How to Change Your Address & Telephone Number

Change your address and telephone number when you move.

Whether you are moving across town or across the country, you will need to change your address and telephone number. Doing so allows you to receive your mail after you move and to maintain your contacts. In order to change this information, you need to go through the organizations that handle your mail and telephone service—the United States Postal Service and your local telephone provider.

Instructions

Changing Your Address

1. Write down your current address and your new address. Double-check your new address to ensure that it is correct.

2. Visit the United States Postal Service’s moving website to submit your change of address online.

3. Complete the USPS change of address form. Choose whether the move is permanent or temporary and if this change of address is for an individual, family or business.

4. Enter your old (or current) address followed by your new address into the online form. Then, provide a valid email address so that you can receive your confirmation number.

5. Submit the $1 processing fee using a debit or credit card so that the Postal Service can verify your residence.

6. Check your email for your confirmation number. The USPS will process your change of address on the date that you specified.

Changing Your Telephone Number

1. Identify the telephone service provider in your new location. If you are staying in the same city, your provider will not change. If you are moving out of state, you need to locate the provider in your area. Talk to your realator or landlord, who can provide you with this information.

2. Contact the telephone service provider to set up service. If you are living in the same area, then the provider can transfer the service to your new phone number. If you are a new customer, then choose a telephone service plan that works for you.

3. Provide a date to start service. You probably will want telephone service right away, so ask your provider to start your service on your closing date or lease start date.

4. Write down your new telephone number as well as any instructions that you receive. Some telephone companies might have to come out to your residence to start service; others might not need your assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have Internet access, you can change your address with the USPS over the phone. Call 1-800-ASK-USPS to submit an address change.

• If you do not want to pay the $1 verification fee to change your address, you can go into a local post office to fill out a PS Form 3575.

• Shop around for a telephone provider. Some areas have multiple providers, so look for the best deal.

References

• United States Postal Service: Change Your Address Online