How to Register a Change of Address With Local Authorities

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Log in to your local government's online portal

    Many countries and cities offer an online civil affairs portal where you can log in with a verified digital account to handle an address change without visiting an office in person.

  2. Find the address-change or move-in notification service

    Search the portal for terms like "change of address," "move-in report," or "residence registration" to reach the correct application page.

  3. Enter your old and new address details

    Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your previous address, your new address, and the details of any household members moving with you.

  4. Complete householder confirmation if required

    If you're not the head of the household at the new address, or you're forming a new household, an additional online confirmation from the existing householder may be required.

  5. Register your lease start date, if that option applies

    In some places, renters can register their lease start date alongside the address change for added legal protection; whether this exists and how it works varies by jurisdiction, so check your local rules for renters.

  6. Submit and check the processing status

    After you submit, the relevant local office reviews and processes the report, and you can usually check the status from your account on the same portal.

A Notification Most Places Require After You Move

Many countries require residents to notify local authorities of a new address within a set period after moving, though the exact deadline, required documents, and process vary widely by country and region. This is general information, not legal advice -- confirm your own filing requirement and deadline with your local government office.

Where Online Filing Isn't Available

Not every jurisdiction offers this online -- some still require an in-person visit to a local government office with proof of your new address, such as a lease or a utility bill, so check your local government's website first to see which option applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file if I'm not the head of the household?

Generally yes, but depending on the situation, an additional confirmation step from the existing householder may be required.

Is registering a lease start date the same as filing a change of address?

No, it's usually a separate step even where it's available, though in some places both can be handled at the same office in one visit.