Moving house? Don't forget to update your address on the electoral roll — it's a legal requirement and takes just minutes online. This guide shows you exactly how to change your address with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) quickly and easily, ensuring you can vote in the correct electorate and maintain your democratic rights.
Moving house? Update your electoral details in minutes online
Quick Facts: Address Updates
Before diving into the step-by-step process, here are the essential facts about updating your electoral address:
Key Information at a Glance
Time Requirements
- Process time: Under 5 minutes online
- Legal deadline: Within 21 days of moving
- Processing: 2-3 weeks for confirmation
What You Need
- Previous address: Your currently enrolled address
- New address: Where you've lived for 1+ month
- ID: Licence, passport, Medicare, or citizenship number
Why You Must Update Your Address
Updating your electoral address isn't just about convenience — it's a legal requirement with important implications for your voting rights and civic participation.
Legal Requirements
Under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, you must update your enrolment details within 21 days of changing your permanent address. This applies to all Australian citizens aged 18 and over who are enrolled to vote.
Consequences of Not Updating
Failing to update your address can lead to several problems. You will remain registered to vote in your old electorate, which may make it difficult to vote. You could miss important election information sent by post, and if mail bounces back, the AEC may even remove you from the roll altogether, which would require you to re-enrol.
Remember: Moving = Updating
Every time you move house permanently, you must update your electoral enrolment. This includes moves within the same suburb, city, or even the same street. The only exception is temporary relocations where you intend to return to your enrolled address.
Before You'll Need
Having everything ready before you begin will make the process even quicker. Here's what to prepare:
Essential Information
You will need your currently enrolled (old) address, your new residential address (where you have lived for at least one month), and the date you moved. You'll also need to provide your full name as enrolled and your date of birth.
Identification Documents
For online identity verification, you will need one of the following: your Australian driver's licence number, your Australian passport number, your Medicare card details, or your Australian citizenship certificate number. If you don't have any of these, another enrolled voter can confirm your identity for you.
Alternative: If you don't have any of these documents, someone already on the electoral roll can confirm your identity online.
Step-by-Step Guide: Update Your Address Online
Follow these simple steps to update your address in under 5 minutes:
Step 1: Navigate to the Update Page
Open your web browser and go to the AEC's online update portal at aec.gov.au/enrol/update-my-details.htm. Alternatively, you can find it by searching for "AEC update details" in any search engine.
Step 2: Start the Update Process
Once on the page, look for the prominent "Update details" button and click it to begin. The secure online form will then load.
Step 3: Confirm Your Current Details
The system will first ask you to verify your current enrolment by providing your full name as enrolled, your date of birth, and your currently enrolled address. This step is crucial to ensure the AEC updates the correct record.
Step 4: Enter Your New Address
Address Entry Tips
When entering your new address, use the address lookup tool for accuracy. Be sure to include any unit or apartment numbers, double-check street name spellings, and ensure the postcode matches the suburb.
Step 5: Add Postal Address (If Different)
If you receive mail at a different location from where you live, such as a PO Box, you can tick the box to enter a separate postal address. This ensures you receive all election-related correspondence.
Step 6: Verify Your Identity
Driver's Licence, Passport, Medicare Card, or Citizenship Certificate: Choose your preferred ID method and enter the required details. The system will securely verify your identity in real-time.
Step 7: Review and Submit
Before you finish, carefully review all the information you have entered to ensure it is accurate. Read and accept the declaration, then click "Submit" to complete your address update.
Step 8: Save Your Confirmation
After submitting your update, you will receive a reference number. It's a good idea to save this number or take a screenshot of the confirmation page for your records. You will also receive an email confirmation if you provided an email address.
Special Circumstances and Situations
Not all address changes are straightforward. Here's guidance for specific situations:
Temporary vs Permanent Moves
When to Update vs When to Wait
Update Your Address If:
- Moving permanently to a new home
- Relocating for work (long-term)
- Moving in with partner/family
- Buying or renting a new property
Don't Update If:
- Temporarily away for holidays
- Short-term work assignments
- Hospital stays
- House-sitting arrangements
Natural Disasters and Emergencies
If you have been temporarily displaced by a natural disaster, you can remain enrolled at your permanent address but update your postal address to ensure you receive mail. If you have permanently relocated, you should update your residential address.
Multiple Residences
If you live at multiple homes, you must enrol at the address where you live the majority of the time, or the one you have the strongest community ties to. You can only be enrolled at one address.
University Students
University students living away from home can choose to enrol at either their term-time address or their family home. You should choose the address you consider your primary residence and update it if you move.
Alternative Ways to Update Your Address
While online updating is fastest, the AEC provides other options:
Paper Forms
You can update your address using a paper form, which can be downloaded from the AEC website, collected from an AEC office or post office, or mailed to you by calling the AEC. Once completed, the form can be returned by mail, fax, or in person.
In-Person Updates
For direct assistance, you can visit an AEC divisional office. Staff can help you complete forms, resolve any identity verification issues, and answer your questions about enrolment.
Phone Assistance
You can also call the AEC on 13 23 26 for help with the online process, to have forms mailed to you, or for general enrolment queries. Language interpreter services are also available.
What Happens After You Update
Understanding the process after submission helps you know what to expect:
Immediate Confirmation
Immediately after submitting your update, you will see a confirmation screen with a reference number and receive an email confirmation if you provided an address. Your update will then enter the AEC's processing queue.
Processing Timeline
Typical Processing Times
- Normal periods: 2-3 weeks for full processing
- Election periods: May be faster due to increased resources
- Peak times: January and July see high volumes
- Check status: Use your reference number online
Official Confirmation
Within two to three weeks, you should receive an official letter from the AEC confirming that your enrolment has been updated. This letter will specify your new federal, state, and local electoral divisions.
