Key steps in an address change
What is an address change?
An address change involves editing information about where you live to advise the authorities and your loved ones.
There are various situations in which you must do an address change. You are leaving your dwelling or property because:
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You’re making a personal move
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Your employer is relocating you to another site
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You are separating and are moving to a new home
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You’re moving into a student residence
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You’re going abroad for several months
Why is it important to update your address?
It’s a legal requirement
If you live in Canada, you must change your postal address when you move. The authorities must have precise information to check your identity, keep your administrative status up to date and get relevant information during elections (to exercise your right to vote). Official Canadian and Quebec government communications must reach you easily.
To protect your privacy
Keep your personal or sensitive information out of others’ hands. When you change your address, you’re making sure that documents like bank statements and identity cards are sent to the right place.
To get your mail
Bills, notifications, cheques and letters need to get to your postal address. You wouldn’t want a government cheque to get lost along the way!
To avoid a service interruption
Do you want to live without internet or TV? Nope. Advise your providers of your new address to keep your services from being interrupted. And keep your teens from some anguish!
Address change in 8 steps
Want more details? We’ll spell everything out, step by step.
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As you’re getting ready for your move, plan your address change several weeks in advance. Start by listing the people and groups you must inform.
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Start by advising government authorities. You can do that online on the Government of Canada website and on the Quebec government site.
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You can also get a change of address form at your local post office. You can give them your new address and at the same time have your mail forwarded to your new place.
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Contact your service providers:
- Electricity
- Phone and cable
- Internet and cellphone
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Notify your financial institution and insurance companies.
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Update your cards that contain your old address: credit cards, driver’s license, ID, passport, etc.
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Do you often receive packages? Remember to change your address with the relevant companies.
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And let your friends and family know about this change, preferably by phoning them. That way, you’re reducing the risk of that private information falling into the wrong hands.
Tip Make this task simpler by using a moving platform, like MovingWaldo. This website offers professional services that let you update your address in just a few clicks, by filling out a simplified form.
Who needs to be advised of your change of address?
Reminder Make sure these 10 government agencies and organizations get your new address. Note that the procedures to do this can vary by country, province or territory.
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Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
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Government of Canada
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Elections Canada
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Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
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Service Canada – employment insurance
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Transport Canada
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Canada Immigration and Citizenship
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Canada Post
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Service Canada
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Revenu Québec