When you’re thinking about moving into a new home, it’s both an exciting and stressful time. There are so many things you will need to take care of before you go, during the move, and afterward – it can become overwhelming. Coordinating a change of address when moving from another state to Massachusetts, or even moving from one home to another within the state, requires that you update your address at the Massachusetts RMV, on all of your loan and credit card accounts, your utilities, and more.
Even trying to make a list of all of your accounts can be daunting! What if you miss some?! Getting your address changed in Massachusetts doesn’t have to be scary or complicated, though. And lucky for you – most address updates can be completed on the internet so you won’t have to run from one office to another to get it taken care of.
This guide will help you stay organized when it comes to updating your address with multiple accounts and governmental services in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Post Office Address Change
We recommend that you update your address with the United States post office as the first step. The post office will set up mail forwarding so anything sent to your old address will automatically forward to your new address. Even if you think you’ve manually changed all of your accounts, you are bound to discover some that either didn’t change it when requested or that you forgot to update. Mail forwarding can last for up to 2.5 years, depending on the option you select.
Whenever you receive mail that has been forwarded from your old address, take the time to log into your account or call the company sending the mail to update them with your new address.
There are two methods for updating your address at the post office:
- Go to your local post office and request the Mover’s Guide for a form to fill out and mail back to the post office
- Pay $1.10 with a debit or credit card and update your address atUSPS.com/move
Massachusetts RMV Change of Address
Once you’ve updated your address with the post office it’s time to update it at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Here’s a video that breaks down the steps for you, or keep reading to see what you need and how to change your address with the Massachusetts RMV:
Moving Within Massachusetts
If you already have a Massachusetts driver’s license and you’re just getting a new address within the state, in most cases, you can complete a Massachusetts RMV change of address online, by phone, or in person.
The RMV keeps your residential address and mailing address on file. You must notify the RMV within 30 days of moving as required by law. Updating your RMV profile is required because your vehicle documents and driver’s license normally get sent through the mail and the government keeps track of where you live and receive mail for identity purposes.
The RMV will not issue a new driver’s license if you’re moving to a new address within the state. Instead, use permanent ink on the back of your license in the area provided to write your new address, or choose to pay $25 for a new driver’s license.
Update Address Online
The fastest way to update your address with the RMV is online. To do so, you will need your:
- Email address
- Driver’s license number (or Massachusetts ID card number)
- Last four digits of your Social Security Number
Update Address by Phone
The number you call to update your address depends on your area code. If you are outside Massachusetts or calling from area codes 339, 617, 781, and 857, call: (857) 368-8000.
From all other Massachusetts area codes, call 800-858-3926. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 877-768-8833.
Changing your address by phone requires that you provide:
- Your full name
- Current address
- Last four digits of your Social Security Number
- Driver’s license number (or Massachusetts ID card number)
Replacement Driver’s License or ID Card
To get a license or identification card with your new address on it, you can request a duplicate at the RMV. The easiest way to get a duplicate license and ID card is online.
Vehicle Registrations
If you have vehicles registered to your old address you should first notify your insurance company of your address change. Then, contact the town assessor of your previous home to find out if you’re eligible for an excise tax bill abatement.
To find out the fees for a replacement driver’s license, identification card, or vehicle registration, check out the Massachusetts RMV fee schedule.
Don’t Want Replacements?
If you’d rather wait to get a driver’s license or registration with your new address on it when it’s time to renew, update the address with the RMV but don’t order the replacements. Instead, update your existing license and registration to show your new address. You can write your new address on the back of your driver’s license or identification card in the designated area and place an address label or sticker on your registration over the old address and write in your new address. But you still need to update the RMV with your new address to ensure you receive documents they send out.
Updating Driver’s License When Moving to Massachusetts from Another State
If you’re moving to Massachusetts with a driver’s license from another state, you’ll need to convert your license to a Massachusetts driver’s license within 30 days of moving to the state. You can start your application online, but you’ll need to visit the RMV service center to complete it.
First, choose whether you want a REAL ID or a Standard Massachusetts driver’s license. (Review mass.gov/id to help you decide).
