In 2025, 22,199 addresses were changed every day, according to the USPS. With so many people moving every day, certain details can get overlooked among the packing boxes and masking tape. Before you find yourself standing in front of an empty mailbox wondering how you forgot to notify the USPS about your move, here’s what you need to know about your change of address.
Do You Have to Change Your Address When You’re Renting?
When you move, you’ll need to update your address with the organizations and government agencies that apply to you. Requirements for updating a driver’s license or state ID vary by state but usually require these items to be updated at least 30 to 60 days after you move.
Notifying the USPS and getting the address change finalized as soon as possible is important to ensure you receive your mail in a timely manner. Not updating your address can result in lost mail, missed financial documents, voting issues, identity theft, or legal citations.
How to Notify the USPS About Your Change of Address
First, if you have a credit card, an email address, and $1.25, you can change your address online. Select who is moving, fill out the information form, choose whether the move is permanent or temporary, then provide the date you want your mail to start being forwarded. You’ll also want to provide your old and new address. Finally, pay the $1.25 using your credit card. This charge is used to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
You can also go in person to your local post office and ask for a Mover’s Guide packet. The packet contains a PS Form 3575. Simply fill out this form and give it to the postal worker or drop it in the mail slot inside the post office. There’s no fee for this method, and USPS may send confirmation of your change of address request.
If you’re moving to an apartment, be sure to include your apartment unit number in your new address. The USPS requires the unit number to be on the same line as the street address. Here is an example of the correct address format to submit to the USPS when changing addresses and living in an apartment:
John Doe
5800 Springfield Gardens Cir APT 212
Springfield, VA 22162
How to Forward Your Mail After Moving
Your mail can be forwarded starting on the date you give to the post office when you follow the steps above. Try to do this two weeks before you move to allow time for the post office to reroute your mail. After you complete this step, most of your mail will be forwarded. But just because you’ve updated your address with the USPS doesn’t mean everyone knows your new address. You’ll also have to update your address with the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), insurance companies, bank and credit card companies, and voter registration office.
Notify the DMV When You Move
Address-change requirements for a driver’s license vary by state. First, you’ll need to find your state DMV. Under “State Agencies,” choose “Motor Vehicle Offices.” Then, find the information for changing your address and read the requirements. Some states may allow you to do this online, and in some states it’s free.
While the process varies, most states require several days to process an address change request, and there’s often a timeframe after you move in which to get this done. If you don’t change your address with the DMV in the allotted time, you could face a fine.
Do You Need to Contact the IRS When You Move?
When you file your taxes, you can use your new address to notify the IRS of an address change. However, if you are expecting a tax refund or other correspondence from the IRS before you file your taxes, you might want to let them know about your change of address, even if you changed your address with the USPS.
If the IRS tries to reach you, they will send a notice to your last known address. Legally, this is all they are required to do. If you moved and didn’t get the notice, it doesn’t matter. You can be held accountable for not responding to the notice, as it’s your responsibility to notify the IRS of your new address.
To notify the IRS, you can call them directly. If you do this, be prepared to give them your full name, your old and new addresses, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. If you don’t have a Social Security number, you can use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you’d rather do this by mail, you can fill out a Form 8822 and mail it to the applicable address for your state.
What If Your Move Is Temporary?
If you are going to another state for an internship or a temporary work assignment, you can request temporary mail forwarding through the USPS website by choosing “Temporary” instead of “Permanent” as you fill out your change of address information. Keep in mind, a temporary change of address is for those who plan to live at a different address for less than six months, then move back to their old address. If you aren’t returning to your old address, even if the move is only temporary, you’ll need to fill out a permanent change of address form. Make sure to fill out this form at least two weeks before you move to your new address.
If you plan to be away from your permanent residence for 30 days or less, you may want to put your mail on hold. If you have a roommate, be aware that a hold mail request will hold all mail, including letters and packages, for all individuals at the address.
Other Agencies to Contact About Your Change of Address
As you start notifying agencies of your change of address, you might discover that more people need your new address than you realized. Here are some additional agencies you might want to contact after you move:
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
If you are a veteran, you’ll want to contact any of the Department of Veteran Affairs benefits and services you use directly to change your address with them. To update your address with the VA in general, sign in to VA.gov.
Social Security Administration
If you receive Social Security benefits or Medicare, you will want to change your address online. If you don’t already have one, you can create a my Social Security account. From here, navigate to the “My Profile” tab to update your information.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Changing your address with the USPS doesn’t change your address with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To make sure you’re getting mail from this agency, you’ll want to update your address with USCIS as well as with the USPS. If you have an account with the USCIS, you can sign in and update your address. If you don’t, you can fill out this form.
State Election Offices
Don’t wait until it’s time to vote only to realize you forgot to change your address. Find your state election office to learn more about the voter registration requirements. If you are moving to a new state, you’ll want to check that state’s registration requirements and update your registration as applicable. Just because you were a registered voter in your previous state doesn’t make you a registered voter in your new state.
If you are moving to a new location in the same state, you’ll still want to update your information. Your address affects your voting district and your assigned voting location, so be sure to keep this information current.
Where Else to Change Your Address After Moving
Now that you’ve notified the USPS, the DMV, your insurance companies, your bank and credit card companies, and other applicable agencies, there are still a few additional places that you might not have considered. Make sure your address is correct in these places as well:
- Your previous landlord (to get your security deposit back)
- Your employer (your company needs your correct address on file)
- Your previous employer (if you changed jobs, make sure your previous employer has your new address in case they need to send you tax documents and other notifications)
- Your utility companies
- Your doctors, dentist, and other medical providers
- Any apps that are location-based
- Delivery services (you don’t want your food delivery box going to your old address)
Consider sending out a general moving announcement to friends and family to make sure everyone has your new address. Now that everyone is notified, go tackle those moving boxes!
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This article was originally published on December 21, 2020 and has been updated.
FAQs
Do I have to change my address if I'm renting?
Yes. Whether you're renting or owning your next home, you need to submit an official change of address form to the USPS and change your address with the DMV and other applicable government agencies.
How far in advance should I change my address?
You should submit an official change of address request at least two weeks prior to moving. This can give the USPS time to begin rerouting your mail to your new address.
What does "former address" mean?
Your former address is the address where you lived before you moved. You will need to know this information, as well as your new address and apartment number, to let the USPS know which address you're moving from.
