Ward leaders, ministering brothers or sisters, or clerks should obtain the forwarding addresses of members as soon as they become aware that the members intend to move. If a member moves out of the ward without leaving a forwarding address, every effort should be made to determine the member’s new address, including the following:
If, after following these steps, a clerk cannot find out where members have moved, he obtains the bishop’s approval to send the membership records to the “Address Unknown” file.
When a person moves from a ward for more than three months, a clerk moves the membership record to the new ward. As an exception, the record is not moved if the member intends to return after leaving for temporary or seasonal employment purposes that may last longer than three months.
When a person moves from the ward for less than three months and plans to return, the membership record is kept in the home ward. If leaders are uncertain where a membership record should be (such as for a member in prison), they make sure it is kept in the ward that can best meet the person’s needs.
Mission Presidents and Temple Presidents
The membership records of a mission president and his wife are kept in their home ward unless their children accompany them in the assignment. If children accompany them, the records of the mission president, his wife, and their children are moved to the ward where they live during their mission.
The membership records of a temple president and his wife should stay in their home ward.
Other Church Assignments
If members have Church assignments outside their home ward, their membership and financial records are kept in the home ward. If assignments require members to move from their home ward for three months or more, and if their children accompany them, their membership records are moved to the new ward.
Records of Full-Time Missionaries
The membership records of full-time missionaries who serve under the direction of a mission president, temple president, or Area President are kept in their home ward.
The membership records of young single adults should be in the wards where they are members. Leaders and clerks take special care to keep records current. To avoid delays and to avoid losing track of records or people, clerks may also keep an unofficial record for young single adults who move frequently.
The records of members who live in hospitals or homes for the aged and infirm should be in the ward that can best serve them. In most cases this is in the ward where the hospital or home is located. Ward leaders make sure these members receive the full program of the Church to the extent possible.
When a member enters military service for training, the membership record is kept in the home ward until the member is assigned to a more long-term duty station. At that time the member should contact the home ward and provide the name and address of the new ward so a clerk can move the membership record.
If a member is at sea for an extended time, is deployed in a war zone, or is not within the boundaries of a stake or mission, the record is usually kept in the ward that supports the duty station.
Members who travel extensively and do not have a permanent address should consult with the bishop at their place of primary residence and designate a home ward. That ward keeps the membership records, and ward leaders should maintain contact with the members. Financial contributions and tithing declarations are made to that ward.