How to Change Your Address With Multiple Operators

When you move, your bank account follows you automatically. Your royalty checks do not. Every operator that sends you payments has your mailing address on file, and if you don't update it, checks bounce back, 1099s go to the old address, and your payments eventually end up in suspense or unclaimed property.

If you receive royalties from multiple operators, updating your address takes a little coordination. Here's how to do it efficiently.

Step 1: Make a List

Before you contact anyone, list every operator that sends you royalty payments. For each one, note:

• The company name
• Your owner number (on your check stubs)
• The phone number for their owner relations or division order department
• Your old address on file with them

If you track your minerals in MinRight, this information is already organized by operator. If not, pull out your most recent check stubs from each company. Your mineral rights binder should have a contact sheet for each operator.

Step 2: Contact Each Operator

Most operators accept address changes by:

• Phone: call the owner relations department, provide your owner number, and give them the new address. Ask for confirmation by mail.
• Letter: send a signed letter on paper stating your name, owner number, old address, new address, and the effective date. Some operators have specific address change forms on their website.
• Email: some operators accept address changes via email, but many require a signed letter or form for security reasons.

What to include in every communication:

• Your full legal name (as it appears on the division order)
• Your owner number
• Your old address
• Your new address
• Your phone number
• A request for written confirmation of the change

Step 3: Confirm the Change

After 30 days, verify that the change took effect. Check whether your next royalty payment was sent to the new address. If you receive ACH deposits, the address change affects where your check stubs and 1099s are mailed, even if the money goes to your bank automatically.

If a payment still goes to the old address after 60 days, follow up. The change may not have been processed, or it may have been applied to the wrong owner number.

Step 4: Update the State

If you own minerals in a state with a dormant mineral act, make sure the county has your current address too. Some states send abandonment notices to the last known address. If that's your old address, you might miss a notice that could cost you your minerals.

Tips

• Do it immediately. Don't wait until checks start bouncing back. The sooner you notify operators, the fewer payments are affected.
• Keep a record. Note the date you contacted each operator and how (phone, letter, email). If there's a dispute later about when you notified them, you have documentation.
• Check for missed payments. If there was a gap between your move and the address update, some payments may have been returned. Ask each operator if any payments were returned or placed in suspense during the transition.
• Don't forget the IRS. Your 1099-MISC forms are mailed to the address on file with each operator. If your address isn't updated before January, the 1099 goes to your old address.
• Set up ACH if you haven't. Switching to ACH (direct deposit) for royalty payments eliminates the risk of lost checks entirely. Many operators offer this. The check stubs and tax forms still need the right address, but the money hits your account regardless.