The Ultimate Checklist: Who to Notify When You Change Your Address in Canada

Government & Essential Services: The Big Ones You Can't Miss

These are critical. Getting them updated ensures continuity of essential services and avoids legal or financial issues.

• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): This is paramount for tax purposes, benefit payments (like the CCB or GST/HST credit), and any correspondence regarding your income. You can update your address through your CRA My Account online.
• Driver's License & Vehicle Registration: Your provincial motor vehicle authority (e.g., ServiceOntario, ICBC, SAAQ). This is usually required by law within a certain timeframe (often 30 days) of moving. Don't forget your vehicle's registration and insurance!
• Provincial Health Card: Crucial for receiving medical mail and ensuring your health records are accessible. Update this with your provincial health ministry.
• Voter Registration: Elections Canada. While not urgent, it's good to keep updated to ensure you can vote in federal elections from your new riding.
• Children's School/Daycare: Inform them of your new address and contact details, even if your child isn't changing schools.
• Pet Microchip Registry/Veterinarian: If your pet is microchipped, update the registry! Also, inform your vet of your new address and transfer records if you're getting a new vet.

Financial Institutions: Keep Your Money Matters in Order

Timely updates here prevent fraud, missed statements, and service interruptions.

• Bank Accounts: All chequing, savings, and investment accounts. Update online, via phone, or in person.
• Credit Cards: Each individual credit card company needs to be notified.
• Investment Accounts (RRSPs, TFSAs, Non-Registered): Your brokerage or financial advisor.
• Loan Providers: Mortgages, car loans, student loans, lines of credit.
• Insurance Providers: Home/tenant insurance, auto insurance, life insurance, health insurance. Your rates might even change based on your new address!

Utilities & Home Services: Essential for Your New Place

Ensure your new home is ready and your old one is properly disconnected.

• Electricity Provider: Schedule disconnect at your old place, connect at your new one.
• Gas Provider: Same as electricity – disconnect and connect.
• Water/Sewer Provider: Often handled by your municipality; check local requirements.
• Internet Service Provider: Arrange transfer or new service.
• Cable/Satellite TV Provider: Arrange transfer or new service.
• Home Phone (if applicable): Transfer or new service.
• Security System Provider: If you have one, arrange transfer or cancellation.

Subscriptions & Memberships: Don't Miss Out!

From your favourite magazine to your gym, keep these updated.

• Online Subscriptions/E-commerce: Amazon, Netflix, meal kits, clothing subscriptions – anywhere you receive deliveries or statements.
• Magazines/Newspapers: If you receive physical copies.
• Loyalty Programs: Air Miles, PC Optimum, credit card rewards programs.
• Gym Memberships/Clubs: Update your contact info.
• Professional Organizations/Alumni Associations: Important for networking and keeping informed.

Family, Friends & Work: The Personal Touch

While not official, keeping your closest contacts in the loop is important!

• Family & Close Friends: Send out a quick email or text with your new address.
• Employer/HR Department: For payroll, benefits, and emergency contact purposes.

The Smart Way to Handle Your Address Changes

Feeling overwhelmed by this list? You're not alone! That's why services like ChangemyAddress.ca exist. We streamline the process by helping you notify multiple organizations from one convenient platform, saving you hours of phone calls and form-filling.