Change of address checklist UK
Every organisation to tell when you move house, in the order the notice periods fall. Switch on the sections that apply, tick each one off as you update it, and print or save the list.
Who to notify when moving house, and when
Four weeks before the move, do the ones with notice periods: broadband and TV (most providers need 14–30 days to move or cancel), home insurance (cover has to start at the new address on key day), and Royal Mail Redirection (at least 5 working days, up to 3 months ahead). Energy and water only need a couple of days’ notice, but it is easier to set up the new accounts while you are doing the rest.
Official records come next: both councils for council tax, the electoral register, DVLA (licence, V5C and vehicle tax are three separate updates), HMRC, and DWP or Universal Credit if you receive anything. Then money: banks, cards, pensions, ISAs, loans and your employer’s payroll. Finish with everyday life: GP and dentist, mobile, online shopping addresses, subscriptions, school and nursery, and the vet and microchip database for pets.
The ones people forget
Old workplace pensions. Each previous employer’s scheme holds its own address, and lost pension pots are usually lost because statements went to a flat you left years ago. The Pension Tracing Service on gov.uk finds the contact details if you have lost them.
The microchip database. Telling the vet does not update the chip; the register is a separate company and a lost pet is returned to the address on the chip. Resident parking permits, which need proof of address at the new council. The saved “default” address on shopping accounts, which will take a one-click order to the old flat. And the Tax-Free Childcare or 30 hours account if you have children in nursery.
Council tax and the electoral register
Council tax is two separate jobs: tell the old council you are leaving so they close the account, issue a final bill and refund any overpayment, then register with the new council from the day you get the keys. Both have online “moving home” forms and ask for the move date, the addresses and, usually, the solicitor or letting agent. If you are now the only adult, apply for the 25% single-person discount at the same time. In Northern Ireland, update your rates account with Land & Property Services instead.
Registering to vote at the new address takes about five minutes on gov.uk with your National Insurance number, and keeps your credit file in good order, because lenders use the electoral roll to confirm where you live. Do it within the first week; being on the register at the right address matters more for a mortgage or credit check than for an election.
How Royal Mail Redirection fits in
Redirection forwards post addressed to you at the old address for 3, 6 or 12 months, including for other named people in the household. It is the safety net for anything you forgot to update, and it is also the way you find out who still has the old address: every redirected envelope is an organisation to add to this list.
It does not update the sender’s records, and it does not cover parcels from every courier or anything addressed to “the occupier”. Apply at least 5 working days before the move; you can apply up to 3 months in advance, and you will need proof of identity for each adult named on the application.
Using this checklist
Switch on the sections that apply to your household (vehicle, children, pets, renting, student) and the list adjusts. Each organisation has a status and space for a short next step such as “waiting for confirmation email”. Mark it Updated once the provider has confirmed the change, or Not applicable if it does not apply to you.
Saving is manual and local to this browser, so no account is needed and nothing is sent to us. Download a dated text copy or print the page if several people are sharing the admin. Keep account numbers and passwords in the provider’s own secure service, not in the notes here.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I need to notify when I move house in the UK?
Both councils (council tax), the electoral register, DVLA, HMRC and DWP if you receive benefits, TV Licensing, your bank and card providers, pensions and investments, insurers, loan providers, your employer, gas, electricity and water suppliers, broadband and mobile providers, your GP, dentist and optician, schools and nurseries, the vet and microchip database, online shopping accounts, subscriptions and loyalty schemes. Royal Mail Redirection catches anything you miss.
How far in advance should I change my address?
Start about four weeks before the move with the services that have notice periods: broadband and TV (14–30 days), home insurance and Royal Mail Redirection (at least 5 working days). Most official records and bank accounts can be updated in the week either side of the move; register to vote and set up council tax at the new address in your first week.
Does Royal Mail Redirection change my address everywhere?
No. Redirection forwards your post for 3, 6 or 12 months but does not update anyone’s records. Use it as a safety net and as a way to spot who still has the old address, then update each organisation directly.
Do I need to tell DVLA I have moved?
Yes, and it is a legal requirement: you can be fined up to £1,000 for not updating your driving licence. The licence, the V5C log book and your vehicle tax Direct Debit are three separate updates, all free and all online on gov.uk.
Do I have to tell the council I am moving?
Yes, both of them. Tell the old council so they close your council tax account and refund any overpayment, and register with the new council from the day you move in so the bill is correct and any discounts are applied. Each has its own online moving form.
Can I save and print this checklist?
Yes. Save manually in this browser, restore it on a later visit, or download a text copy. Print includes all applicable entries, including those hidden by a screen filter.
Further guidance
These sources support the guidance above. Check the relevant organisation’s current instructions for your circumstances.
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