Yes, you can change your address at the post office, and it takes about five minutes

The U.S. Postal Service lets you change your address in person at any post office branch, online through USPS.com, or by mail using Form 3575. The in-person route is fastest if you have your ID and know your new address. Online is convenient if you want to do it from home, though USPS charges a small fee for that method. All three routes forward your mail to your new address for a set period.

You do not need to visit your current post office — any branch will process the change. The postal worker will ask for your ID, your old address, your new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. They will hand you a receipt with a confirmation number. Mail forwarding typically starts within one to three business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address in person at any post office, online at USPS.com, or by mailing Form 3575 to your local post office.
  • In-person changes require a valid ID and take about five minutes; online changes require a credit or debit card and cost a fee.
  • Mail forwarding begins one to three business days after you submit the change and lasts for 12 months for most mail.
  • You will receive a confirmation number and receipt when the change is processed, which you should keep for your records.
  • Some mail — like government benefits, tax documents, and court notices — may not forward automatically and require separate address updates with those agencies.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into any post office branch with a valid ID and ask to change your address. Bring your old address (the one you are leaving) and your new address written down or ready to say aloud. Tell the postal worker the date you want the change to start — this is usually the day you move or the day you want mail to stop going to the old place.

The postal worker will fill out the change-of-address form on their computer while you watch. They will ask you to confirm the information, then print a receipt with your confirmation number. Keep this receipt. The change takes effect within one to three business days, and mail addressed to your old address will be forwarded to your new one for 12 months.

If you are moving out of state or to a new city, the process is the same. The post office does not care where you are moving — only that you have a valid address to forward mail to.

Changing your address online through USPS.com

Go to USPS.com and click "Change of Address" in the main menu. You will need to enter your old address, new address, the date the change should start, and a valid credit or debit card. USPS charges a fee for online changes — the amount varies but is typically a few dollars. You will receive a confirmation number by email.

The online process takes about five minutes and can be done at any time, including nights and weekends. You do not need to leave your house. However, you cannot use this method if you do not have a credit or debit card, and some people prefer the in-person receipt as proof of the change.

After you submit the online form, mail forwarding begins within one to three business days. You will receive an email confirmation with your tracking number so you can check the status of your change.

Changing your address by mail using Form 3575

read Form 3575 from USPS.com or pick one up at your post office. Fill in your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. Sign and date the form, then mail it to your local post office. The address to mail it to is on the form itself.

This method is free but slower than the other two. It can take one to two weeks for your form to arrive and be processed. Use this method only if you do not have access to the internet or a post office nearby, or if you prefer not to pay the online fee and do not mind waiting.

What happens to mail that does not forward automatically

Some types of mail will not forward even after you submit a change of address. Government benefits, tax documents, court notices, and bank statements sometimes require you to update your address directly with the agency or organization sending them. The post office forwards most regular mail, but these official documents often do not.

Contact your bank, your state's unemployment office, the Social Security Administration, the IRS, your insurance companies, and any court that has your case to update your address with them separately. Do this at the same time you change your address with the post office so you do not miss important documents.

How long mail forwarding lasts and what to do when it expires

Mail forwarding lasts for 12 months from the date your change takes effect. After 12 months, the post office stops forwarding mail to your old address, and letters sent there will be returned to the sender or discarded. If you need forwarding to continue beyond 12 months, you can submit a new change-of-address request before the first one expires.

About a month before your forwarding expires, update your address with any organizations that still send you mail at the old address. This includes subscriptions, memberships, online retailers, and any other business that has your mailing address on file. The post office will send you a reminder postcard about 30 days before the forwarding ends.

Changing your address if you do not have a permanent address

If you are moving to a temporary location, a shelter, or do not yet have a permanent address, you can still change your address at the post office. Use the address where you will be staying, even if it is temporary. When you move again, you can submit another change-of-address request.

Some people use a mail forwarding service or a post office box as a permanent address while they move frequently. A post office box costs money but gives you a stable mailing address that does not change. Ask at your local post office about box rental if this fits your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address at the post office where I currently live?

No. You can walk into any post office branch in the country and change your address. You do not have to go to the branch closest to your old address or your new address. Bring a valid ID and you are done.

What if I move and forget to change my address right away?

You can change your address at any time, even weeks or months after you move. The change will take effect within one to three business days. Mail sent to your old address after that date will be forwarded to your new one for the next 12 months.

Will my packages be forwarded if I change my address?

Most packages will be forwarded, but some will not. Packages from Amazon and other retailers usually forward, but packages marked "Do Not Forward" will be returned to the sender. Check with the sender if you are expecting a package right after you move.

Can I change my address if I do not have a valid ID?

You need a valid ID to change your address in person at the post office. Valid IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have one of these, you can change your address online at USPS.com using a credit or debit card instead.

What if I made a mistake on my change-of-address form?

Contact your local post office with your confirmation number and explain the error. They can correct it for you. If you changed your address online, you can log back into USPS.com and submit a new change-of-address request with the correct information.