Moving Checklist: Change Your Address with USPS, DMV, Banks and More
2026-08-22 · US Address Generator
Moving in the US is less about boxes and more about updating your address in the right places. Miss one and you may lose a bill — or worse, a tax document. This checklist keeps it organized.
Step one: USPS mail forwarding (COA)
The Change of Address (COA) request is the first thing to file. It tells USPS to forward First-Class Mail from your old address to the new one:
- File it on the USPS website; a 1-dollar fee verifies your identity and prevents fraudulent requests.
- Permanent forwarding runs indefinitely; temporary forwarding covers 15 days to 6 months.
- It typically takes 7-10 business days to start, so file before moving day, not after.
Keep in mind that forwarding mainly covers USPS-delivered mail. Much commercial mail — banks, insurers — will not follow the forward and needs a separate update.
The checklist, by priority
| Who | Priority | Why |
|---|---|---|
| DMV (license and vehicle) | High | Most states require an update within 30 days of moving |
| Banks and credit cards | High | Billing address feeds identity checks; do not rely on forwarding |
| Employer (HR) | High | Your W-2 is mailed to this address for tax season |
| IRS | Medium | Form 8822, or simply use the new address on your next return |
| Insurance (auto, renters, health) | Medium | Address changes can affect premiums, especially auto |
| Voter registration | Medium | Update alongside your registration record |
| Carriers, subscriptions, shopping sites | Low | Amazon, Netflix and default shipping addresses, one by one |
Temporary or permanent forwarding?
Students home for the summer or workers on a months-long assignment should pick temporary forwarding. If the move is final, go permanent. Unsure? Start temporary — it can be extended.
Three easy-to-miss traps
- Updating Amazon but leaving bank statements routing to the old address.
- Crossing state lines and missing state tax or DMV deadlines.
- Assuming USPS forwarding covers everything — it does not cover most commercial mail.
For the format itself, see the US address format guide; to practice filling forms, generate samples in the US address generator.