Getting ready to relocate? Don’t forget to update your address information before you go! While changing your address might seem pretty straightforward, plenty of relocators overlook some very important places where they need to update their contact information.
Below, we’ve created an address-change checklist that’ll help ensure you don’t miss out on important mail or anything else that requires up-to-date address info after you move. Check it out!
How to Change Your Address With the U.S. Postal Service
First and foremost, you’ll want to change your address with USPS so you can get your mail forwarded to your new home. The post office will forward most mail pieces for 12 months, and that forwarding period should give you plenty of time to update your address everywhere else.
To update your address information, you can visit the USPS website and fill out the brief change of address form, or you can dial 1-800-ASK-USPS to speak with a postal service rep. Please note that USPS does require a small processing fee for online and phone address change requests.
Alternatively, you can visit your local post office and fill out a change of address form (Form 3575) in person. If you change your address at the post office, USPS will waive the change fee required of online and over-the-phone requests.
How to Change Your Address With the Social Security Administration
Do you currently receive social security payments by mail? Then you’ll need to update your contact information with the SSA to continue getting your checks on time. To do this, you can visit your local social security office to change your address in person or call the SSA to speak with someone who can help you.
Updating your contact information online is quick and simple, too, and you can learn how to do that on the official SSA How Can I Change My Address? page.
Changing Your Address With the DMV
When you move, you generally have a period of 10-90 days (depending on your state’s laws) to update your address information with the DMV. When you change your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the address on your vehicle registration, title, and driver’s license are automatically updated too.
Some states allow residents to change their address information online while others require an in-person visit. To change your address with the DMV, you’ll need to have a few pieces of information on hand, so be sure to collect the following:
● Proof of residential address. Depending on your state, you may need one or two documents that have your new address along with your full name printed on them. Call your local DMV or visit their website to learn which documents are acceptable.
● Primary identification. You can use an official birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a certificate of citizenship/naturalization, etc.
● Proof of social security. This may or may not be required, depending on your state. You can use an original SS card, paystub, W-2, or other official tax documents with your current, full name printed on them.
Change of Address Checklist: Where Else Should You Update Your Contact Information?
In addition to the “official” places — USPS, SSA, and DMV — where you’ll need to update your address information, there are also several other places where you’ll want to change your address. They include:
1. Anywhere you pay monthly bills. To make sure there’s no delay when companies process your monthly payments, you’ll want to update your address with all of the companies that you normally pay each month. Think: insurance companies, utility companies, clubs/organizations, subscription sites, internet/TV providers, credit card companies, etc.
2. The Internal Revenue Service. To update your address with the IRS, simply visit their official website and fill out the official change of address form. You’ll need to change your information with your state’s department of revenue as well.
3. Magazine subscriptions. USPS typically forwards magazine subscriptions for 60 days, not for 12 months like all of your other mail.
4. Financial Institutions. To ensure you receive important banking information on time, visit your bank in person, visit their website, or call their customer service line to update your address information.
Are you moving this winter? While you’re here, check out our top tips for planning a successful winter relocation.
Need a Moving Company Near Tacoma?
If you’re planning a relocation within the next few months, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Ed’s Moving & Storage to request an estimate! Since 1965, we’ve proudly served the moving needs of Seattle and Tacoma-area residents, and we’d love to help you simplify your move, too. Whether you’re looking for full packing and moving services or you’d just like a little help loading and transporting your stuff, we offer a wide selection of services to meet any need.
To get started, feel free to give us a call today at 253-581-2446 or request a quick moving quote online, and we’ll get in touch with more info!