How to change your address when you move: USPS, IRS and Social Security

Checked against official USPS, IRS, Social Security, vote.gov and USAGov pages on 2026-10-07. Rules change; the agency's current instructions win.

1. The Post Office

USAGov: "You do not need to pay a separate company to change your address." Online, at the official USPS change of address site, USPS says: "Pay the $1.25 identity verification fee." (per usps.com, as of 2026-10-07) At a Post Office: "Request a free Mover's Guide packet." Time spans, per USPS (not deadlines): "Once your request is approved, allow at least 7-10 business days for it to go into effect." and "Standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months." (USPS)

USPS is clear about the limits: "Your change of address order only changes your mailing address with the Post Office."

2. The IRS

"If you change your address before filing your return, enter your new address on your return when you file." Or: "Use Form 8822 to notify the Internal Revenue Service of a change to your home mailing address." (Form 8822, Topic 157). The IRS adds that "not all post offices forward government checks, so you should still notify us." Per the IRS (a time span, not a deadline): "It can generally take four to six weeks after receipt for a change of address request to fully process." (IRS FAQ)

3. Social Security

"You can update your email address any time. You can only update your mailing address and phone number if you're already getting benefits." (SSA)

4. Others

USAGov's change of address page also lists veterans benefits, immigration, driver's licenses and vehicle registration, and voter registration.

Keep track of it all

The kit has an address change log, a new-state tracker and a letter for companies that take changes in writing, in PDF and Word.

Not legal or tax advice. You can do every official step yourself, directly with USPS, the IRS, Social Security, vote.gov and your state's offices. The IRS, Social Security and vote.gov pages list no fee for updating your address or registering to vote, and the Post Office's Mover's Guide packet is free. This kit is a paid planning convenience, not a requirement; you don't need it to move.

Instant download. 14-day no-questions refund. Edition 1.0, dated 2026-10-07. For a move between any two U.S. states or DC; each state's own rules you read on its own pages.