You can change your delivery address with USPS, but the method depends on whether the mail is already in transit

If your mail hasn't left the post office yet, you can redirect it to a new address using USPS's mail forwarding service. If a package is already out for delivery or has left your local facility, you'll need to contact the sender or intercept it at your current address. The fastest option is usually the USPS Informed Delivery service, which lets you see mail before it arrives and request a redirect for specific pieces.

USPS does not change your address on individual pieces of mail that are already in the system. Instead, you set up a forwarding order that automatically sends mail from your old address to your new one for a set period. This works for most mail, but some pieces—like government documents, legal notices, and certain financial statements—may not forward automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS mail forwarding service redirects mail from your old address to your new one for up to 18 months and costs $1.10 for a single address or $1.60 for multiple addresses.
  • You can set up forwarding online at usps.com, by phone at 1-800-275-8777, or in person at your local post office with a valid ID and proof of your new address.
  • Informed Delivery lets you see images of incoming mail before it arrives, so you can request a redirect for specific pieces that haven't shipped yet.
  • Some mail types—including government benefits, court documents, and certain financial statements—do not forward automatically and require you to notify the sender directly.
  • If a package is already out for delivery, you can attempt to intercept it by contacting USPS Delivery Intercept, though success depends on timing and location.

Setting up USPS mail forwarding online

The fastest way to change your delivery address for most mail is to set up forwarding through the USPS website. Go to usps.com, click "Mail & Packages," then select "Change of Address." You'll need to provide your old address, new address, the date you want forwarding to start, and a valid email address. USPS will send you a confirmation email with a tracking number.

The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10 if you're forwarding mail from a single address. If you're moving from a household address and also need to forward mail from a business address, that's $1.60 total. Payment is by credit or debit card only online. Forwarding begins within three to five business days and lasts for up to 18 months.

After you submit your change of address online, USPS will send a confirmation postcard to both your old and new addresses. This is normal—it's their way of verifying both locations. Keep the confirmation email USPS sends you, as it contains your tracking number in case you need to check the status or cancel the order later.

Changing your address in person or by phone

If you prefer not to use the website, you can set up forwarding at your local post office. Bring a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID) and proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. The postal clerk will fill out Form 3575 and process it on the spot. The cost is the same: $1.10 for a single address.

You can also call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 to set up forwarding by phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form and take payment by credit or debit card. Phone forwarding takes the same three to five business days to set up. This option is useful if you don't have internet access or prefer speaking to someone directly.

Using Informed Delivery to redirect specific mail before it arrives

USPS Informed Delivery is a free service that shows you images of mail coming to your address before it arrives. If you're moving soon and want to redirect specific pieces of mail rather than setting up full forwarding, Informed Delivery lets you do that. Sign up at informeddelivery.usps.com with your address and email. USPS will send you a daily digest showing what's coming.

Once you're enrolled, you can click on individual mail pieces in the digest and request a redirect. This works best for mail that hasn't entered the delivery network yet—typically mail that's still being processed at regional facilities. If the mail has already reached your local post office or is out for delivery, the redirect request may not go through. The service is most useful in the two to three weeks before you move, when you can catch mail early.

Mail that does not forward automatically

Some types of mail are legally restricted from forwarding and will not follow your change of address order. Government benefits (Social Security, unemployment, veterans benefits), court documents, jury summons, and certain financial statements from banks and investment firms typically do not forward. Tax documents from the IRS and state revenue departments also stay at your old address unless you notify those agencies directly.

For these pieces, you need to contact the sender yourself. Call your bank, your benefits provider, the court, or the IRS and give them your new address. Many agencies let you update your address online through their websites or by phone. Do this before you move if possible, so there's no gap in receiving important documents. If mail does arrive at your old address, ask the new resident or your former landlord to write "Return to Sender—Forwarding Address On File" and put it back in the mail, though this doesn't always work for restricted mail.

Intercepting a package that's already in delivery

If you realize you need to change the delivery address for a package that's already shipped, USPS Delivery Intercept may be able to stop it. This service works only if the package hasn't been delivered yet and is still in the USPS network. Go to usps.com, find the tracking number for your package, and look for the "Intercept" option. You'll need to provide the new address and pay a fee (usually $15 to $20, depending on the service level).

Intercept requests work best if the package is still at a regional sorting facility and hasn't reached your local post office. Once it's out for delivery, the window closes. If the intercept is successful, USPS will redirect the package to your new address. If it fails or arrives too late, the package will be delivered to your old address, and you'll need to arrange pickup or ask the recipient to forward it.

For packages from online retailers, contact the seller's customer service first. Many retailers can change the delivery address before the package ships, which is faster and more reliable than trying to intercept it through USPS after it's already in transit.

How long forwarding lasts and what happens when it expires

USPS mail forwarding is active for up to 18 months from the date you set it up. You can renew it before it expires by going back to usps.com or visiting your post office. If forwarding expires and you don't renew it, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "Moved, Left No Address" or held at your old post office for a short time before being discarded.

If you move again before your current forwarding order expires, you can update it. Go to usps.com and enter your old address (the one you originally forwarded from) and your new address. USPS will adjust the forwarding destination without charging you again, as long as the original order is still active. If the original order has expired, you'll need to pay for a new forwarding order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the delivery address for a package that's already been delivered?

No, USPS cannot redirect a package after it's been delivered. If it arrived at your old address, you'll need to contact the sender or the new resident at that address to retrieve it. For future packages, update your address with the sender before they ship, or use Informed Delivery to catch mail before delivery.

Does mail forwarding work for packages from online retailers?

Yes, but only if the retailer used USPS to ship the package. Packages shipped by UPS, FedEx, or Amazon's own delivery network will not follow your USPS forwarding order. Contact the retailer directly to change the delivery address before the package ships.

What if I don't have proof of my new address when I go to the post office?

You'll need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you don't have one yet, set up forwarding online instead, which doesn't require proof of address at the time of submission.

Will my mail forwarding work if I move to a different state?

Yes, USPS forwarding works across all 50 states and US territories. The process is the same whether you're moving across town or across the country. Forwarding takes the same three to five business days to set up regardless of distance.

Can someone else set up mail forwarding for my address?

No, USPS requires the person whose name is on the mail to request the change. If you're moving and need someone to handle it for you, they can go to the post office with a signed letter from you authorizing the change, plus their ID and your ID, though policies vary by location. It's simpler to do it yourself online or by phone.