How to Change Your Address When Moving?
Change your address at USPS.com first (mail forwarding costs $1.10 online). Then update: driver's license at DMV, voter registration, banks, credit cards, insurance, employer, subscriptions, and utilities at your new address.
Key Takeaways
- Start with USPS mail forwarding at usps.
- Some important mail (legal, government) won't forward—update these addresses directly.
- Moving across state lines triggers additional requirements for license, registration, and potentially taxes.
Explanation
Start with USPS mail forwarding at usps.com or your local post office. Forwarding lasts 1 year for First-Class mail. Do this 1-2 weeks before moving. Online filing costs $1.10 for identity verification.
Update government records: driver's license (typically required within 10-30 days of moving), vehicle registration, voter registration (usually can be done when updating license), and passport when renewed.
Financial accounts to update: banks, credit cards, investment accounts, insurance (auto, home/renters, health, life), tax agencies (IRS Form 8822), and retirement accounts like 401(k) and IRA.
Things to Know
- Some important mail (legal, government) won't forward—update these addresses directly.
- Moving across state lines triggers additional requirements for license, registration, and potentially taxes.
- Create a checklist and mark off each account as you update it.