The mandatory deadlines first
Registration with the residents’ office is generally required within two weeks of moving in. Follow the authority’s procedure; an address-change letter does not automatically complete registration. Other statutory or contractual duties may also apply, for example vehicle records or pending administrative matters.
Who you should notify in writing
| Recipient | When | Why in writing |
|---|---|---|
| Residents' registration office | within 2 weeks of moving in | statutory registration requirement |
| Employer / payroll office | before the moving date | tax statements, mail sent to your private address |
| Insurers | before the move | update contract details and check any change in insured risk |
| Banks, building societies | promptly | identification, statements, cards |
| Energy, internet, broadcasting fee | 2–6 weeks in advance | meter readings, transferring or cancelling the connection |
| Doctors, schools, clubs | after moving in | bills and invitations are sent by post |
Sample wording
Subject: Change of address — customer number 123456
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to inform you of my new address. From 1 October 2026, it will be: Musterweg 4, 10115 Berlin. Please direct all correspondence to the new address from that date onward, and confirm the change to me briefly in writing.
Yours faithfully
Adapt the customer number, previous address, new address and effective date for each recipient. Prepare a notification in the editor without printing it yourself. Where a provider requires its own form or secure portal, follow that process.
A mail redirection order is not a substitute for notification
Mail redirection may forward some post to your new address, but does not replace necessary updates with authorities and contract partners. Coverage, lead time and excluded item types depend on the product. Arrange it in advance and notify important senders directly.
An order that has proven itself
- Four weeks beforehand: energy, internet, telephone.
- Two weeks beforehand: insurers, employer, bank.
- Moving week: set up mail redirection, note down meter readings.
- First week after: registration office, vehicle registration, broadcasting fee.
- First month: doctors, subscriptions, clubs, online retailers.
Prepare an address-change checklist
| Detail | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Name and customer number | Identify the correct account or contract. |
| Previous address | Distinguish people with similar names or multiple accounts. |
| New street, house number, postcode and town | Provide a complete delivery address, including c/o if necessary. |
| Effective date | Avoid mail reaching the new address before you move in. |
| Request for confirmation | Spot an unprocessed update sooner. |
Does every address change need a letter?
No. Many banks, insurers and suppliers provide a secure customer portal or their own form. Use their approved process. A letter can help if no portal is available or you want a clearly documented notification. Do not include an identity-document copy unless it is explicitly and justifiably required.
Does a letter replace registering with the residents’ office?
No. Follow your local authority’s process, which may be available online. Section 17 BMG generally requires registration within two weeks of moving in; check exceptions and the required documents separately.
After moving: check confirmations
Track the recipient, notification date and confirmation for each account. Check the next invoice or account statement. Mail redirection is only an extra safety net and does not cover every item type. Prepare a notification without a printer using the online editor, checking every recipient and customer number before sending. Our addressing guide helps you format the new address.