A Change of Address letter is a formal notification sent to individuals, businesses, or organisations to inform them that you have moved to a new address. It is important for updating personal and professional records, ensuring that correspondence, services, and deliveries are directed to your new location.

A Change of Address Letter is a simple yet crucial step in ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding any future headaches. From protecting against identity theft to complying with legal obligations, this simple step can make your move smoother and stress-free.

Reasons to Create a Change of Address Letter

A Change of Address Letter is essential to ensure that all your important mail and services follow you to your new location. Moving to a new home is an exciting time, but it also comes with a long to-do list.

1. Ensure Continuity of Services

When you move, it’s essential to update your address with service providers such as utility companies, banks, and subscription services.

Without proper notification, you might miss important bills, statements, or deliveries, leading to late fees, service disruptions, or even lost packages.

2. Protect Against Identity Theft

Updating your address promptly can help protect you from identity theft. If your mail continues to be sent to your old address, sensitive information like bank statements, medical records, or personal identification could end up in the wrong hands.

A Change of Address Letter ensures that your personal information is directed to your new, secure location.

3. Maintain Important Relationships

Informing friends, family, and professional contacts about your new address helps maintain important relationships. This is especially important for receiving personal correspondence, invitations, or gifts.

A formal Change of Address Letter ensures that those close to you can stay in touch without any interruptions.

4. Comply with Legal Obligations

In some cases, updating your address is a legal requirement. This is particularly true for government agencies like the DMV, tax authorities, or voter registration offices.

Failing to notify these entities could result in fines, penalties, or complications when accessing services.

5. Streamline the Moving Process

Moving can be chaotic, but sending out a Change of Address Letter early in the process can help streamline things. By notifying everyone ahead of time, you can reduce the chances of missed communications or forgotten updates, making your move less stressful.

How to Create a Change of Address Letter?

Creating a Change of Address Letter doesn’t have to be complicated. Check the steps below to ensure it’s done correctly.

1.  Identify Who Needs to Know Your Change of Address

Start by making a list of all the people and organisations that need to be informed about your move. This typically includes:

• Utility companies
• Banks and financial institutions
• Insurance providers
• Government agencies (e.g. HMRC, DVLA)
• Subscription services
• Healthcare providers
• Friends, family, and professional contacts

2. Include Key Information

Your Change of Address Letter should include the following details:

1. Your full name
2. Old address
3. New address
4. Effective date of the address change
5. Any additional relevant information, such as updated contact details

3. Format the Letter

Keep the letter professional and to the point.

1. Header Information: Include your details at the top, followed by the recipient’s details.
2. Subject Line: Be concise and clear about the purpose of the letter.
3. Body of the Letter: Be polite and direct about the change.
4. Signature: Use "Yours sincerely" if you know the recipient's name; otherwise, use "Yours faithfully."

Free Template for Change of Address Letter

Please find a free sample of Change of Address Letter below.

[Your Name]

[Your Old Address]
[City, Postcode]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Recipient’s Name or Organisation]

[Company Name (if applicable)]
[Recipient's Address]
[City, Postcode]

Subject: Notification of Change of Address

Dear [Recipient's Name / Sir/Madam],

I am writing to inform you that I have recently moved, and my address has changed. Please update your records to reflect the new address below for all future correspondence.

Old Address:
[Your Old Address]
[City, Postcode]

New Address:
[Your New Address]
[City, Postcode]

This change is effective from [Effective Date].

I kindly request that you update my information accordingly. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number or Email Address] if you need any further details.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

💡 Aatos will soon offer a Change of Address Letter template that’s designed to be comprehensive and easy to customise. This template will help you create a professional letter quickly, ensuring you don’t miss any important details.

4. Send Out the Change of Address Letter

Once the letter is written, send it out to all the necessary contacts. Depending on the recipient, you can send it via mail, email, or even through an online form if available.

For important contacts, consider following up to ensure they’ve updated your information.

A Change of Address Letter is more than just a formality; it’s a vital step in ensuring that your move goes smoothly and that you stay connected with essential services and loved ones. By taking the time to create and send out this letter, you can protect your personal information, avoid disruptions, and comply with legal obligations.

Keep an eye out for Aatos’ upcoming legal template, which will make crafting your Change of Address Letter simple and stress-free!

Contact Details for Change of Address Letter

Below is a list of common organisations with guidance on how and where to send your letter.

💡 Make sure you include your account or reference number in the letter for identification purposes.

⚠️ Always check the organisation’s preferred method of communication before sending a letter, as many now offer online address change options.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

• How to notify: You can update your address online through your personal tax account. If you're unable to do this online, you can write to them.
• Address (for written notifications):
  Pay As You Earn and Self Assessment
  HM Revenue and Customs
  BX9 1AS
  United Kingdom

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

• How to notify: You can update your driving licence and vehicle registration online, or you can send a written notification by post.
• Address for driving licence updates:
  DVLA
  Swansea
  SA99 1BN
  United Kingdom
• Address for vehicle log book updates:
  DVLA
  Swansea
  SA99 1AR
  United Kingdom

Bank or Building Society

• How to notify: Most banks allow address updates via their online banking systems. Alternatively, you can send a letter to your local branch or their central office.

GP Surgery and NHS Services

• How to notify: You can update your address by contacting your GP directly or through your local NHS trust’s online services.
• If you prefer, send a letter to your GP’s surgery using the address found on their website.

Utilities Providers (Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet)

• How to notify: Most utility companies allow you to update your details via their websites or customer service departments. Alternatively, write to their customer service office.
• Example: British Gas
  PO Box 227
  Rotherham
  S98 1PD
  United Kingdom

TV Licence

• How to notify: You can change your address on the TV Licensing website. If you need to send a letter, you can use the address below.
• Address:
  TV Licensing
  Darlington
  DL98 1TL
  United Kingdom

Insurance Companies

• How to notify: Many insurers allow you to change your address via their online platforms or mobile apps. If not, send a letter to the company’s customer service department.
• Example: Aviva
  PO Box 4
  Surrey Street
  Norwich
  NR1 3NG

The Electoral Roll

• How to notify: You can update your address via the Electoral Register website or contact your local council office.
• Address: Find your local council’s address on the GOV.UK website.

Subscription Services (e.g., magazines, streaming, etc.)

• How to notify: Most services allow you to update your details through your online account, or you can write to their customer service departments.

Local Council (Council Tax)

• How to notify: Update your address by contacting your local council’s tax department directly or using their online services. Find their contact details on their website.