Address Change Notification is the requirement for homeschooling families to update their address with education authorities when they move. Rules vary by state, and it's important to keep your information current to avoid issues.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is address change notification?
Address Change Notification means you need to tell your state's education authorities if you move. Each state has different rules. Some want you to notify them within days, while others only ask for updates once a year. In eleven states, you don’t need to notify anyone at all. This is important because your homeschool registration is usually with local school districts or state education departments. If you move across district lines, you may need to transfer your homeschool file to a new superintendent.
State notification categories
States can be grouped into three types when it comes to Address Change Notification.
- Annual Notification: 25 states require you to update your info every year, including your address.
- One-Time Notification: 14 states need you to notify only once when you start homeschooling, and then update when you move.
- No Notification: Eleven states, like Texas and Idaho, don’t require any notification at all. Some states specifically mention address changes as a reason to update info, while others just expect current data during yearly renewals.
Moving between states
If you're moving to a different state, it resets everything. You don’t need to inform the state you’re leaving—just stop filing there. But you must check the homeschool law of your new state right away. If you’re going from Texas, which has no requirements, to New York, where the rules are strict, you need to act fast. Moving during the school year can complicate things; some states allow you to adjust requirements, while others want full compliance immediately. Research the laws of your new state and connect with local homeschool groups for guidance.
Why compliance matters
Not updating your address might seem minor, but it can lead to problems. If authorities think you've left homeschooling, they might mark your kids as truant. In states that require evaluations, having outdated contact info can mean missing important deadlines. If you later need school records for public school, college, or activities, keeping your homeschool documentation up-to-date is vital. A few minutes spent updating your address can save you from headaches later.
The bottom line
The rules for Address Change Notification depend on your state's homeschool laws. If you’re in a state with no requirements, you don’t need to worry about updates. For those in states that require annual or one-time notifications, make sure to inform them when you move, especially across district lines. Usually, it's as simple as sending an email or filling out a form with your superintendent or state department of education. When moving between states, check new requirements. If unsure, reach out to your state homeschool organization or HSLDA for help.
