Step 1 — File with USPS first (and avoid the scam sites)
The first thing to do after moving is update your mailing address with the US Postal Service so mail gets forwarded while you work through the rest of the list. There's one important trap to avoid: dozens of third-party websites impersonate USPS, rank in Google Ads, and charge $20–$40 for a filing that costs $1.25 on the real site. The US Postal Inspection Service has issued repeated warnings about these sites.
Always type usps.com/move directly into your browser. Do not click a search ad.
On the official site you'll pay $1.25 — this is an identity verification fee, not a service charge, charged to a credit or debit card. The billing address must match either your old or new address. Select Permanent or Temporary, enter both addresses, and submit. Alternatively, file for free in person at any Post Office with a valid photo ID.
Processing takes 7–10 business days. First-Class Mail and Priority Mail forward automatically. Packages and Standard Mail may or may not — check the USPS forwarding FAQ for parcel class details.
Step 2 — Notify the IRS
USPS forwarding does not update your IRS records. The IRS maintains its own address database, and if it has your old address it will send refunds, notices, and correspondence there. Download Form 8822 (Change of Address) from irs.gov/form8822, complete it, and mail it to the address listed in the instructions for your state.
The IRS processes address changes in 4–6 weeks. If you're expecting a refund or a notice imminently, file Form 8822 right away. You can also skip the separate form by including your new address on your next federal tax return — the IRS updates its records from the return — but only after it processes that return, which could be months away.
Step 3 — Update your state DMV
Most states require you to update your driver's licence address within 10–30 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in a fine, and your licence with the wrong address creates friction at traffic stops, TSA checkpoints, and identity verification for banking.
Most state DMV portals support online address changes:
- California: dmv.ca.gov
- Texas: txdps.state.tx.us
- Florida: flhsmv.gov
- New York: dmv.ny.gov
You'll typically need your licence number and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number. Some states mail a replacement licence; others issue an address sticker to apply to your existing card.
Step 4 — Update the IRS isn't the only tax authority
If your state has an income tax, notify your state Department of Revenue or Taxation as well. This is usually done online through the state's taxpayer portal — the same one you'd use to file state returns. Some states update automatically from the federal change, but most do not.
Step 5 — Banks, credit cards, and financial accounts
Do not rely on mail forwarding for financial institutions. Forwarding delays critical mail — credit card renewals, account statements, tax documents (1099s, W-2s). Log in to each account's website or app and update the address under Settings → Profile or Account Management.
Work through this list:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Credit cards (each issuer separately)
- Investment accounts, 401(k), IRA, brokerage
- Health and auto insurance policies
- Employer HR / payroll (so W-2s go to the right address)
- Medicare and Social Security (update at mymedicare.gov and ssa.gov/myaccount)
Step 6 — Re-register to vote
Your voter registration is tied to your old address and does not transfer automatically. If you've moved counties or states, you must re-register in your new jurisdiction. Visit vote.gov and select your state for the online portal.
Most states accept online updates; a handful still require a paper form. Crucially, registration deadlines typically close 15–30 days before Election Day — don't leave this until the last minute.
The full address-change checklist
Beyond the above, work through:
| Category | What to update | |---|---| | Subscriptions | Amazon, Apple, Google, Netflix, streaming services | | Delivery & retail | Default shipping address at retailers you use often | | Loyalty programmes | Airlines, hotel rewards, store loyalty cards | | Professional | Professional licences (state boards), business registrations | | Legal | Pending court documents, attorney on record | | Healthcare | Doctor, dentist, pharmacy, health insurance portal |
The full checklist is long, but the critical items are: USPS first (mail forwarding while you work through the rest), IRS and DMV within 30 days, and voter registration well before the next election.
You can browse all task guides at /guides, or see how to fill out a rental application if you're in the middle of a move and still securing housing.