You’ll need to visit the RMV service center with the following documentation to get your new license:
- Current out-of-state title or registration
- Documentation for lawful presence (1 document)
- Documentation for proof of Massachusetts residency (2 documents)
- Social Security card
Before you head to the RMV service center, you can start your application online and save yourself some time. Bring your required documentation and the application to an RMV Service Center.
Fees to convert your license to a Massachusetts driver’s license are:
- Class D Driver’s License – $115
- Class M Driver’s License – $115
- Class D Driver’s License – $130
For drivers under age 18, you must convert your driver’s education certificate or complete a driver’s education course in Massachusetts.
Voter Registration
After you change your address at the RMV, your information is sent to the Secretary of State and your city or town so your voter registration is automatically updated. If you don’t want to update the address on your voter registration, just be sure to indicate that when you make your changes at the RMV.
Tax Agencies Address Updates
It’s important to notify the IRS and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) of your new address. When you change your address with RMV, Social Security Administration, or other government agency, it does not automatically update your information with the DOR.
It’s easy to update your address with the DOR, you can wait until you file your personal income tax return and change it then, or you can update the address via email or mail. No proof or documentation is necessary for updating your address.
Update DOR via Email
Send an email through MassTaxConnect. If you don’t have an account, select “Register a new taxpayer” on the MassTaxConnect homepage, set it up, and then you can send DOR an email to request an address update.
Update DOR via Mail
Send a signed copy of Form COA: Taxpayer Change of Address to:
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
PO Box 7011
Boston, MA 02204
IRS
Most of the time you can update your address with the IRS when you file your tax return. If you’re waiting for a letter from the IRS or a refund, you may want to update your address with the IRS sooner.
You can change the address online by filling out Form 8822 for Change of Address or you can do it by mail by sending a letter to the address where you filed your last return. The letter must include your name, new and old address, social security number, and your signature.
Home Utilities
Before you move, ask each of your current utility companies to get final readings on your electric, gas, and water meters if you have them. Keep a copy of the readings and make sure each company has your forwarding address to send the final bill. You don’t want to get stuck with late fees if the bills take a while to get to you!
When you turn on the utilities in your new home, make sure you set it up using your new address, even if you’re calling to turn them on before you move. That way, your bills will be sent to the new address and not have to be updated after you relocate.
Insurance Policies
In addition to your car insurance, you’ll need to update your address with any other insurance policies you have including health insurance, homeowner’s or renters insurance, life insurance, and disability insurance. You can usually make address changes to each of these accounts online, but if you don’t have online access just call the company to ask them to update your address by phone.
Social Security and Medicare
You can update your address with the Social Security Administration and Medicare if you have it by visiting https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/change-of-address.html. Making the updates online is the fastest method, but if you prefer to do it by phone you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or go to your local SSA office.
Bank Accounts
To make sure you continue receiving bank statements and other financial documents, take the time to update your address with each of your bank accounts, investment accounts, and retirement accounts. Most of these financial institutions allow you to update your address online, but if you don’t participate in online banking you can visit the bank or give them a call to make the updates.
If you have been banking in another state and your bank doesn’t have branches in Massachusetts, you may wish to set up new bank accounts with local banks.
Passports
Surprisingly, you don’t have to make changes to your passport when you get a new address. When it comes time to renew the passport, you can update the address at that time.
Friends & Family
Once all of your financial accounts, utilities, and government agencies have been notified, you won’t want to forget to give your friends and family your new address! You can use social media to private message anyone who would need your new address, or you could decide to have cards made and mail to your friends and family. If you have purchased a new house, it might be interesting to include a photo of your home in the card, too.
Prepare for a Change of Address in Massachusetts
Updating your address with all of the various government agencies, financial institutions, utilities and more may seem like a total headache, but the links and phone numbers in this guide should help you make quick work of the task and get your address updated in Massachusetts. Try to plan ahead so you get this done within the first few days in your new home so you don’t end up with delayed account statements that cause you to miss payments and hurt your credit score.
Since changing your address means you’re physically moving to a new place, you’ll also need reputable movers to eliminate the stress of relocating. Call Mass Bay Movers at 978-587-3775 or fill out our online form for a quote today.
