Change of Address Checklist for Canadian Households

Government & ID

• CRA — update via CRA My Account (fastest, instant)
• Service Canada — EI, CPP, OAS, and any federal benefits
• Provincial health card — every province has its own form and window
• Driver's licence and vehicle registration — usually required within 30 days
• Voter registration — Elections Canada online, plus your provincial elections agency
• Passport contact information on file
• NEXUS — updates must be made through a CBSA enrolment centre, not online
• Municipal dog or cat licence, if you have a pet

Financial & legal

• Every bank account, savings account, and TFSA
• Every credit card provider
• Mortgage lender 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

Insurance & health

• Home or tenant insurance — a new address usually means a new policy, not just an 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 pet microchip registration

Utilities

• Natural gas, hydro, and water
• Internet and home phone
• Cell phone plan billing address

Vehicles

• Vehicle registration and plate renewal notices
• Your regular mechanic or dealer service centre
• Ask your dealer about open recall notices tied to your VIN — recall mail goes to your address on file
• Roadside assistance / CAA membership

Memberships & subscriptions

• Costco or other wholesale club membership
• Gym or fitness studio membership
• Golf club membership
• Streaming, meal-kit, and other subscription billing addresses
• Loyalty programs — Aeroplan, PC Optimum, and similar

Work, school & community

• Employer HR file
• Kids' school or school board — bring proof of address
• Alumni association or university mailing list
• Professional associations, unions, or licensing bodies
• Charities you donate to
• Church or place of worship
• Family and friends — tell them directly

Mail forwarding — the safety net

• Buy Canada Post mail forwarding for at least 6 months
• Every time a forwarded piece of mail arrives, update that sender directly so the next cycle goes straight to the new address

Practical tips

• Do government first — CRA, health card, and driver's licence often unlock or validate everything else.
• Keep a single running list as you go; it's the only way to know what's left after week three.
• Home and auto insurance need a fresh quote, not just an address update — don't assume your existing policy carries over unchanged.

Frequently asked questions