Why Should I Change My Address When I Move? And Where?

Address changing always seems like that long and complicated task that we keep putting off during a move. It is actually recommended that you begin your address changing process two weeks before moving. Not changing your address at least two weeks before moving can result in many complications. So here’s why and where to change your address when you move to avoid any complications along the way!

Why Should I Change my Address When Moving?

It’s the Law and You May be Fined

Depending on the province you live in, it may be illegal not to update your address within a certain number of days after your move. There are often laws in place that lead to fines if your address is not updated within a certain period of time after your move. In Ontario, if you forget to change your address on your Ontario driver’s licence within 6 days of moving to your new address, you may be fined up to $85. While it is not the law to change your address with the various organizations you belong to, you may be fined for not changing your address with them either. 

Identification Purposes

For identification purposes, it is a must to change your address on your identification cards. Identification cards include your health card, your driver’s licence and your passport. Changing your address on your health card, your driver’s licence and your passport is mandatory in Canada. Identity theft is much more common than people think it is, so to be properly identified by the authorities, you must change your address on your identification cards. 

Your Mail Will Get Lost

Everyone receives important information through the mail. If you don’t update your address at least 2 weeks before your move, your mail may get lost or sent to the wrong address. You definitely don’t want someone else opening your important mail and your exciting Amazon package! To make sure your mail doesn’t get lost you must go through the mail forwarding process at least 2 weeks before your move and even sooner to be safe. To purchase mail forwarding go to Canada Post’s website, create an account and choose the plan that’s best suited for you. For one year’s worth of mail forwarding within provinces it costs $86.80. Note that mail forwarding does not include packages. To make sure your packages are sent to the right address, change your address directly on the website you made your purchases from. 

Where and How to Change my Address When Moving?

Government of Canada

When moving you must change your address with the Canadian government. To change your address with the Canadian government you must go through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) through MyAccount or by phone at 1-800-959-8281. The address associated with your Social Insurance Number (SIN) will automatically be updated when changing your address with the CRA. 

To change your address with Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) you must go through your My Service Canada Account. 

To change your address with Elections Canada, use the Online Voter Registration Service or call Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868 to obtain a registration form by mail. 

Government of Ontario

Don’t forget to change your address with ServiceOntario which includes your driver’s licence, and your health card.

Utilities

It is very important to change your address with your utility companies so you can stay hooked up to the internet and you can still pay your bills. It is recommended that you change your address with your utility companies at least 2-4 weeks before your move and even earlier to be safe. These utilities include your communication services such as your mobile, Internet and TV provider. It is also a priority to notify your energy provider of your change of address (electricity + water + gas). 

Other Important Address Changes

While changing your address with the government and with your utility providers should be your top priority, you should still prioritize changing your address in other important places. 

• Notify your employer of your address change directly.
• Notify your insurance company of your address change online or by phone.
• Notify your bank and credit card provider of your address change so your bills are sent to the right address. You can notify your bank of your address change on your bank’s website or by calling them directly. 
• Notify your pharmacy and health services of your address change so your prescription medications are prepared at the nearest pharmacy. You can notify your pharmacy of your address change by emailing them or calling them directly. 

Did you know?

• You won’t have to notify anyone to change your address on your Canadian passport. Follow these simple steps to change your address on your Canadian passport:

1. Go to page 4 and cross out the previous address. 
2. Write your current address on the empty space above the previous address.
3. If there’s no space on the page, simply write your new address on a piece of paper and insert it in the passport. 

Address changing is something that most people put off until the last minute. Waiting until the last minute or waiting too long is not a good idea as it can lead to fines and the delay of certain important services like having electricity and the internet. It’s better to tackle your address changes as soon as you know you’re moving date. 

 In order to not forget any other important place, check the complete Ontario address change checklist.