Change of address checklist: who to tell when you move
Everyone to notify, grouped so you can tick them off.
- Professional, vetted moversRegistered, insured and checked
- Compare the quotesPrice, reviews and what is included
- Free, no obligationYou choose who to book
Telling the right people early saves missed post, duplicate charges and security problems. Use this list and start about four weeks before moving.
Money
- Banks, building societies and credit cards
- Mortgage lender or landlord
- Pension providers and investments
- HMRC (through your online account)
Home
- Council tax: tell both your old and new councils
- Gas, electricity and water: give final readings and set up the new address
- Broadband, phone and TV licence
- Home and contents insurance
Government and health
- DVLA for driving licence and vehicle registration
- Electoral roll registration
- GP, dentist and opticians
- Child benefit and tax credits where relevant
Work and school
- Employer or payroll
- Schools and nurseries
- Professional bodies
Everything else
- Subscriptions, delivery apps and online shops
- Car insurance and breakdown cover
- Loyalty cards and clubs
- Friends and family
Royal Mail redirection
A redirect forwards post for a period you pay for. It is a safety net, not a substitute for telling senders directly. Set it up a week or two before you move. Next: the full moving checklist, and when you are ready, get your removal quotes.
Frequently asked questions
When should I change my address?
Start about four weeks before you move and complete the key ones by moving day.
Do I have to tell the DVLA?
Yes. Update your licence and vehicle registration when you move.
Is a Royal Mail redirect necessary?
Not essential, but helpful for missed post and fraud protection.
Related guides
- Moving house checklist
- The true cost of moving house in the UK: every fee to budget for
- Moving day timeline: hour by hour
The people who must know
Some updates are legally required or involve money, so do them first. Others are about convenience. The order below gives you a sensible priority. You can do most of it online in a couple of hours, and many organisations let you update several services at once.
- Your bank, building society and credit card providers.
- Your employer.
- HMRC. Update your tax account, and tell them about any changes to Child Benefit or tax credits.
- The DVLA. Update your driving licence and your vehicle registration certificate. This is a legal requirement.
- Your local council. Council tax, bin collection, electoral roll and parking permits. See council tax when moving house.
- Insurers. Home, contents, car, travel, pet and life insurance.
- Utility providers. Gas, electricity and water, plus broadband, phone and TV.
Health and family
- GP, dentist, optician and hospital.
- Your children's school, nursery and clubs.
- Pension providers, benefits and any care services.
- Your vet, and your pet's microchip database. In the UK, microchip details for dogs and cats must be kept up to date.
- Family, friends, and anyone who sends you regular post.
Shopping, subscriptions and memberships
- Online shops, delivery apps and payment services.
- Streaming, magazines, charities and loyalty cards.
- Gym, library and professional memberships.
- The Royal Mail redirection service, if you use one.
For your business
If you run a company, you must update the registered office address at Companies House, and tell HMRC, your bank, your insurers and your customers. If you work from home, check your insurance and your mortgage or tenancy terms. See the office relocation checklist.
Protect yourself
Use only official websites and accounts you have logged in to when you change your address. Be careful with unexpected emails and texts that ask you to confirm your details. See the change of address checklist and the full moving house checklist.
Common questions
Do I have to tell the DVLA I have moved?
Yes. You must update the address on your driving licence and vehicle registration certificate. Use the official GOV.UK service.
Should I tell my bank before I move?
Yes, ideally a few weeks ahead, so that statements and cards go to the right place.
How do I update my pet's microchip?
Contact the database that holds your pet's record and update your address. Your vet can help.
Plan week by week
