Download our printable change of address checklist
Our printable British Columbia address change checklist includes governmental agencies, service providers, as well as organizations, all of which you should advise of your move.
Download the complete checklist
Who should I notify of my new address? The Checklist.
It is important to notify the following organizations and private service providers of your move as soon as possible to ensure an adequate and safe transition to your new home.
List of Organizations, Agencies, and Companies
| Organization/Company | When to Change Address | How to Change Address |
Important to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Service Plan (MSP)
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Update your address within 10 days of your move |
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| Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)
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You have 90 days to switch to a BC driver’s license |
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This address change is mandatory; it Is the law! You could pay a fine if the address on your driver’s license is longer valid. |
Electricity Provider
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As soon as possible, up to 1 month in advance |
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More information on how to change your address with BC Hydro. |
Financial Institutions
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1 week before you move |
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For many financial institutions address changes relating to credit cards and bank accounts are done separately/independently!
More information on how to change your address with your financial institution. |
| Insurance Policies | 2 weeks before your move |
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Your change of address may have an impact on the amount you are paying for your insurance policy. When moving to a new home, it is important to get at least 3 quotes from reputable insurance carriers. Do not assume your current home insurance policy is still the right choice for your new living situation.
More information on the impact of moving on your insurance policy. |
| BC Public Service Pension Plan | 1 to 2 weeks before you move. |
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| Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) | 1 to 2 weeks before you move |
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More information on how to change your address with the CPP. |
| Old Age Security (OAS) | As soon as possible |
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More information on how to change your address with the Old Age Security (OAS). |
| Employment Insurance (EI) | 1 to 2 weeks before you move |
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You can provide notification of future address changes up to 180 days in advance.
More information on how to change your address for EI. |
| Income Assistance | 1 to 2 weeks before you move |
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| Mobile Phone Provider | 1-2 weeks before your move |
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| Home, Internet, TV & Phone Provider |
As soon as possible, up to 1 month in advance |
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Most service providers require at least three weeks notice to schedule an appointment for the installation. When changing your address with your service provider, you might want to change providers at the same time. To find a new internet provider, check out the recommended internet providers near you. More information on how to change your address with your telecom provider. |
| Streaming and Online Services
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Before or after you move |
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To avoid facing any issues with the change of your billing address.
More information on how to |
| Rewards Programs | 1 week before you move |
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Many Rewards Programs send discounts by mail. Don’t miss out! |
| Magazines and Newspapers | Up to 1 month before you move |
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There may be a delay of a few weeks before your address is updated. If you have not received all copies of your magazines or newspapers following your move, contact their customer service. |
| Charities | Up to 1 month before you move |
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Important for your tax return! |
| Occupational Health and Safety (WorkSafeBC) |
As soon as possible, up to 1 month in advance |
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More information on how to change your address with the Canada Savings Bonds. |
| Canada Savings Bond | 1 to 2 weeks before you move |
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More information on how to change your address with the Canada Savings Bonds. |
| Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) | Before or after you move | • From their online service • By calling 1-877-899-3599 |
You will also be able to change your address during the annual tax return season; you may have missed important communications in the meantime.
More information on how to change your address with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). |
| Elections BC | Before or after you move | • From their online service • By calling 1-877-899-3599 |
More information on how to change your address with Elections BC. |
| Elections Canada | Before the election period |
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Your address must be up-to-date in order to vote in your new district. During election periods, your change of address must be done in person.
More information on how to change your address with |
| Hunting and Fishing license (FWID) | At your convenience | To change your address on your FWID, you can either:
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The address on your license must be up-to-date with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to register your firearm(s) and /or other weapon(s). |
| Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Arms permit) | Notify any change of address within 30 days |
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Canadian Firearms Program PO Box 1200 Miramichi, New Brunswick E1N 5Z3 |
It is the law to inform the RCMP of your address change. Have your license number on hand when contacting them.
RCMP Renewal notices are sent to the address you provided. If you did not receive an application renewal notice, you should call More information on how to change your address on your arms permit. |
| Boat Permit | 1 to 2 weeks before you move |
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A Pleasure Craft Licence is valid for 10 years. At the end of that period, you must renew your licence.
If you change your name, More information on how to change your address on your boat licence. |
| Employer | Before or after you move |
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| Pharmacist | On your last visit before you move |
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It is important to call your pharmacy so they can transfer your file to your new pharmacy. Please note that some prescriptions are not transferable, and you might therefore need a new prescription. |
| Dentist | On your next visit/call |
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| Library | On your next visit/call |
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| Municipality | When visiting your notory,s office |
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| Graduates/Alumni Associations | Before or after you move |
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Associations sometimes send promotional discounts. Make your change of address to take advantage of the promotions! |
| Student Aid BC | 1 to 2 weeks before you move |
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| University | Before or after you move |
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It is important to change your address to receive your transcripts! |
| Car Manufacturer | Before or after you move |
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It is important to change your address to receive notices and reminders about your vehicle! |
| Car Dealership | Before or after you move |
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It is important to change your address to receive notices and reminders about your vehicle! |
| Medical Clinic | On your next visit/call |
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| Union | Before you move |
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More information on changing your address with your union. |
| Professional Association | Before or after you move |
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More information on changing your address with your professional association. |
