You can change your Social Security address online, by phone, or in person at a local office

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets you update your mailing address through three routes: the my Social Security online account, a phone call to SSA customer service, or a visit to your nearest Social Security office. The online method is fastest — it takes minutes and you see the change reflected when ready. Phone and in-person updates typically take 5 to 10 business days to process. You do not need to visit an office unless you prefer it or do not have internet access.

You will need your Social Security number and proof of identity to make any change. If you are updating your address because you moved, have that new address ready before you start. If someone else is changing the address on your behalf — a representative payee, a family member with power of attorney, or a legal guardian — they will need to provide their own identity proof and documentation of their authority to act for you.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to change your address is through your my Social Security account online, which updates your record within minutes.
  • Phone updates through SSA's main line (1-800-772-1213) take 5 to 10 business days but require no internet access or office visit.
  • You must have your Social Security number and a valid ID to make any address change, whether online, by phone, or in person.
  • If you receive Social Security benefits, changing your address ensures you continue to receive mail about your account and any changes to your payments.
  • A representative payee or legal guardian can change the address on someone else's account if they have documentation of their authority.

Changing your address online through my Social Security

Create or log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or U.S. mailing address already on file. If you do not have an account yet, the SSA will walk you through creating one.

Once logged in, select "My Profile" or "Personal Information" (the exact wording varies slightly). Look for the option to update your address. Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Review the information for accuracy, then submit. The system will confirm the change when ready on screen. You do not need to do anything else — the address is updated in SSA's system right away.

This method works best if you have reliable internet access and remember your my Social Security login details. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it on the login page before you start.

Changing your address by phone

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. A representative will verify your identity by asking you questions about your personal history — they may ask about your birth date, previous addresses, or family members.

Once verified, tell the representative your new address. Spell out your street name and city to avoid errors. The representative will read it back to you to confirm. They will also tell you when the change will take effect — usually 5 to 10 business days. Ask for a confirmation number if you want a record of the call.

Calling is useful if you do not have internet access, prefer speaking to a person, or need to ask questions about your account at the same time. Wait times can be long during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon), so calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means a shorter hold.

Changing your address in person at a Social Security office

Find your nearest Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your number), a valid photo ID, and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Walk in during office hours, or call ahead to schedule an appointment — many offices now require appointments to manage wait times. Tell the staff member you need to update your mailing address. They will verify your identity, record your new address, and give you a receipt. The change typically takes 5 to 10 business days to appear in SSA's system.

This route is best if you are uncomfortable with phones or computers, need to handle other SSA business at the same time, or want to hand over documents in person. Offices can be busy, so expect to wait even with an appointment.

What to do if someone else needs to change your address

If you are a representative payee (managing benefits for someone else), a family member with power of attorney, or a legal guardian, you can change the address on that person's account. You will need to prove your authority to act for them. This means bringing the original or certified copy of the power of attorney document, guardianship order, or representative payee letter from SSA.

You can make the change online if you have access to the account, by phone by providing the document details to the representative, or in person by bringing the documents to a Social Security office. The person whose address is being changed does not need to be present for a phone or online update, but they may need to be present for an in-person change depending on the office's policy.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address

The most frequent error is entering an incomplete or misspelled address. If your street name is "North" or your city has two words, make sure those details are exact. Incorrect ZIP codes can delay mail or cause it to go to the wrong place. Double-check your entry before submitting, or spell it out clearly to the phone representative.

Another mistake is not updating your address if you receive benefits. The SSA mails important notices about payment changes, tax documents, and account updates. If your address on file is old, you may miss critical information. Update it as soon as you move, not weeks later.

If you are a representative payee or guardian, do not assume you can change the address without documentation. The SSA will ask for proof of your authority. Have those documents ready before you call or visit.

How long it takes and what happens next

Online changes take effect when ready. You will see the new address in your my Social Security account right away, and SSA's internal systems update within minutes. Phone and in-person changes take 5 to 10 business days. During that time, mail may still go to your old address, so do not be alarmed if you receive something there after you have updated your information.

Once the change is processed, all future mail from SSA will go to your new address. If you are expecting a specific document — a tax form, a benefit notice, or a replacement card — and you have just changed your address, call SSA to confirm they have the correct address on file before the document is mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address with Social Security if I already changed it with the post office?

No. The post office forwards mail, but SSA's records are separate. If you do not update SSA directly, they will continue to mail documents to your old address, and the post office will forward them — which takes extra time. Update SSA as soon as you move to may support mail reaches you quickly and at the right place.

Can I change my address if I do not have my Social Security card?

Yes. You do not need the card itself — you only need to know your Social Security number. Online and phone updates require just the number. In-person updates require a valid photo ID and proof of your new address, but not the card.

What if I am changing my address because I am homeless or living in a shelter?

You can use the shelter's address, a trusted friend or family member's address, or a mail forwarding service address. Tell SSA the address where you want mail sent. Some shelters and nonprofits can receive mail on your behalf — ask the staff whether that is an option. You can update your address again once your situation changes.

How do I know if my address change went through?

If you changed it online, you will see the new address in your my Social Security account when ready. If you changed it by phone or in person, the representative will give you a confirmation or receipt. You can also log into my Social Security a few days later to verify the address appears correctly, or call SSA to confirm.

Can I change my address for only part of my Social Security account?

No. Your mailing address is tied to your entire Social Security record. If you receive retirement benefits, disability benefits, and a replacement card, all mail goes to the same address. You have one address on file per Social Security number.