You can change your address with USPS using their online form, by mail, or in person at your local post office

The fastest way is USPS's online form at usps.com/move, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You fill in your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. USPS then forwards mail sent to your old address to your new one for up to 12 months. You'll get a confirmation email, and the change usually takes effect within one business day.

If you prefer not to go online, you can fill out Form 3575 at your local post office or request it by mail. The form costs the same $1.10 and takes longer to process — typically three to five business days. You can also call 1-800-275-8777, but the representative will direct you to the online form or tell you to visit your post office in person, since phone orders are no longer available.

Key Takeaways

  • The online form at usps.com/move is the fastest option and takes effect within one business day for $1.10.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months, after which mail to your old address will be returned to the sender or marked undeliverable.
  • You need to know both your old and new addresses and the date you want the change to start before you begin.
  • Forwarding does not change your address with banks, employers, or other organizations — you must contact them separately.
  • If you move frequently or manage mail for a business, USPS offers bulk forwarding options through their business services.

What happens to mail sent to your old address

Once your forwarding order is active, USPS will redirect any mail addressed to your old address to your new one. This includes letters, magazines, and packages. The forwarding lasts for 12 months from the date you set it to start.

After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will no longer be forwarded. The postal carrier will mark it "Return to Sender" or "No Longer at This Address" and send it back to whoever mailed it. This is why it matters to update your address with banks, insurance companies, employers, and other organizations — USPS forwarding is temporary and does not reach everyone who might mail you something.

Setting up forwarding online step by step

Go to usps.com/move and click "Start Your Move." You will need to enter your old address exactly as it appears on mail you receive, including apartment or unit number if you have one. Then enter your new address in the same detail.

Next, choose the date you want forwarding to begin. This can be today or up to 30 days in the future — useful if you want to set it up before moving day. Select whether you are moving just yourself or your whole household. If you are moving a household, you can add family members' names so their mail gets forwarded too.

Review the $1.10 charge and pay by debit card, credit card, or USPS prepaid card. You will receive a confirmation email with your order number. Write down this number in case you need to check on your order or make changes. The forwarding usually starts within one business day, though it can take up to three business days during busy periods.

Using Form 3575 at the post office

If you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it in person, visit your local post office and ask for Form 3575, the "process for a Temporary Change of Address." The form is one page and asks for the same information as the online version: old address, new address, and start date.

You can fill it out at the counter or take it home and bring it back completed. Bring a photo ID and be ready to pay $1.10 in cash or card. Processing takes three to five business days, which is longer than the online option. If you want to mail the form instead of visiting in person, you can request it by calling 1-800-275-8777, fill it out, and mail it to your local post office with a check or money order.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is entering your old address incorrectly. If you type it differently than how mail carriers see it — leaving out an apartment number, using a different spelling, or including a suite number that is not on your actual mail — the system may not recognize it. Check a recent piece of mail and copy the address exactly, including all punctuation and abbreviations.

Another mistake is assuming forwarding covers everything. It does not reach bills or statements from companies that have your address on file but do not mail you regularly, or mail sent to an old name at your old address. You must contact each organization separately to update your address.

Do not wait until moving day to set up forwarding. If you set it up on the day you move, there may be a one- to three-day delay before it takes effect, and mail arriving during that window will go to your old address. Set it up at least a few days before you move, or use the future-date option to schedule it for your exact move date.

What to do if you need to cancel or change your forwarding order

If you set up forwarding online and need to cancel it or change the dates, you can do so through your USPS account at usps.com/move within the first 30 days. Log in with the email address you used to place the order and your order number. You can extend the forwarding period for another 12 months, but you cannot extend it beyond 24 months total from the original start date.

If you submitted Form 3575 in person and need to make changes, visit your post office with your order number or the confirmation you received. Changes made after 30 days may require submitting a new form and paying another $1.10 fee.

Forwarding for businesses and multiple properties

If you own a business or manage mail for multiple locations, USPS offers bulk forwarding through their business services. You can set up forwarding for multiple addresses at once and manage them from a single account. Contact your local post office or visit usps.com/business to learn about these options, which may have different pricing and longer forwarding periods than residential moves.

Seasonal residents or people who split time between two addresses can also set up temporary forwarding for specific months. This works the same way as regular forwarding but with dates you choose — for example, forwarding from your winter address to your summer address for six months of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USPS forwarding work for packages?

Yes, packages are forwarded the same way as letters and magazines. However, some packages from online retailers may not be forwarded if they are marked "Do Not Forward." In those cases, the package will be returned to the sender. Contact the retailer to update your address before ordering.

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

You can set up a new forwarding order from your second address to your third address. The original forwarding from your first address will continue until its 12 months expire. You will need to pay the $1.10 fee again for the new order.

Can someone else set up forwarding for my address?

No. The person whose name is on the mail or whose address it is must set up the forwarding order. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized mail redirection. If you are moving a household, each adult can set up their own forwarding, or one person can add household members' names during the online process.

Will forwarding work if I move to a different state?

Yes, forwarding works anywhere in the United States. Enter your new address exactly as it will appear on mail, including state and ZIP code. Processing may take slightly longer for out-of-state moves, but the $1.10 fee is the same.

What if mail arrives after my forwarding expires?

Once the 12-month forwarding period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "No Longer at This Address." You can set up a new forwarding order if you need to extend it, but you will pay another $1.10 fee.