How to Change Your Address When You Move (USPS and Government Agencies)
The USPS change-of-address form forwards your mail for 12 months, but the post office does NOT tell the DMVDepartment of Motor Vehicles — Your state agency for driver's licenses, state IDs, and vehicle registration. Some states call it the BMV, DPS, MVD, or DDS.Click for official info ↗, IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗, or immigration. This guide walks the full checklist: USPS forwarding first, then each agency that must hear from you directly — including the AR-11 requirement for visa holders within 10 days of moving.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 10 min
File the official USPS change of address
File at USPS.com/move (the $1.10 card charge verifies your identity and blocks fraud). Scam alert: sites charging $40–$100 for "address change services" are private middlemen — the official form is $1.10. Schedule it up to 30 days before the move; mail forwards for 12 months (first-class) and 60 days (periodicals).
Click to mark as done
- Go 30 min
Update the DMV within your state's deadline
Most states require a driver's license address update within 10–30 days of moving (some print the new address on a sticker or reissue the license). Update your vehicle registration and insurance at the same time — an outdated license address can be a fineable offense during a traffic stop.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare 15 min
Tell the IRS and Social Security
IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗: file Form 8822 (change of address) or just file your next return with the new address — but Form 8822 is faster if you are expecting mail (refunds, notices). Social Security: update online in your my Social Security account if you receive benefits; the USPS forwarding does NOT reliably reach SSASocial Security Administration — The agency that issues Social Security numbers/cards and pays retirement, disability (SSDI), and SSI benefits.Click for official info ↗.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay 5 min
Immigrants: file the AR-11 within 10 days
Non-citizens (visa holders, green cardPermanent Resident Card — The ID card proving lawful permanent resident status — live and work in the US permanently.Click for official info ↗ applicants) must report an address change to USCISUS Citizenship and Immigration Services — The federal agency that processes green cards, work permits, naturalization, and most immigration benefits. Part of the Department of Homeland Security.Click for official info ↗ within 10 days of moving using Form AR-11 — free, online, takes 5 minutes. Missing it is technically a removable offense and can derail pending applications. US citizens are exempt.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up
Work the rest of the checklist
Voter registration (re-register in your new state/county — it does not transfer), employer payroll, banks and credit cards, health insurance (your plan's network may change by region!), utilities, phone, subscriptions, and the electoral/property tax office if you own. Do them in the first week; USPS forwarding is a safety net, not a substitute.
Click to mark as done
- Receive
Confirm the USPS confirmation letter
USPS mails a Move Validation Letter to your old address (confirming the forward) and a welcome kit to the new one. If you get no confirmation within 10 days of the move date, check the status online — mistyped addresses are the top failure mode.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USPS forwarding notify the IRS or DMV?
No. USPS forwards mail physically but does not update any agency's records. Official notices (IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ letters, jury summons, DMVDepartment of Motor Vehicles — Your state agency for driver's licenses, state IDs, and vehicle registration. Some states call it the BMV, DPS, MVD, or DDS.Click for official info ↗ renewals) can be delayed or returned — you must notify each agency yourself.
How long does mail forwarding last?
First-class and priority mail: 12 months. Magazines and periodicals: 60 days. Packages from shippers (UPS/FedEx/Amazon) are NOT forwarded at all — update those addresses directly before the move.
I moved between states. What is the biggest deadline?
The DMVDepartment of Motor Vehicles — Your state agency for driver's licenses, state IDs, and vehicle registration. Some states call it the BMV, DPS, MVD, or DDS.Click for official info ↗ license swap — most states give new residents 30 days to get an in-state license, and driving on your old license beyond that can be cited. Also re-register to vote (registration does not cross state lines) and check your car insurance, which is priced by state and county.
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