security number or card.
- Social Security uses your address to mail benefit checks, tax documents, and official notices, so updating it prevents mail delays.
- Address changes take effect within a few days for online and phone updates, and immediately for in-person changes.
Creating a my Social Security account to update online
If you do not already have a my Social Security account, you will need to set one up to use the online address change tool. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will provide your email address, create a password, and answer security questions.
Social Security will then ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by answering questions about your credit history (if you have a credit file), uploading a photo of your driver's license or state ID, or using a video call with a Social Security representative. The video option is available if the other methods do not work for you.
Once your account is set up and verified, you can log in anytime to update your address, view your earnings record, and check your benefit statement. The address change shows up in Social Security's system within a few days.
What information you need to have ready
For an online update, you only need to log into your account and enter your new address. Social Security already has your other details on file.
If you are calling, have your Social Security number ready and be prepared to answer questions to confirm your identity — typically your date of birth, mother's maiden name, or details about your work history. A representative may also ask about recent addresses you have lived at.
For an in-person visit, bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and either your Social Security card or your Social Security number written down. If you have recently moved and do not have an updated ID yet, bring your old ID and a document showing your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement.
Why Social Security needs your current address
Social Security mails your benefit check to the address on file if you receive benefits by check rather than direct deposit. If your address is wrong, your check goes to the old address and you may not receive it for weeks, if at all.
Social Security also mails you tax documents (Form SSA-1099 if you receive benefits), official notices about changes to your benefits, and information about Medicare. An outdated address means you might miss important deadlines or not know about changes that affect you.
If you have a representative payee — someone who manages your benefits on your behalf — Social Security sends notices to both your address and theirs. Keeping your address current ensures both of you stay informed.
Updating your address if you do not have internet access
The phone line is your best option if you cannot use the website. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you want to update your mailing address. The call is free. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and shorter on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
If you have hearing loss or use a relay service, call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778. You can also use the Federal Relay Service by dialing 711.
An in-person visit to your local Social Security office works too, though you may have to wait. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to make an appointment first. Check ssa.gov/locator to see what your local office offers and whether you need to schedule ahead.
How long the address change takes to go into effect
If you update your address online or by phone, the change usually takes effect within three to five business days. During that time, mail sent to your old address may still arrive there, so do not be alarmed if you receive something at the previous location.
If you update your address in person at a Social Security office, the change is recorded immediately in their system. However, mail that was already processed before your visit may still go to the old address.
To be safe, notify your landlord, employer, bank, and other important contacts of your move at the same time you update Social Security. That way, if a piece of mail takes longer than expected, you have already redirected it elsewhere.
What to do if you move frequently or live at multiple addresses
If you move often or split time between two homes, you can only have one mailing address on file with Social Security. Choose the address where you want to receive mail — typically the one where you spend most of the year or where you are most likely to be when mail arrives.
If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a shelter address, a trusted friend's or family member's address, or a local organization's address (such as a community center or nonprofit) as your mailing address. Social Security will accept any address where mail can reach you. Bring documentation showing that you have permission to use that address if you update in person.
Some people use a mail forwarding service or a PO box. Social Security accepts PO boxes as mailing addresses, though some offices prefer a street address if possible. If you use a PO box, make sure it is active and that you check it regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address on Social Security's website if I do not have a my Social Security account?
No, you need a my Social Security account to update your address online. You can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office instead. Creating an account takes about 10 minutes and requires you to verify your identity.
What if I moved but have not received my benefit check yet?
Contact Social Security right away by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office. Tell them your old address and new address, and ask them to check whether your check was mailed. If it was sent to the old address, they may be able to help you locate it or issue a replacement.
Do I need to update my address with Social Security if I get direct deposit?
You should still update your address because Social Security mails tax documents, notices, and other important information to the address on file. Direct deposit only covers your benefit payment, not all your mail from Social Security.
Can someone else update my address for me?
If you have a representative payee or a power of attorney, that person may be able to update your address on your behalf. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether the person authorized to act for you can make this change, or bring them with you to a local office.
How do I know if my address change went through?
Log into your my Social Security account and check your profile — your updated address should appear there within a few days. If you called or visited in person, you can call back to confirm, or wait for your next piece of mail to arrive at the new address.