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Summary: When you move, the main parties to notify of your new address are the CRA and Service Canada, your care providers (doctor, dentist, vet), your service providers (internet, cable, landline, and bank), your utility companies (water, heat, electricity), and your employer. Update the government within about 10 days, and transfer or set up service and utility accounts before move-in so nothing lapses.
A change of address is an exciting time, whether you have just bought a new home, moved out on your own, or are renting in a new city. It also takes organization: on top of movers and supplies, you need to inform a long list of people, organizations, and government agencies. If you have not already updated your ID and travel documents, see our guide on what ID you need to update when moving within Ontario. This post covers everyone else.
Who do you need to notify when you change your address?
Here is a quick checklist of the main parties to tell, and when, before the detail below:
Who to notify | Examples | When |
Government | CRA, Service Canada | Within about 10 days of your move |
Care providers | Family doctor, dentist, chiropractor, vet | Before the move; line up new ones if relocating far |
Service providers | Internet, cable, landline, bank | Before move-in, so service transfers without a gap |
Utilities | Water, heat, electricity | On or before your move date |
Employer | Your HR team | Before the move, for contact and tax reasons |
Do you need to tell the CRA and Service Canada?
Yes. The CRA and Service Canada both need your new address, and it is worth doing early even though it is not the exciting part of a move. The CRA asks you to update your address within about 10 days, and Service Canada asks for advance notice. The easiest way to update the CRA is online through My Account, and Service Canada can be updated online through its sign-in options. You will need an account with each, so sign up first if you do not already have one.
Which care providers should you notify?
Tell the care providers you see regularly: your family doctor, dentist, and chiropractor, among others. If family members are moving with you, update their providers too, and let your vet know if you have a pet. Most of these still involve in-person visits, so if you are making a significant move, you may need to find new providers near your new home. Research them ahead of time, since it is hard to do when you suddenly need care, and depending on where you are moving, some services can be difficult to find.
What about your service providers and utilities?
Two groups to handle here. Your service providers, your internet, cable, landline, and bank, need your new address so service redirects without a gap; often the internet, cable, and landline are bundled with one telco, which makes it easier. The big providers have moving pages to coordinate the transfer, including Rogers, Bell, and Telus.
Utilities matter even more than the internet: water, heat, and electricity. If you are staying within the same service area, transfer them to your new address. If you are moving elsewhere, tell your current providers your move date so you stop paying for service you no longer use, and set up accounts with the utility companies in your new area so you arrive to a working home.
Should you tell your employer?
Yes. Whether or not you work remotely, your employer needs your new address, both to reach you and because a move can carry tax implications. If you are moving province to province or out of the country, work with your HR team to handle the change properly. It can be tempting to skip this, but the tax consequences of a move tend to catch up with you, so it is not worth hiding.
Do you need a real estate lawyer when you move?
If you are buying or selling a home in Ontario, you are required to engage a real estate lawyer to complete the transaction. Ownright handles your closing virtually, with the details flowing through your own dashboard, so you can track progress, keep your documents in one place, and get support when you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Who do you need to notify when you change your address in Canada?
The main parties are the CRA and Service Canada, your care providers (doctor, dentist, vet), your service providers (internet, cable, landline, bank), your utility companies, and your employer. Updating ID and travel documents is a separate step worth handling at the same time.
How soon do you have to tell the CRA you moved?
The CRA asks you to update your address shortly after a move, generally within about 10 days, and the simplest way is online through CRA My Account. Keeping it current ensures benefit payments and tax correspondence reach you.
How do you transfer utilities when you move?
If you are staying in the same service area, transfer water, heat, and electricity to your new address. If you are moving farther, give your current providers your move-out date and open new accounts with the utility companies serving your new home before you arrive.
Should you tell your employer you are moving?
Yes. Your employer needs your address to reach you and because a move can have tax implications, especially across provinces or countries. Work with HR to update your records so your payroll and tax withholding stay correct.
Do you need a lawyer when you change your address?
Only if the move involves buying or selling a home. A change of address on its own does not require a lawyer, but completing a purchase or sale in Ontario does, and that lawyer handles the legal transfer and closing.
About the author
Joel Fox is a co-founder and COO at Ownright. He writes about the practical side of moving and closing in Ontario to help people stay organized through a transition that has a lot of moving parts.
At Ownright, we focus on Ontario real estate law and handle your closing through a clear, online process. You can start your closing online or get in touch with any questions.
Important note: This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Deadlines and procedures can change, so confirm current requirements with the relevant agency. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely on the information in this post or any linked materials without first seeking appropriate professional advice.
