Changing Your Address in California – The 2022 Complete Guide
Renting a new apartment or buying a new house in California is an exciting step in your life. You get to discover new restaurants, meet new people, and explore an entirely different area. While moving can be exciting, it can also be a lot of work.
Going beyond the standard process of moving your belongings, you also have to do things like get a change of address in California. Getting a driver’s license, tax, and USPS change of address can be a hassle, but there are ways you can make the process easier.
Many of these address updates can be done online. In some cases, you can even do them before you move. For example, USPS lets you schedule when you want your mail forwarded, so everything automatically starts arriving at your new address when necessary.
Ideally, you want to make these changes as soon as possible. If you forget to update your address, you could miss out on an important bill or insurance document. All it takes are a few simple steps to start changing your address in California.
Post Office
A USPS change of address can easily be done online. If you want your mail forwarded to the new address and to change your address, you can simply go to their website and update your information. They charge a $1 fee so they can verify your identity through your debit or credit card.
Another option for changing your USPS address is to visit your local post office and ask them for the Mover’s Guide packet. Fill out the form and return it to the letter mail slot or a postal worker. Within the next five days, you should get a confirmation letter at your new location.
As USPS forwards your mail, pay attention to the senders so you can update those addresses. USPS will only forward your mail for about 12 months, so you need to update your details with other third parties before then. Changing your USPS address is the most important address update as it allows all your mail to arrive at your new place whether you updated the addresses or not.
California DMV
Thankfully, a California DMV change of address does not require an in-person visit. As long as you already have a license or identification card in California, you can change your address online. To get a California driver’s license address change online, visit their website and update your information.
Keep in mind, this option only works if you already have a California license or identification card. If not, you will need to do a California driver’s license address change by mailing this DMV 14 Change of Address form or by visiting the DMV in person. The form also lets you update your voter registration at the same time.
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If you need to replace your license showing the new address, the state charges a $28 fee. According to state law, you must finish changing your California DMV address within 10 days of moving. The state needs an accurate address to send you important documents and they will give you a penalty if you don’t update your address on time.
Tax Agencies
The next step in getting a change of address in California is updating your details with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Unless you are expecting a tax refund or document, you can just update your address when you file your next tax return. All you have to do is use your new address in the address box.
If you need an immediate address update, you can call the IRS, mail in an address form, or tell the IRS in person at the nearest office. This is the IRS Form 8822 Change of Address document. You will need to have your address, date of birth, social security card, ITN, EIN, and photo ID ready when you update your information.
Utilities – Changing your Address
Your old utility companies will still need to send your last bill after you move, so make sure they have your forwarding address when canceling services. If you have updated your USPS address, you should still get your final statement and other information forwarded to your home. But it’s always better to change it with them firsthand to avoid late fees.
Once you arrive at your new address, make sure you talk to the utility company or city officials in charge of your new services. You will need to open up a new account and some of these updates will include initial service fees. For phone and internet companies, you can go online or call your provider to update your address and have the services moved.
Insurance
Your insurance company needs to know your location as your insurance rate can vary based on where you live. You should get a change of address in California right away for your homeowners, renters, and auto insurance, so they can update your premiums.
In most cases, you can call your insurance company and immediately update these details for free. Many insurance companies also offer convenient options online. Just make sure to update your address right away so you don’t miss out on an important bill or updated insurance cards.
Banks
Like most modern companies, the majority of banks will let you change your address online. Go to your bank’s website and log in to your profile page, where you should be able to update your personal information.
If your bank doesn’t have an online option, you can call the customer service center for help. You can also go to your local branch to update your information with a personal banker. Make sure you bring any cards connected to your account and your ID so they can verify your identity.
Subscriptions
While many companies use email and online portals, subscription boxes and magazines still arrive in your mailbox. As part of the process involved with changing your address in California, you need to update all your subscription services. Companies like Hello Fresh, Dinnerly, and MightyNest let you update your profile with a new address.
Many magazine companies will also let you update your address online, although some of them require you to email or call customer service. For example, the National Geographic and the Smithsonian Magazine require you to call or email customer service to change your address. As long as you get a USPS address change first, you should still receive these subscriptions until your address has fully updated.
Family and Friends
While most people use email instead of snail mail now, your loved ones will still want to send you seasonal Christmas cards, gifts, and other items. If you want to tell your loved ones about your new address right away, send out a Facebook notification or update your status. You can also send an email to all of your family members who are online.
Updating everyone online might be the easiest option, but you can also have some fun with your address update. If you plan on hosting a housewarming party, send out invitations which include your new address. You can design party gifts like pens or magnets that have your new address on them.
Another option is to use a creative service like Vistaprint to update your friends. Vistaprint lets you print postcards with the photo and details you choose, so add a picture of your new place with your address. You can even make the postcard into a holiday photo of your family enjoying your new home.
Getting Ready for Changing Your Address in California
While getting a change of address in California requires a bit of work, you can make the process easier by following the steps above. But to make your move as simple as possible, ensure you tell USPS first. USPS will forward your old mail to your new address, so this technique prevents any of your important documents from getting forgotten.
As you’re planning for your upcoming move, you can make the process as simple and hassle-free as possible by hiring our team of professional movers to help you! Contact Move Central today to see what we can to ease the transition. Give us a call at (858) 230-8281!