A move can affect delivery, benefits, taxes, immigration cases, licenses, voting, courts, and local services. Not every step applies to everyone.
1. Start mail forwarding
Submit a USPS change-of-address request. This helps route eligible mail but does not update other government records.
2. Update federal records that apply
- IRS for tax records, notices, and refunds.
- Social Security if you receive benefits or are enrolled in Medicare.
- USCIS when immigration address-reporting rules apply.
- VA benefits, federal student aid, passport applications, federal employment, or court matters when relevant.
3. Update your state or territory
Check the motor vehicle office for driver license, state ID, title, and registration requirements. Also review state taxes, voter registration, Medicaid, SNAP, unemployment, professional licenses, and child-support records. Deadlines and methods vary by jurisdiction.
4. Review county, city, and tribal records
Property taxes, courts, permits, schools, utilities, local benefits, jury records, and tribal programs may maintain separate addresses.
5. Update private records
Tell employers, banks, insurers, health providers, landlords, subscriptions, and utilities. These are not government filings, but missing them can interrupt payments and notices.
6. Keep proof and monitor delivery
- Save confirmation numbers, screenshots, copies, and mailing receipts.
- Check online accounts for the new address.
- Watch both the old and new mailbox when possible.
- Follow up if an expected card, notice, refund, or benefit does not arrive.