How to Update an Address on Your Credit Report

1. Review your credit reports

Your first step should be to figure out what you need to change and why. Review your credit reports and credit score to determine what addresses the credit bureaus have on file. If you’ve moved to a new address and updated your information with lenders and creditors, then the new addresses may reflect on your credit report at the end of your billing cycles.

You may need to follow different processes for personal credit reports versus business credit reports, for updates to new addresses versus removing an inaccurate address and for different credit bureaus where the inaccurate address appears.

Here are some preliminary steps to take to change your address on your credit reports:

1. Determine if you need to update a personal or business credit report. For updates to business reports, you’ll need additional documentation confirming you have the authority to file disputes, and you may need multiple owners or officers to approve the change.
2. Update your address with your lenders after moving. If you need to update an address after a relocation, the best course of action is to contact your lenders, who will then report the change to the credit bureaus.
3. File a dispute to remove inaccurate information. If unfamiliar addresses are on your credit reports, file a dispute with the credit bureaus to remove them from your files.
4. Check back to ensure the credit bureau corrected the information. Timelines can vary by credit bureau, but the three main bureaus in the U.S. complete updates within 30 to 45 days.

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2. Gather documents needed for your credit report address update

Next, you’ll need to gather the necessary documentation to prove your identity and verify the address change. The documents that are acceptable and necessary vary based on whether you’re updating a personal or business credit report.

You can use the checklist below to make sure you have everything in order before you begin the dispute. When gathering proof of address, make sure the address matches exactly across all documents, as even minor discrepancies can lead to your dispute being denied.

• Confirm your current and previous addresses.
• Gather at least two forms of proof of your new address. These may include a government-issued ID, recent utility bills, a lease or rental agreement, a deed, mortgage or bank statements or recent W2 forms, but double-check the approved documents with your credit bureau.
• If you’re updating a business credit report, you’ll also need your business license and proof that you’re an officer of the company that’s approved to make changes. If the company has multiple officers, you may need IDs for each individual.
• Confirm which of the three major credit bureaus have inaccurate information.
• If you’re making an urgent change, you’ll need to contact both creditors and the bureaus, so have contact information for your creditors handy, as well. Contact them online, as updates by mail or phone can take twice as long.
• Most credit bureaus process address updates for free, but you may also need a form of payment for postage if you’re sending documents via mail.

When gathering documents to submit a credit report dispute, make sure you have clear scans or copies of everything and that all of the information on each document is legible. This can help speed up the dispute process.

You should also make sure you have everything required by the credit bureau you’re contacting, as requirements can vary. You can use the table below for guidelines for approved documents and acceptable means of communication, but always check your bureau’s website for updates.

3. Submit your address update to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion

Once you have your documents in order, you should contact each credit bureau individually to dispute discrepancies on your credit report. Online inquiries are usually the fastest, while mail and phone disputes can take twice as long. Filing by mail costs $5 to $10 for postage and tracking, but the other options are free.

You can follow the steps below for each major bureau. Always make sure you’re using the correct links, address and phone numbers for the credit bureau you’re contacting. It’s a good idea to double-check the information before submitting anything.

To file a dispute with Equifax

1. Create an Equifax account or log in to your existing account to start the process online.
2. Call Equifax at 1-888-Equifax (1-888-378-4329) to begin the process over the phone.
3. Download the Equifax dispute form, fill it out and send it along with your documents to the address on the form.

To file a dispute with Experian

1. Create an Experian account or log in to your existing account to get started online.
2. Call Experian at 1-855-414-6048 to begin the process over the phone.
3. Download the Experian dispute form, fill it out and send it with your address verification to the PO Box on the form.

To file a dispute with TransUnion

1. Create a TransUnion account or log in to your existing account to start the process online.
2. Call TransUnion at 1-800-916-8800 to start a dispute over the phone.
3. Mail a dispute letter and supporting documents to TransUnion’s Consumer Solutions mailing address, which you can find on the TransUnion website.

Each of these credit bureaus will make a decision on your dispute within 30 to 45 days. You should check your credit report again after that time to confirm the update. If your update doesn’t appear, check the status of the dispute online or contact the bureau to follow up. Be sure to keep a log of all communication.

Here are some tips if you’re having trouble getting your addresses updated on your credit reports:

• If you see an address you do not recognize, dispute it immediately as possible identity theft, and consider placing a freeze on your credit report.
• If you are applying for a mortgage or large loan and need an urgent update, call the bureau, provide your documents and request expedited processing.
• If you submitted your update by mail and received no response after 45 days, resend your request with delivery confirmation.

» MORE: What is credit monitoring?

4. Monitor your credit report

After you file your dispute, you should check your credit report again after 45 days to verify the new information. If the update didn’t go through, check your credit bureau’s online portal to view the status of the dispute. If the bureau denies the update, contact it by phone for clarification.

Updating or changing the address on your credit report won’t affect your credit score. However, changes to personal information may have an impact on lending timelines in the future if your lender needs additional verification.

Unfamiliar addresses on your credit report could also be a sign of fraud, which can affect your credit. Credit reports routinely include address history, so prior addresses appearing aren’t an issue. Some creditors may also associate you with other addresses where you’ve received mail, or where a co-signer on a loan lived or lives, so not all inaccurate addresses are a problem.

If you suspect you’re a victim of fraud or identity theft, contact each credit bureau to report the issue and place a freeze on your credit report, and file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). You can also sign up for credit monitoring alerts to avoid future issues.