You can change your Social Security address online, by phone, or in person at a local office
The fastest way to update your address with Social Security is through your my Social Security account online at ssa.gov. If you have created an account, you can log in and change your mailing address yourself in a few minutes without calling or visiting an office. The change takes effect when ready in their system.
If you do not have an online account or prefer not to use one, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative who will update your address over the phone. You can also walk into any Social Security field office in your area and ask to change your address in person. All three methods are free.
Key Takeaways
- Creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov lets you change your address online without waiting on hold or visiting an office.
- If you call 1-800-772-1213, have your Social Security number and a form of ID ready so the representative can verify who you are.
- You can also visit your local Social Security office in person with an ID to update your address on the spot.
- Social Security uses your address to mail your benefit statements, tax forms, and any notices about your account.
How to change your address online through my Social Security
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create my Social Security account" button on the homepage. If you already have an account, sign in with your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Profile" or "Personal Information" — the exact name varies slightly depending on when your account was created.
Click on the option to edit your address. You will see fields for your street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Enter your new address exactly as you want mail delivered to it. Double-check the spelling and ZIP code before you save, because Social Security will use this address to send you documents. After you click save or confirm, the change is recorded when ready.
If you do not remember your password or cannot access your account, you can reset it on the sign-in page. Social Security will ask you security questions or send a code to your email or phone to verify you are the account holder. Once you reset your password, you can log back in and change your address.
How to change your address by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. The wait time varies depending on the time of day and day of the week — mornings and early in the week are usually shorter. Have your Social Security number ready, and also have a form of ID nearby (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The representative will ask you to confirm your number and may ask you other questions to verify your identity.
Once the representative confirms who you are, tell them your new address. They will read it back to you to make sure they have it right. Ask them to confirm that the change has been recorded in the system before you hang up. The update usually takes effect the same day.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, Social Security can provide an interpreter on the call at no cost — just tell the representative when you call.
How to change your address in person at a Social Security office
Find your local Social Security office by going to ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking for the address and hours. Bring a form of ID with you — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, though some locations now ask you to schedule one online or by phone to reduce wait times.
Walk up to the front desk or check in as directed and tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will take you to a representative who will ask for your ID and Social Security number to verify your identity. Give them your new address, and they will enter it into the system while you are there. The change takes effect when ready.
What happens after you change your address
Social Security will use your new address to send you any future mail, including benefit statements, tax forms (like the SSA-1099 if you receive benefits), and notices about your account. If you are receiving Social Security benefits, the address change does not affect your payments — they will continue to arrive on the same schedule, whether you receive them by direct deposit or check.
If you are expecting a specific document from Social Security and you recently changed your address, it may take a few days for the mail to reach you at the new location. If you do not receive something you are expecting within two weeks, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask Social Security to resend it or confirm that they have your correct address on file.
If you need to change your address for a representative payee or work account
If someone else manages your Social Security account as your representative payee — a person Social Security appointed to handle your benefits because of a legal or medical reason — that person can change the address on your account. They would follow the same steps: online through my Social Security, by phone, or in person at an office. Social Security will mail documents to the address the payee provides.
If you are a business or organization that works with Social Security (for example, a payee organization or a third-party service provider), you can change your business address through your own account or by contacting your Social Security representative directly.
What to do if your mail is going to the wrong address
If you changed your address but mail is still arriving at your old location, contact Social Security to confirm the change went through. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to verify the address they have on file. Sometimes a typo or incomplete entry can cause mail to be sent to the wrong place. The representative can correct it over the phone.
If you have moved and your old landlord or the person living in your old home is receiving your Social Security mail, you can ask them to write "Return to Sender — Person no longer at this address" on the envelope and put it back in the mail. You can also file a mail forwarding request with the United States Postal Service, which will redirect mail from your old address to your new one for up to one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Social Security to update my address?
If you change your address online or in person at an office, the change takes effect when ready. If you change it by phone, it usually takes effect the same day. Mail sent after the change will go to your new address, but mail already in the system may still go to your old address for a few days.
Can I change my address if I do not have an ID?
You will need some form of ID to change your address by phone or in person. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID will work. If you do not have any of these, contact your local Social Security office to ask what documents they can accept.
Do I need to change my address with Social Security if I already changed it with the post office?
Yes. A postal service mail forwarding request is temporary and will only redirect mail for up to one year. Social Security needs your actual address on file so they know where to send documents permanently. Change your address directly with Social Security to make sure all future mail goes to the right place.
What if I am homeless or do not have a permanent address?
You can use a shelter address, a friend's or family member's address, or a mailing service address on your Social Security account. Tell Social Security that this is a temporary address so they know it may change. You can update it again whenever you move or find permanent housing.
Can I change my address for my child's Social Security number?
If you are the parent or legal guardian and your child is a minor, you can change the address on their Social Security record. Use the same methods — online through my Social Security (if you have access to their account), by phone, or in person. You will need to verify your identity and your relationship to the child.