Yes, you can change your mailing address at the post office

You can change your mailing address at the post office in person, online, or by mail. The fastest method is the USPS online form at usps.com, which takes about five minutes and costs $1.10. If you go in person to your local post office, staff can process the change while you wait, though you'll need to bring a photo ID and proof of your new address. The post office will forward your mail to your new address for up to 12 months.

The change takes effect within three to five business days after you submit it. During that window, some mail may still arrive at your old address—the post office cannot intercept mail that's already in transit. Once the change is active, mail addressed to you at your old address will be forwarded to your new one automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • You can submit a change of address online at usps.com for $1.10, in person at your post office, or by mail using USPS Form 3575.
  • The change takes effect in three to five business days, and the post office will forward your mail for up to 12 months.
  • You need a photo ID and proof of your new address (like a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement) to change your address in person.
  • Mail already in the postal system during the processing window may still arrive at your old address before forwarding begins.
  • You should notify banks, employers, insurance companies, and subscription services directly—the post office change does not reach them automatically.

Changing your address online through USPS

The online method is the simplest if you have a credit or debit card. Go to usps.com, find the "Change of Address" tool, and enter your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. You'll provide your name, phone number, and email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history—questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which car have you owned?"

After you pass the identity check, you pay $1.10 with a credit or debit card. The USPS will send you a confirmation email. The change becomes active in three to five business days. This method works for permanent moves and temporary holds (if you want mail held for up to 30 days instead of forwarded).

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into your local post office with a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a lease, utility bill, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy showing your name and new address. Tell the clerk you want to change your mailing address.

The clerk will fill out USPS Form 3575 with you or have you fill it out yourself. You'll list your old address, new address, and the date the change should start. You can choose to forward mail for 12 months (the standard option) or request a temporary hold instead. The clerk will process it when ready, and your change will be active in three to five business days. There is no fee for changing your address in person.

Changing your address by mail

If you prefer not to go online or visit the post office, you can mail in USPS Form 3575. You can read the form from usps.com or pick one up at your local post office. Fill it out with your old address, new address, and the effective date. Sign and date the form, then mail it to your local post office. Include a copy of proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease works).

Processing takes longer this way—typically one to two weeks after the post office receives your form, plus mail delivery time. This method is useful if you're moving far away and won't have straightforward access to a post office on your move date.

What happens during the processing window

Between the day you submit your change and the day it becomes active (three to five business days), mail is still being sorted and delivered based on your old address. The post office cannot stop mail that's already in the system. This means some pieces may arrive at your old address before the forwarding kicks in.

Once the change is active, the post office will intercept mail addressed to you at your old address and forward it to your new one. This forwarding lasts for 12 months. After 12 months, mail to your old address will be returned to the sender as undeliverable.

Notifying other organizations of your address change

The post office change only affects mail sent through USPS. Banks, insurance companies, employers, subscription services, and government agencies do not automatically receive notification. You need to contact them separately with your new address.

Start with the organizations that send you important documents: your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, employer, and any government agencies you deal with (Social Security, the IRS, your state's unemployment office). Then notify subscription services, online retailers, and utility companies. Updating these directly prevents missed bills, lost statements, and delayed refunds.

Temporary address holds versus permanent forwarding

If you're not ready to commit to a permanent address change—for example, if you're moving temporarily or still deciding where to settle—you can request a temporary mail hold instead. A mail hold stops delivery to your old address for up to 30 days without forwarding mail anywhere. After 30 days, mail delivery resumes to your old address.

A temporary hold costs $1.10 online or is free in person. It gives you time to update your address with important contacts before the mail starts moving. You can convert a hold to a permanent change of address at any time during the 30-day period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does mail forwarding last?

The post office forwards your mail for 12 months from the date your change becomes active. After 12 months, mail addressed to you at your old address will be returned to the sender marked "No Forwarding Address on File." You can renew your forwarding before the 12 months end if you need it to continue.

What if I move again before the 12 months is up?

You can submit a new change of address at any time. The post office will update your forwarding to your newest address. If you submit a new change before the first one expires, the forwarding period resets to 12 months from the new submission date.

Can I change my address for just part of my household?

No. A change of address applies to all mail addressed to you by name at that address. If you live with others and only you are moving, you'll submit a change for yourself. Your household members will need to submit their own changes if they're moving with you.

What if I don't have proof of my new address yet?

You'll need some form of proof to change your address in person. If you're moving to a new place and don't have a lease or utility bill yet, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. The post office accepts this as proof.

Will the post office forward packages and packages from online retailers?

Yes. USPS will forward all mail, including packages, to your new address for the 12-month period. However, packages from retailers like Amazon may use other carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL). Those carriers do not automatically forward packages, so you need to update your address directly with those retailers and services.