How To Easily Change Your Address With The Spanish Authorities

Moving house in Spain means more than just unpacking boxes — it also means updating your details with multiple government bodies. Thankfully, Spain’s online administration system now makes the process simpler than ever. Whether you’re an expat registering a new home, or a long-term resident keeping your records up to date, this guide explains exactly how to change your address with all the key authorities in one go.

Why You Must Update Your Address in Spain

Keeping your address current with the Spanish authorities is essential. It ensures that official notifications — from tax letters and fines to healthcare correspondence — arrive at the right place. Failing to do so can lead to penalties, delays in renewing documents, or missed deadlines with agencies such as the Tax Office or Traffic Department.

Step 1: Update Your Address at Your Local Town Hall

Your first step is to register your new address with your local Ayuntamiento (town hall). This updates your entry on the municipal register known as the padrón municipal. You’ll usually need to take your passport or residence card, NIE number, proof of address such as a rental contract or utility bill, and sometimes your last padrón certificate if you are transferring from another municipality. Once you’ve updated your padrón, other authorities can reference this new address.

Step 2: Use the Online “Cambio de Domicilio” Service

The Spanish government offers a centralised online service to notify several agencies at once. You can access it here:

https://cambiodomicilio.redsara.es/pcd/public/login.xhtml

This official portal allows you to communicate your new address to:

• Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) – for driving licence and vehicle registration

• Agencia Tributaria (AEAT) – for tax notifications

• Dirección General de la Policía (DGP) – for ID documents such as the TIE or DNI

• Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS) – for contributions and employment records

• Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS) – for healthcare and pension information

Step 3: Digital Identification (Cl@ve or Digital Certificate)

To access the service, you’ll need to verify your identity electronically. The system accepts either a certificado digital or the Cl@ve identification system, which includes both Cl@ve PIN and Cl@ve Permanente. These tools allow you to perform secure online transactions with any Spanish public administration.

If you don’t yet have one, see our guides on obtaining a digital certificate and setting up your Cl@ve PIN.

Step 4: Completing the Process

Once logged in, select the organisations you wish to notify, enter your new address exactly as it appears on your padrón certificate, and confirm. You can download a PDF confirmation at the end, and some agencies may send follow-up verification via email or postal mail. It’s advisable to revisit the portal after a few days to check the update status under “Consulta del estado de tu cambio de domicilio”.

Step 5: Keep Other Records Updated

Although the Redsara service covers most major bodies, remember to update your address with other institutions such as banks, private health insurers, your electricity or water provider, and your consulate if you’re registered abroad. This ensures no important communication is missed.

Common Problems and Tips

The portal is entirely in Spanish, so you may want to enable Google Translate in your browser or ask a Spanish-speaking friend to help. If you encounter login issues, use Chrome or Firefox on a computer rather than a mobile device. For digital certificate users, make sure the certificate is installed correctly in your browser. Cl@ve users can scan the QR code using the official app for easier authentication.

Can You Change Your Address in Person?

Yes. You can still notify each agency individually at their local offices — for instance, at the DGT for your driving licence or at Social Security offices for your healthcare records. However, the online system is designed to replace this multiple-visit process, saving you time and paperwork.

Stay Organised and Keep Proof

Always save the confirmation PDF or take screenshots of your submissions. These documents may be useful if a future discrepancy arises, such as an old address still appearing on an official notice or tax return.

Final Thoughts

Spain’s digital administration continues to improve under the 2025 national e-government framework, making it easier for residents and expats to stay compliant. Updating your address may not be the most exciting task, but it’s one of the simplest ways to ensure smooth dealings with every Spanish authority.

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Sources

Official Government Change of Address Portal
Spanish eGovernment Portal