Change of Address Checklist for Canada

Government (do these first)

• Canada Revenue Agency — update via CRA My Account for an instant change, or see the Government of Canada's change-of-address hub for every federal service in one place.
• Service Canada — for EI, CPP, and OAS, update through My Service Canada Account.
• Provincial health card, driver's licence, and vehicle registration — usually within 30 days. In Ontario, ServiceOntario's address-change tool updates your licence, health card, and vehicle permit together.
• Voter registration — Elections Canada's online registration service, plus your provincial elections agency.
• Passport — no need to reissue, but you can contact the Passport Program to update contact information on file.
• NEXUS — updates go through a CBSA enrolment centre, not online — this one is easy to forget since it's not part of the usual address-change flow.
• Municipal dog or cat licence — transfer the tag to your new address, usually through your city or town's website.
• Kids' school district / catchment — bring proof of address.

Banks, money, and legal

• Every bank account, savings account, and TFSA.
• Every credit card provider — this is where fraud alerts and replacement cards get lost.
• Mortgage or landlord (both old and new).
• Investment / brokerage accounts (RRSP, RESP, TFSA, non-registered).
• Payroll direct deposit and employer HR file.
• Any loans: student, auto, personal, line of credit.
• Your lawyer or notary — especially if you closed on a home recently.

Insurance and health

• Home / tenant insurance (new address triggers a new policy — don't just “update”).
• Auto insurance — rates change with postal code.
• Life insurance policies.
• Health and dental group benefits through work.
• Family doctor, dentist, optometrist, and any specialists.
• Pharmacy — transfer prescriptions if the pharmacy is changing.
• Veterinarian — and update pet microchip registration.

Vehicles, memberships, and everyday accounts

• Your regular mechanic or dealer service centre — and ask about any open recall notices tied to your VIN, since recall mail goes to your address on file.
• Internet, mobile, and streaming subscriptions.
• Utility accounts (hydro, gas, water) — final bill at old address, opening at new.
• Amazon and every online retailer with a saved default shipping address.
• Loyalty and membership programs: Aeroplan, PC Optimum, Costco, gym, golf club.
• Charities you donate to (for tax receipts), plus your church or place of worship.
• Professional associations, unions, and alumni associations.
• Any subscription that ships physical product (meal kits, magazines, book clubs).
• Family and friends — tell them directly rather than relying on a change-of-address card to reach everyone.

Mail forwarding as a safety net

Even the most organized household misses two or three of the accounts above. Canada Post mail forwarding is the safety net that catches them. Buy six months of forwarding — every time a forwarded envelope arrives, update that sender directly so the next cycle goes straight to the new address.

By the fourth or fifth month, you'll see fewer forwarded pieces each week. That's the signal that your address change is genuinely complete.