Governement Agencies
Government agencies are predominant in your everyday life. These agencies make sure you receive your important documents, benefit payments, driver’s license and income. If you do not change your address or change your address late with the government agencies applicable to you, you may face consequences and even severe penalties in some cases. If you want to continue receiving your benefit payments and avoid consequences, make sure you notify your government agencies at least a few weeks before moving.
DMV Change of Address
The DMV is a state-level government agency that handles driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations. The timeframe in which you must notify the DMV of your change of address varies by state, but is generally between 10 and 30 days after your move. If you’re moving within your state, you can usually change your address on your driver’s license and vehicle registration online. Phone and mailing options are also typically available. However, if you’re moving to or from another state, you will most likely need to change your address in person at your local DMV office. You may also be required to take a vision and writing test, especially if your current driver’s license is expired.
Voter Registration Change of Address
When it comes to voter registration, the process varies by state, but is overall very similar. To reduce the time you’ll be spending at the polls on election day, change your address on your voter registration at least 30 days before the upcoming election. To avoid forgetting about changing your address on your voter registration when the next election could be 4 years away, it’s recommended to change your address right after you move.
IRS Change of Address
The IRS is the U.S. government agency that is in charge of collecting and enforcing taxes and their laws respectively. It is recommended to change your address with the IRS at least 2 weeks before your move so you don’t miss out on important things like your stimulus cheque.
Social Security (SSA) Change of Address
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a U.S. government agency that oversees social programs covering disability, retirement, and survivors’ benefits. You must legally change your address with the SSA within 10 days of your move. A change of address with the SSA is mandatory if you’re receiving benefits, are enrolled in Medicare, are a beneficiary or were receiving benefits on the behalf of a worker’s minor or disabled child who is not in your care anymore.
Veteran Affairs Change of Address
Veterans receive their benefits through The Department of Veteran Affairs also known as Veteran Affairs or VA. Veteran Affairs will address several concerns as veterans age, including the changing health risks they confront, as well as financial challenges. It’s important to notify the VA of a change of address as soon as possible to avoid interruption of your benefits and services.
USCIS Change of Address
The USCIS also known as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services is a government agency that regulates the country’s immigration system. It’s required by law to notify the USCIS of your change of address within 10 days of your move. Failure to do so would be considered a misdemeanor that could negatively reflect on your immigration process to the US. If you’re a green card holder, have a pending application, are a sponsor or have a temporary visa like the H-1B Visa, it is mandatory to change your address with the USCIS.
USPS Change of Address (Mail Forwarding)
Contrary to popular belief, mail forwarding does not actually change your address it simply redirects mail. If you forgot to tell someone or missed a service provider when changing your address, your mail will be forwarded to the right address by USPS. Update your mailing address with USPS at least 3 weeks before your move as it takes 7-10 business business days to begin processing.
Firearm Address Change & Gun Permit Application
If you’re moving within a state that requires a gun permit or license, you’ll have to change your address with your state either online or at the police department usually between 30 and 60 days of your move. If you’re moving to another state with guns or firearms, make sure you check out their gun safety rules and requirements. You may need to apply for a new gun permit or license in your new state.
Hunting & Fishing License and Permits
If you’re moving within a state and have a hunting or fishing license, you’ll need to change your address directly with the wildlife department in your state (NOAA registration required for saltwater fishing). If you’re moving to a different state, you’ll have to get a new hunting and fishing license. Begin your change of address on your hunting and fishing license or apply for a new one by finding your state’s wildlife department on the FWS.gov website.
Home Services
Home services play an important role in your daily life at home. Without electricity or gas you cannot heat up your home and without the Internet you may not be able to work and communicate with your loved ones. It’s important to notify your home service providers a few weeks prior to your move to avoid delays or the total absence of these services.
Electric and Gas
Change your address with your electric and gas provider by phone or through your online account.
Water and Sewer
Change your address with your water and sewer provider by phone or through your online account.
Trash and Recycling
The most convenient way to change your address with your trash and recycling company is to either email or call them.
Internet, Home Phone and Cable Provider
Change your address with your Internet, home phone and cable provider by calling them directly. You may need a technician to come set it all up at your new place.
Home Insurance, Renter’s Insurance, Car Insurance and Life Insurance
Change your address with your home insurance, renter’s insurance, car insurance and life insurance by calling them directly. Your insurance policy will likely change because of your new living situation.
Home Rental Services (water tank rental, furnace rental)
Change your address with your home rental services by phone so you can get the full details on your new installation.
Home Security System
Change your address with your home security system by phone. You might be able to transfer your current system to your new home.
Other Establishments, Organizations and Subscription
Streaming Services (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Apple Music, Spotify)
- Change your address with your streaming services through your online account. Usually in the account settings section.
Financial Institutions (Banks)
- Change your address with your bank through your online banking account, by phone or in person.
Charities
- Change your address with your favorite charities by accessing your online account or by calling them directly.
Children’s School
- Change your address at your children’s previous and new school by calling or in person at the reception.
Union
- Change your address with your union by accessing your online account or by phone.
Pharmacy
- Change your address with your pharmacy in person or by phone.
College
- Change your address with your college at the registrar’s office, by phone or through your online account.
Alumni Association
- Change your address with your alumni association by phone or through your online account.
Customer Loyalty Programs
- Change your address with your customer loyalty programs by phone or through your online account.
Magazines and Newspapers
- Change your address with your magazines and newspapers by phone or through your online account.
Employer
- Change your address with your employer by contracting your company’s Human Resources (HR) department.
Dentist
- Change your address with your dentist by phone or in person.
Veterinarian
- Change your address with your veterinarian by phone or in person.
Library
- Change your address with your library by phone or in person.
Car Manufacturer
- Change your address with your car manufacturer by phone or through your online account.
Car Dealership
- Change your address with your car dealership by phone or in person.
Medical Clinic and Hospital
- Change your address with your medical clinic and hospital in person or by phone.
Gym
- Change your address with your gym in person, by phone or through your online account.
Cemetery
- Change the address of your loved one’s cemetery by email or by phone.
Online shopping sites (Amazon, eBay, Grocery Store)
- Change your address with your online shopping sites through your online account.
Accountant
- Change your address with your accountant by phone or by email.
The American Red Cross
There are 3 ways to change your address with the American Red Cross:
- By calling 1-800-962-4337.
- By filling out the change of address form and sending it to matesting@redcross.org.
By mailing the change of address form to 85 Lowell Street, Peabody, MA 01960.
Mobile Phone
- Change your address with your mobile phone provider by phone or through your online account.
Conclusion
With this complete change of address checklist, you definitely won’t miss out on all the important places you need to change your address. The easiest way to change your address is online. Changing your address online can be done from the comfort of your own home in just a matter of minutes. If you’re not comfortable with online address changes, you can mail your address change and in some cases even call. Changing your address on time will ultimately help you avoid service interruptions and payment delays.
Are you moving soon? Make sure you check out some of the best moving truck rental companies and moving companies.
