Are you planning a big move soon? With so much to coordinate, it‘s easy for certain details to fall through the cracks. One commonly overlooked task is updating your address with the various government agencies that regularly send you mail. While you might assume that filing a change of address form with the United States Postal Service (USPS) takes care of everything, the reality is not so simple.
Understanding USPS Mail Forwarding Policies and Limitations
When you submit a change of address request to USPS, either online, by phone, or by mail, they will forward your mail from your old address to your new one for a period of 12 months for First-Class Mail, and 6 months for magazines and other periodicals. This is a convenient service that ensures you don‘t miss important communications during your transition.
However, there are some notable limitations and exceptions to be aware of. Most significantly, USPS will not forward mail from many government agencies. This includes things like:
- Tax documents and refund checks from the IRS
- Licenses, vehicle registrations, and other essential mail from state DMVs
- Social security statements and benefits
- Passports and other documents from the U.S. Department of State
- Mail from other federal, state, county or city offices
There are a few primary reasons why government mail is treated differently. First, it often contains sensitive personal and financial information that could enable identity theft or fraud if intercepted. Government checks and payments also tend to involve large sums of money, making them attractive targets for theft. Additionally, many agencies are legally required to send official correspondence directly to the address they have on file for security and privacy reasons.
Mail Forwarding By the Numbers
According to data from USPS and the U.S. Census Bureau, mail forwarding is an incredibly common service, which makes sense given how mobile our society is:
- Approximately 31 million change of address requests are processed by USPS each year
- An estimated 13% of the U.S. population moves annually
- Over 55% of moves are within the same county, while 33% are within the same state
- During its busiest week in 2020, USPS processed nearly 1.3 million change of address requests
- That same year, USPS forwarded 2.1 billion pieces of mail to new addresses
Going Above and Beyond: Premium Forwarding Services
For most people, the standard 12 months of forwarding for First-Class mail is sufficient. However, some circumstances call for a more comprehensive solution. That‘s where USPS Premium Forwarding Service comes in.
With this option, all of your mail is collected at your local post office and then shipped to your new address weekly via Priority Mail. This includes all classes of mail, even magazines and marketing flyers that would normally only be forwarded for 6 months under the standard service.
The catch is that Premium Forwarding Service does cost extra – $23.90 per week as of 2023, plus a one-time enrollment fee of $24.50. It‘s also designed to be temporary, with a maximum duration of 1 year. However, for those who are traveling for an extended period, are in the process of relocating, or just want the peace of mind of getting absolutely everything, it can be worthwhile.
Changing Your Address with Government Agencies: A Crucial Moving Task
As convenient as USPS mail forwarding can be, it‘s not a universal solution, particularly when it comes to government mail. That means it falls on you to update your address directly with the agencies you expect to hear from.
Some of the most important ones to consider are:
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The IRS recommends updating your address with them as soon as possible after moving to ensure you receive any refunds, stimulus payments, or other critical tax correspondence. You have a few options:
- Use Form 8822, available on the IRS website, and mail it to the appropriate address for your state.
- Call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040, Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm local time.
- If you‘re moving during tax season, you can also update your address when you file your annual return.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
If you receive social security benefits, you‘ll need to inform the SSA of your new address to avoid any disruptions. The easiest way is to log into your online My Social Security account and update your information there. You can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Depending on your state, you likely have a very limited window to report a change of address to the DMV – often just 10 days from when you move. Luckily, most state DMVs allow you to make the change online in a matter of minutes. Be prepared to pay a small fee, usually between $10-30. Don‘t forget to update your car insurance as well.
U.S. Department of State
If you have a valid passport, you‘ll need to report your new address to receive any updates or renewal notices. You can do this online, by phone (1-877-487-2778), or by mail using Form DS-5504.
Why Staying on Top of Address Changes Matters
Besides the inconvenience of missing important mail or payments, failing to update your address with key government agencies can have some serious consequences:
- Delayed or lost tax refunds and stimulus checks, putting your finances at risk
- Driving with an outdated license or registration, which can lead to tickets or even arrest
- Replacement social security cards and other documents being sent to the wrong address
- Unauthorized individuals potentially accessing your sensitive information and enabling identity theft
Real-world examples abound of the headaches caused by not keeping your address current. One man reported his $2800 stimulus check being returned to the IRS as undeliverable because he hadn‘t informed them of an address change. Another had her passport renewal significantly delayed because the notices were being sent to an old address. Yet another was pulled over and nearly arrested for driving on an expired license that he didn‘t know needed renewal since the DMV didn‘t have his current address.
Expert Tips for a Smooth Transition
To help make your moving process as seamless as possible when it comes to mail and address changes, we asked Samantha Fraser, a professional organizer and relocation specialist, to share some of her top recommendations:
"My number one tip is to make a master list of every single company and entity that sends you mail, from your gym to your alma mater to your local government offices. Go through your mail for a month leading up to your move and write down every return address. Then, systematically go through that list and update them one by one. It‘s a bit tedious, but having a checklist keeps you organized and ensures you don‘t forget anything major."
She also advises taking advantage of online address change options whenever possible to save time and avoid any mail delays. "Paperwork can easily get lost in the shuffle of moving. Handling things online provides that instant confirmation, plus you can do it anytime that fits your schedule."
Finally, Fraser is a big proponent of changing your address before you actually move. "The best time is about two weeks prior to your move-in date. That way, you‘re not scrambling at the last minute or risking important things being sent to the wrong place during that transition period. Build in that buffer time – you‘ll be so glad you did!"
The Bottom Line
While USPS mail forwarding can be a moving lifesaver in many ways, it‘s not a one-stop solution for all of your relocation mail needs. Being proactive and changing your address directly with every government agency you interact with is an essential part of the process.
Yes, it requires some extra legwork and organization on your end. But taking those steps upfront to inform the IRS, DMV, SSA and others of your new residence will save you untold stress and chaos down the line by ensuring you continue to reliably receive your most critical mail and payments.
In the frenzy of moving, it‘s easy to fixate on the big stuff like packing and furniture delivery. Don‘t let something as seemingly small as an address change slip through the cracks. A few minutes of work can make all the difference in a smooth, successful relocation.
