Start with separate records
A move usually requires more than one filing. USPS can forward mail, but federal agencies, your state or territory, local offices, and private organizations may each keep a separate address.
Recommended order
- Forward your mail through USPS. Use the official change-of-address service and keep the confirmation code.
- Update the IRS. Choose Form 8822, your next tax return, or another method the IRS accepts.
- Check your state or territory deadlines. Driver license, ID card, vehicle title, registration, tax, and benefits records are jurisdiction-specific.
- Update conditional federal records. This may include Social Security, USCIS, and Veterans Affairs.
- Update local and private records. Include local government, utilities, banks, insurance, employers, schools, and health providers.
What changes by state or territory
Motor vehicle agencies set their own forms, deadlines, fees, proof-of-residency rules, and appointment systems. Use USAGov’s state and territory directory instead of assuming that a rule from another jurisdiction applies.
Federal records that may apply
- USPS: mail forwarding and change-of-address request.
- IRS: federal tax mailing address.
- Social Security: contact information for eligible benefit recipients and services.
- USCIS: address reporting for many noncitizens and pending immigration cases.
- VA: profile and benefit records, noting that some VA programs maintain separate addresses.
Official sources
- USAGov — How to change your address.
- USAGov — State motor vehicle services.
- Social Security Administration — Update contact information.
- USCIS — How to change your address.
- Department of Veterans Affairs — Change your address.
Related procedures
- Change your address and forward mail with USPS.
- Update your address with the IRS.
- Use the full moving checklist.