You can change your USPS delivery address online, by phone, or in person at your local post office

The United States Postal Service (USPS) lets you redirect mail to a new address through a service called USPS Mail Forwarding. You do not need to visit a post office — you can start the process on USPS.com, by phone at 1-800-275-8777, or in person. The online method is fastest and costs $1.10 for a temporary forward (up to one year) or $1.10 for a permanent forward.

Mail forwarding does not change your address in USPS records permanently. It tells the postal service to send your mail to a new location for a set time. If you want to update your address with banks, insurance companies, subscriptions, and other senders, you will need to contact them separately — the post office only handles mail delivery, not account updates.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS Mail Forwarding costs $1.10 and takes effect within three to five business days after you submit it online.
  • You can set up forwarding for a temporary period (up to one year) or make it permanent, and you can change or cancel it anytime before it expires.
  • Online forwarding through USPS.com is the fastest method and requires your name, old address, new address, and a valid payment method.
  • Mail forwarding does not notify your banks, insurance companies, or subscriptions — you must contact each sender to update your address with them.
  • If you are moving out of state or need to forward mail for someone else, you may need to visit a post office in person with ID.

How to set up forwarding online at USPS.com

Go to USPS.com and click "Mail & Packages" in the top menu, then select "Change of Address." You will be taken to the USPS Informed Delivery page. Click "Start" under the Mail Forwarding section. You will need to enter your current address, the new address where you want mail sent, and the date you want forwarding to begin.

Choose whether you want the forward to last for four months, six months, one year, or permanently. Enter your name, phone number, and email address. Pay the $1.10 fee with a debit card or credit card. USPS will send you a confirmation email with your forwarding order number. Forwarding takes effect within three to five business days.

If you are forwarding mail for a business or for someone else in your household, you will need to provide their name and sign a statement that you have their permission. The person whose mail is being forwarded may also receive a confirmation postcard at both the old and new addresses.

Changing or canceling a forward you already set up

You can modify or cancel a mail forward before it expires. Go back to USPS.com, click "Mail & Packages," then "Change of Address," and select "Manage Your Mail Forwarding." Enter your confirmation number (from your original email) and your zip code. You can then update the end date, change the forwarding address, or cancel the forward entirely.

If you cancel a forward within the first 30 days, USPS will refund your $1.10 fee. After 30 days, the fee is not refundable, but you can still cancel the forward at any time. The cancellation takes effect within three to five business days.

What to do if you cannot use the online method

If you do not have a credit or debit card, or if you are moving out of state and USPS requires in-person verification, visit your local post office. Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

Post office staff can set up the forward on the spot and take your payment in cash, check, or card. The forward still takes three to five business days to take effect. If you are forwarding mail for someone else, that person should come with you if possible, or you will need written permission from them.

Mail that may not forward and what happens to it

Some types of mail do not forward automatically, even after you set up a forward. Magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals usually do not forward unless the sender has paid for forwarding service. Government mail, including tax documents and court notices, may not forward depending on the agency. First-class mail and packages forward normally.

If mail arrives at your old address after you have moved, the postal carrier will mark it "Return to Sender — Forwarding Order Expired" or "No Forwarding Address on File" and send it back to the sender. Contact the sender directly to update your address with them if you want to keep receiving their mail.

Updating your address with banks, insurance, and subscriptions

USPS forwarding only redirects physical mail — it does not update your address in any company's records. You need to contact your bank, insurance company, credit card issuer, subscription services, and any other organization that sends you mail to update your address with them directly.

Many companies let you update your address online through your account. Others require a phone call or a written request. Check your account settings or call the customer service number on your statement or bill. Updating your address with these organizations prevents mail delays, ensures you receive important documents, and helps protect you from identity theft if mail goes to the wrong address.

How long forwarding lasts and what happens when it expires

You choose the length of your forward when you set it up: four months, six months, one year, or permanent. When the forward expires, mail sent to your old address will no longer be redirected. The postal service will return it to the sender marked "Return to Sender — Forwarding Order Expired."

If you are moving permanently, set up a permanent forward so you do not have to renew it. If you are moving temporarily or testing a new location, choose a shorter period and renew it before it expires if you need to stay longer. You can renew a forward by setting up a new one with the same old and new addresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for USPS forwarding to start working?

Forwarding takes effect within three to five business days after you submit it online or in person. During this time, mail may still arrive at your old address. If you need mail redirected when ready, visit your post office in person and ask the clerk to note your forward in the system right away, though the official three- to five-day window still applies.

Can I forward mail to a PO box or to someone else's address?

Yes, you can forward mail to a PO box or to any residential or business address. You do not have to own the property or live there — USPS only requires a valid address. If you are forwarding to someone else's home, that person does not need to be present or give permission for the forward itself, though they should know mail is coming.

What if I set up forwarding but mail is still going to my old address?

Check that your forward is active by logging into USPS.com and viewing your forwarding status. If the forward shows as active, mail sent after the start date should forward. Mail sent before the start date will not forward. Some senders (magazines, government agencies) may not participate in forwarding. Contact the sender directly to update your address with them.

Can I cancel a forward after 30 days and get my money back?

No. USPS only refunds the $1.10 fee if you cancel within the first 30 days. After 30 days, the fee is non-refundable, even if you cancel when ready. You can still cancel the forward at any time, and the cancellation takes effect within three to five business days.

Do I need to set up forwarding if I am just moving within the same city?

Yes. USPS treats any address change the same way, whether you are moving across town or across the country. Set up forwarding to make sure mail reaches you at your new address. You still need to contact your banks, insurance companies, and subscriptions to update your address with them.