Electoral Division Changes
Moving house can often mean you are now in different electoral divisions for federal, state, and local government. This affects which candidates you can vote for and which elected representatives serve your new area.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Here's how to resolve issues you might encounter:
Can't Remember Current Enrolled Address
If you are unsure of your currently enrolled address, you can check it using the AEC's online tool at check.aec.gov.au, or by calling them for assistance.
Identity Verification Fails
If the system cannot verify your identity, double-check that you have entered the document numbers and your name exactly as they appear on your ID. If issues persist, try a different ID document, use the enrolled voter confirmation option, or switch to a paper form.
Address Not Found in System
For new housing developments or some rural properties, the address may not be in the system yet. Try using the "manual address entry" option or contact the AEC directly for assistance in adding the new address.
Technical Issues
If you experience website problems, try clearing your browser's cache, using a different browser, or temporarily disabling ad-blockers. If the problem continues, you can try again during off-peak hours or contact the AEC.
The AEC Direct Update Program
You might receive a letter about automatic enrolment updates:
How Direct Update Works
The AEC can automatically update your address using information from other government agencies, such as Australia Post mail redirections or motor vehicle registries.
If You Receive a Direct Update Letter
If the AEC updates your address automatically, they will send you a letter. Check the details carefully. If they are correct, you don't need to do anything. If they are incorrect, you have 28 days to contact the AEC and object to the changes.
Pro Tip: Beat Direct Update
Update your details yourself as soon as you move. This ensures accuracy and gives you control over the process, rather than waiting for automatic updates that might have errors.
Critical Deadlines and Election Periods
Timing is crucial when updating your electoral address:
Standard Requirements
Remember that you have a legal deadline of 21 days to update your address after moving, and you must have lived at the new address for at least one month before you can update your enrolment. You can update your details at any time between elections.
Election Period Deadlines
When a federal election is called, the electoral rolls close at 8pm local time, 7 days after the writs are issued. You cannot change your address after the rolls have closed for that election, and you must vote in the electorate where you were enrolled at that time.
Don't Wait for Elections!
Update your address as soon as you move. Waiting until an election is called risks missing the deadline, forcing you to vote in your old electorate which could be far away or inconvenient.
Other Details You Can Update
While updating your address, you can also change:
Name Changes
While updating your address, you can also update your name if it has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change. You will need to provide supporting documentation like a marriage certificate or a change of name certificate.
Contact Details
It's also a good idea to keep your contact details, such as your phone number and email address, up to date so the AEC can contact you if needed.
Silent Elector Status
Apply for silent elector status if your safety requires address confidentiality. See our guide on special enrolment categories.
Tips for Maintaining Your Enrolment
Keep your voting rights active with these best practices:
Moving Checklist
Add to Your Moving To-Do List
When you're creating a moving checklist, be sure to include updating your electoral enrolment alongside changing your driver's licence, notifying your bank, and redirecting your mail.
Regular Checks
It's good practice to periodically verify your enrolment, especially before an election is called, after you have moved, or if you haven't voted in a while.
Family Reminders
You can also help family members stay enrolled by reminding young adults turning 18 to enrol, helping elderly relatives update their details, or assisting those who have recently moved.
Help and Support Services
The AEC provides various support options:
Language Support
The AEC offers a translating and interpreting service by calling 131 450. They also provide translated guides in over 29 languages on their website.
Accessibility Services
For those who need them, phone assistance, large print forms, and the option for a helper to complete forms on your behalf are all available.
Remote Area Support
The AEC provides support for remote communities through mobile offices, extended phone support, and mail services for areas without reliable internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly do I need to update my address after moving?
You must update your electoral enrolment within 21 days of moving to a new address. This is a legal requirement under the Commonwealth Electoral Act. Updating promptly ensures you can vote in the correct electorate and receive important election information.
What documents do I need to change my address on the electoral roll?
You need one form of identification: either an Australian driver's licence number, passport number, Medicare card details, or citizenship certificate number. You'll also need to know your previous enrolled address to verify your identity.
Can I update my electoral address if I'm temporarily living somewhere else?
You should only update your address if you've permanently moved. If you're temporarily away (for work, study, or travel) but intend to return to your enrolled address, you don't need to update. You must have lived at your new address for at least one month before updating.
What happens if I don't update my address on the electoral roll?
If you don't update your address, you'll have to vote at your old electorate which may be inconvenient or impossible. You might miss important election information. The AEC may also remove you from the roll if mail is returned, requiring re-enrolment which takes longer than a simple update.
Final Reminders and Next Steps
Updating your electoral address is a simple but crucial responsibility. Your action plan should be to update within 21 days of moving, have your ID ready, complete the process online at aec.gov.au, save your confirmation, and look out for the official letter confirming your new electoral divisions.
Related Guides
- First time voting? See: How to Enrol to Vote Online
- Worried about fines? Read: Penalties for Not Voting
- Learn about: Compulsory Voting in Australia
Keep Your Democracy Active
Updating your address on the electoral roll is more than just a legal obligation — it's about maintaining your voice in democracy. With the AEC's streamlined online system, the entire process takes less than 5 minutes, ensuring you can vote for the representatives and issues that affect your new community.
Whether you're moving across the street or across the country, taking those few minutes to update your details ensures you remain an active participant in shaping Australia's future. Your vote matters, and keeping your enrolment current ensures it counts where you live.
Don't put it off — if you've moved in the last 21 days, update your address now at aec.gov.au/enrol/update-my-details.htm. It's quick, easy, and ensures you're ready for the next election whenever it's called.