The complete checklist for changes of address in British Columbia.
- Last updated on: January 20, 2023
Every year, you subscribe to different services whether it be a new internet provider or a popular magazine. However, no matter how useful or life-changing these services are, when it comes time to pack all your belongings and move, updating the mailing address to all your subscriptions is the last thing on your mind.
To help simplify this task, we have created an easy to use address checklist specific for the residents of British Columbia.
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.
Save time and change your address in one click
If you are in the mood to save time and avoid contacting each organization and service provider one at a time, we recommend using MovingWaldo‘s free centralized change of address service. It allows you to build your own list and lets you notify your service providers of your new address in a single click. Enter your address once and get started!
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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
When to change your address?
How to change your address?
Important to know
Medical Service Plan
(MSP)
• Health Insurance Card
• Prescription Drug Insurance
Update your address
within 10 days of your move
- On the MSP’s website
- By calling 1-800-663-7100 or online
- For free on MovingWaldo
Insurance Corporation
of British Columbia
(ICBC)
• Driver’s licence
• Vehicle registration
You have 90 days to
switch to a BC driver’s license
- By contacting the ICBC Via their website
- For free on MovingWaldo
This address change is mandatory; it Is the law! You could pay a fine if the address on your driver’s license is nlonger valid.
Electricity Provider
• BC Hydro
As soon as possible, up to 1 month in advance
- From your BC Hydro online account
- By calling: 1-844-741-0371
More information on how to change your address with BC Hydro.
Financial Institutions
- Bank accounts
- Credit cards
- Investments
1 week before you move
- From your online account
- By phone
- For free on MovingWaldo
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
- From your online account
- By phone
- For free on MovingWaldo
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.
- Update your address online
- By calling 1-800-665-3554
Canadian Pension Plan (CPP)
1 to 2 weeks before you move
- Update your address online
- By calling 1-800-277-9914
More information on how to
change your address with the CPP.
Old Age Security (OAS)
As soon as possible
- Call 1-800-277-9914
- Mail your documents to the nearest Service Canada Centre or visit that location directly
More information on how to
change your address with the Old Age Security (OAS).
Employment Insurance (EI)
1 to 2 weeks before you move
- Using your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
- By calling 1-800-206-7218
- In person at a Service Canada Centre near you
You can provide notification of future address changes up to 180 days in advance.
More information on how to change your address for EI.
Mobile Phone Provider
1-2 weeks before your move
- From your online account
- By phone
- For free on MovingWaldo
Home, Internet, TV &
Phone Provider
As soon as possible, up to 1 month in advance
- From your online account
- By phone
- For free on MovingWaldo
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
- Netflix
- Spotify
- Amazon Prime
- Apple Music
Before or after you move
- On your online account
To avoid facing any issues with the change of your billing address.
More information on how to
change your adress wth Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Prime.
Rewards Programs
1 week before you move
- From your online account
- By phone
- For free on MovingWaldo
Many Rewards Programs send discounts by mail. Don’t miss out!
Magazines and Newspapers
Up to 1 month before you move
- From your online account
- By phone
- For free on MovingWaldo
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
- From your online account
- By phone
- For free on MovingWaldo
Important for your tax return!
Occupational Health
and Safety
(WorkSafeBC)
As soon as possible, up to 1 month in advance
- By visiting WorkSafeBC
More information on how to change your address with the Canada Savings Bonds.
Canada Savings Bond
1 to 2 weeks before you move
- From their online service
- By phone: 1-877-899-3599
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
- By updating your voter registration on the Elections Canada website
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
Elections Canada.
Hunting and Fishing license (FWID)
At your convenience
To change your address on your FWID, you can either:
- Change it online on your Personal Online Account.
- Visit a Service BC or FrontCounter BC location.
- Call the FrontCounter BC Contact Centre at 1-877-855-3222.
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
- Using your GCKey secure account
- By calling 1-800-731-4000
- For free on MovingWaldo
- By mail (in writing) to the following address:
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
1- 800-731-4000 to confirm that the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) has your correct address on file.
More information on how to change your address on your arms permit.
Boat Permit
1 to 2 weeks before you move
- On the Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System (PCELS)
- For free on MovingWaldo
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,
address, or particulars of the pleasure craft after you obtain a Pleasure Craft Licence, you must update your licence.
More information on how to change your address on your boat licence.
Employer
Before or after you move
- Notify the HR department
Pharmacist
On your last visit before you move
- In person or by phone
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
- Simply mention it at the reception
Library
On your next visit/call
- Simply mention it at the reception
Municipality
When visiting your notory,s office
- With your notary
Graduates/Alumni Associations
Before or after you move
- Online or by phone
- For free on MovingWaldo
Associations sometimes send promotional discounts. Make your change of address to take advantage of the promotions!
University
Before or after you move
- Online
- By phone with the Registrar’s Office
It is important to change your address to receive your transcripts!
Car Manufacturer
Before or after you move
- Online or by phone
- For free on MovingWaldo
It is important to change your address to receive notices and reminders about your vehicle!
Car Dealership
Before or after you move
- By phone or on your next visit
It is important to change your address to receive notices and reminders about your vehicle!
Medical Clinic
On your next visit/call
- Simply mention it at the reception
Professional Association
Before or after you move
- Online on the association’s website
More information on changing your address with your professional association.
Special Mention!
Moving is often synonymous of stress, long administrative tasks and a significant waste of time and money. MovingWaldo helps you solve all these problems in just a few clicks! After some shameless self-promotion, we invite you to discover our free moving tools available to all.
- Update accounts
- Connect Internet, TV and Phone.
- Secure home and auto insurance
- Find resources, checklists and more.
We bring together more than 700 organizations across Canada with a single and simplified form.
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