Yes, you can change your address online through USPS

The U.S. Postal Service lets you change your mailing address through their website without visiting a post office. You go to usps.com, find the mail forwarding section, and complete the form with your old and new addresses. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10 for a temporary change or $1.10 for a permanent one, paid by debit or credit card at the end.

The online method works best if you have a credit or debit card, know your current address exactly as it appears on your mail, and can access your email to confirm the change. USPS will send you a confirmation email, and the forwarding starts within a few business days — not when ready. If you need the change to take effect the same day, you must visit a post office in person instead.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS online address changes cost $1.10 and take effect within a few business days, not the same day.
  • You need a valid debit or credit card to pay for the change online; cash and checks are not accepted.
  • Temporary forwarding lasts up to 12 months; permanent forwarding has no end date but costs the same amount.
  • If you need the change to start today, you must go to a post office counter instead of using the website.
  • USPS will email you a confirmation, so check your email after you submit the form to make sure it went through.

What information you need before you start

Have your current address written down exactly as it appears on your mail — including apartment number, suite, or unit if you have one. USPS matches what you type to their records, and a small difference can cause the form to reject or the forwarding to fail. If you are unsure, pull out a recent piece of mail and copy the address word for word.

You also need your new address in the same detail. If you have not received mail at the new place yet, write it the way the post office would write it — for example, include the apartment number if there is one. Have your debit or credit card ready; USPS does not take PayPal, digital wallets, or other payment methods online.

Step-by-step: changing your address on usps.com

Go to usps.com and look for the "Mail Forwarding" or "Change of Address" link, usually in the main navigation or under "Manage Your Mail." Click it and select whether you want to forward mail for yourself, a family member, or a business. The site will ask you to choose between temporary forwarding (up to 12 months) and permanent forwarding (no end date). Both cost $1.10.

Enter your current address exactly as it appears on your mail, then enter your new address. The form will ask for your name, phone number, and email address. Review everything before you submit — USPS charges the $1.10 fee even if you catch an error after you pay. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot, then check your email for a confirmation message from USPS within a few minutes.

The forwarding usually starts within three to five business days. Mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new one for the length of time you chose. After the forwarding ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender or held at the post office, depending on what the sender does.

Temporary vs. permanent forwarding: which one to choose

Temporary forwarding is right if you are moving for a short time — a job assignment, a lease that ends, or a temporary living situation. It lasts up to 12 months and costs $1.10. You choose the end date when you set it up, and after that date, the forwarding stops. Any mail arriving after the end date goes back to the sender or sits at the post office.

Permanent forwarding is right if you are moving and staying in the new place long-term. It also costs $1.10 and has no end date, so mail will keep forwarding as long as you need it. You can cancel it anytime by going back to usps.com and submitting a cancellation, which takes effect within a few business days. If you are not sure how long you will stay, permanent is the safer choice — you can always cancel later without paying again.

When the online method will not work

If you need the address change to take effect the same day, the website will not help you. USPS online changes take three to five business days to start. Go to your local post office instead and ask to change your address at the counter. Bring a photo ID and proof of your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement. The post office can start the forwarding the same day, though it may still take a day or two for mail carriers to see the change in their system.

The online method also will not work if you do not have a debit or credit card. Post offices accept cash and checks in person, but the website does not. If you are moving a business address or a large number of mailboxes, USPS may require you to visit in person or call their business line instead of using the website.

What happens after you submit the form

USPS sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. Open it and click the link inside to verify your email address — this step confirms that the email is real and that you own it. If you do not verify within a certain time, the forwarding request may be cancelled. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email within 10 minutes.

Once verified, the forwarding starts within a few business days. You do not need to do anything else. Mail carriers will see the forwarding in their system and redirect your mail to the new address. Some mail — like packages from online retailers — may not forward if the sender has already paid for delivery to the old address; in that case, the package goes to the old address and you may need to contact the sender to redeliver it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if I do not have a credit or debit card?

No. The USPS website only accepts debit and credit cards for the $1.10 fee. If you do not have a card, visit your local post office and pay in cash or by check at the counter. You can also call USPS customer service, though phone changes may take longer to process.

How long does it take for mail to start forwarding after I submit the form?

The forwarding usually starts within three to five business days. During that time, mail sent to your old address may still arrive there. Once the forwarding is active, mail carriers will redirect your mail to the new address. Some mail may take longer to forward depending on how it was sent.

What if I made a mistake on the form after I paid?

Contact USPS customer service right away with your confirmation number. They may be able to cancel the incorrect change and issue a refund, though this is not may provide. To avoid this, double-check your old and new addresses before you click submit — USPS charges the fee even if you find an error afterward.

Will my address change forward mail from my bank, insurance company, and other businesses?

Yes, as long as they send mail through USPS. The forwarding works for all mail addressed to your old address, regardless of who sends it. However, some companies may have your address on file and will not send mail to the old address once they update their records, so you should notify them of your move separately.

Can I cancel the address change if I change my mind?

Yes. Go back to usps.com, find the mail forwarding section, and look for an option to cancel or modify your change. You can cancel anytime, though you will not get a refund of the $1.10 fee. The cancellation takes effect within a few business days.