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 for a set period, usually 12 months. You do not need to visit a post office — the fastest route is the USPS website, where you can submit a change of address request in about five minutes. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call USPS or walk into any post office branch with your ID.
The process costs $1.10 online and $1.10 by phone, though some post offices waive the fee if you submit the form in person. USPS will begin forwarding your mail within three to five business days after approval. Not all mail forwards — packages from retailers, bank statements, and government documents sometimes do not redirect, so you should notify important senders directly.
Key Takeaways
- The USPS website at usps.com/move lets you change your address in minutes and costs $1.10, with forwarding starting within three to five business days.
- You can also call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 or visit your local post office in person with a valid ID to request the change.
- Mail forwarding lasts 12 months by default, and you can renew it before expiration or cancel it early if you move back.
- Some mail does not forward automatically — contact your bank, employer, insurance company, and government agencies directly to update your address with them.
- If you share a mailbox with others, only the person whose name is on the mail can request a forwarding address for that piece.
Changing your address online through USPS
Go to usps.com/move and select "Start Your Move" to begin. You will need your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. USPS asks for your name, phone number, and email address. You can choose to forward mail for one person or the entire household — if you live with others, each person needs their own request if they receive mail in their name.
After you enter your information, USPS will ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by answering security questions based on your credit history, or by uploading a photo of your driver's license or state ID. Once verified, you pay $1.10 with a debit or credit card. USPS sends a confirmation email, and forwarding typically begins within three to five business days.
You can check the status of your request by logging back into usps.com/move with your email address and password. If you need to cancel or modify the request before it starts, you can do so from the same page.
Changing your address by phone or in person
Call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 to request a change of address over the phone. A representative will ask for your current address, new address, start date, and identity verification. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will pay $1.10 by debit or credit card, and USPS will mail you a confirmation notice within a few days.
If you prefer to handle it in person, visit your local post office with a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID works. Bring your current address and new address written down. The postal clerk will fill out the form with you, and you can pay $1.10 in cash or card. Some post offices waive the fee if you submit the form in person, though this varies by location. Forwarding starts within three to five business days.
What mail forwards and what does not
USPS forwards first-class mail, including letters and small packages you receive from other people. Magazines and newspapers you subscribe to will forward if the sender has updated their mailing list. However, packages from online retailers, bank statements, tax documents, and court notices often do not forward — these senders typically use address databases that do not check USPS forwarding.
Government mail, including Social Security statements and tax refunds, may not forward depending on the agency. Insurance companies, utilities, and employers usually do not forward either. The safest approach is to contact these senders directly and give them your new address before you move. Keep a list of places that send you mail regularly — banks, credit card companies, your employer, insurance providers, and subscription services — and update each one separately.
How long forwarding lasts and how to renew or cancel it
USPS forwards your mail for 12 months from the start date you choose. When your forwarding period is about to end, USPS sends you a notice in the mail. You can renew the forwarding for another 12 months by going back to usps.com/move, calling 1-800-275-8777, or visiting your post office. Renewal costs another $1.10.
If you move back to your old address or change your mind before the 12 months are up, you can cancel forwarding at any time through the USPS website or by calling. Cancellation takes effect within one to two business days. Once forwarding ends or is cancelled, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender or held at the post office, depending on what the sender's instructions say.
What happens if you share a mailbox with roommates or family
If you live with other people and you all receive mail at the same address, each person must submit their own change of address request. USPS will only forward mail addressed to the person who submitted the request. If your roommate or family member does not submit a request, their mail will continue to go to the old address.
This matters most in shared housing situations — apartments, houses with roommates, or family homes where multiple adults receive mail. Make sure everyone who is moving submits their own request. If someone stays behind, they should not submit a request, and their mail will keep arriving at the old address.
Costs and timing for address changes
The USPS change of address costs $1.10 whether you do it online, by phone, or in person — though some post offices do not charge if you fill out the form in person. There are no hidden fees or additional charges. The cost is a one-time payment per person per move.
Forwarding starts within three to five business days after USPS approves your request. If you need mail to forward when ready, submit your request as soon as possible. If you are moving on a specific date, you can set the forwarding to start on that date or earlier — USPS will hold your mail at the post office until the start date if you request it to begin in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if I do not have a photo ID?
You can change your address online by answering security questions about your credit history instead of uploading an ID. If you call or visit in person, you will need a photo ID. If you do not have one, ask the post office whether they accept other forms of identification, such as a passport card or tribal ID.
What if I move before my forwarding request is approved?
USPS typically approves requests within one to two business days. If you move before approval, mail sent to your old address will not forward until the request is approved. Contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777 to check your request status, or resubmit the request with your new address if something went wrong.
Does USPS forward mail to a PO box?
Yes, you can forward mail from a street address to a PO box, or from a PO box to a street address. The process is the same — enter the PO box as your new address when you submit the change of address request online or by phone.
Can I change my address for only part of my mail?
No, USPS forwards all mail addressed to you to your new address. You cannot choose which pieces forward and which stay at the old address. If you want some mail to go to a different location, contact those senders directly and ask them to update their records.
What if my mail is still going to my old address after forwarding started?
Some senders do not use USPS forwarding data — they use their own address databases. Contact the sender directly and give them your new address. This is common with banks, insurance companies, utilities, and online retailers. You can also file a complaint with USPS if you believe forwarding is not working, by calling 1-800-275-8777.