Where You Can Change Your Address Online

You can change your mailing address online through the United States Postal Service (USPS) using their official website, which is the fastest way to update where mail gets delivered. USPS offers a service called USPS Informed Delivery and a separate address change tool that lets you submit the change from your computer or phone without visiting a post office.

The USPS address change tool is available at usps.com. You will need a valid credit or debit card to complete the transaction, as USPS charges a small fee for online address changes (the fee varies but is typically under $2). The process takes about five minutes, and your new address usually takes effect within three to five business days.

If you have accounts with banks, insurance companies, subscription services, or government agencies, you will also need to contact those organizations separately to update your address with them. USPS only handles mail delivery; it does not automatically notify your creditors, employers, or other institutions.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS lets you change your mailing address online at usps.com using a credit or debit card, and the change takes effect in three to five business days.
  • You must update your address separately with banks, insurance companies, employers, and any subscription services you use.
  • If you do not have a credit card or prefer to change your address in person, you can visit your local post office with a form of ID and proof of your new address.
  • Mail forwarding through USPS is temporary and typically lasts for one year, after which mail to your old address will stop being forwarded.
  • Some mail (like government checks or court documents) may not forward automatically, so contact those senders directly to update your address.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you go to usps.com, gather a few pieces of information. You will need your current mailing address exactly as it appears on your mail, your new mailing address, and a valid credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). You will also need a phone number where USPS can reach you if there are any questions about your request.

Have your driver's license or state ID number ready as well. USPS uses this to verify your identity and prevent fraud. If you do not have a driver's license, a passport number or the last four digits of your Social Security number will work instead.

Step-by-Step: Changing Your Address Online

Go to usps.com and look for the "Change of Address" link, which is usually in the main navigation menu under "Mail & Packages." Click on it to start the online form. You will be asked whether you are changing your address for yourself, a family member, or a business.

Enter your current address exactly as it appears on your mail, including the apartment or unit number if you have one. Then enter your new address. USPS will ask you to confirm both addresses to make sure there are no typos. Next, select the date you want the change to take effect—this can be today or any date up to 30 days in the future.

You will then enter your contact information (phone number and email), your ID number, and payment information. Review everything one more time before you submit. USPS will send you a confirmation email with a tracking number. Keep this email in case you need to check on the status of your change or contact USPS about it later.

What Happens After You Submit Your Change

Once USPS processes your change, mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new address for one year. This forwarding is not automatic for all types of mail—some pieces, like government checks, tax documents, and court notices, may not forward. Contact the sender directly to update your address with them.

You should also notify your bank, insurance company, employer, subscription services, and any other organizations that send you mail. Do not assume that changing your USPS address will update your address everywhere. Many companies have their own address records and do not check with USPS.

If you move again within that one-year period, you can submit another address change. The new change will override the old one, and mail will be forwarded to your newest address instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is entering your address incorrectly. If you type your apartment number wrong or misspell your street name, the change may not process correctly, and mail could go to the wrong place. Type slowly and double-check every line before you submit.

Another mistake is assuming that changing your address with USPS means all your mail will find you. It does not. Magazines, credit card offers, and other mail that companies send based on their own mailing lists will still go to your old address unless you contact those companies directly. Government agencies, banks, and utilities are especially important to update separately.

Do not wait until after you move to change your address. Submit your change at least a week before your move date so that mail sent to your old address has time to be forwarded. If you submit it on moving day, some mail may arrive at your old address before the forwarding kicks in.

If You Cannot Change Your Address Online

If you do not have a credit card, do not have internet access, or prefer to change your address in person, visit your local post office. Bring a form of ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, or a bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Fill out Form 3575 at the post office. A postal worker will help you complete it and process your change on the spot. There is no fee for changing your address in person. The change still takes three to five business days to take effect, just like the online method.

Updating Your Address With Other Organizations

After you change your USPS address, create a list of places that send you mail and contact them directly. Start with your bank, insurance company, employer, and any subscription services. Most of these organizations let you update your address online through their website or mobile app, by phone, or by mail.

For government benefits or services, contact the specific agency. If you receive Social Security, Medicare, or unemployment benefits, update your address with those agencies. If you have a driver's license or state ID, update your address at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Some states let you do this online; others require you to visit in person.

Keep a record of when you updated your address with each organization. This helps you track which places have your new address and which ones still have your old one. If you stop receiving mail from a company after 30 days, contact them to confirm they have your new address.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my address change to take effect?

USPS typically processes address changes within three to five business days. If you submit your change on a Friday, it may not take effect until the following Wednesday or Thursday. Mail forwarding begins once the change is in the system, so some mail sent to your old address during those first few days may still arrive there.

Can I change my address if I do not have a driver's license?

Yes. USPS accepts a passport number, state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number as proof of identity. If you are changing your address in person at the post office, bring whichever ID you have along with proof of your new address.

What if I move again before the one-year forwarding period ends?

Submit a new address change with USPS. Your new change will replace the old one, and mail will be forwarded to your newest address instead. You do not need to cancel the first change; just submit a new one with your current address and your next address.

Will my address change automatically update my driver's license and bank accounts?

No. USPS only handles mail forwarding. You must contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to update your driver's license, and you must contact your bank, insurance company, and other organizations separately. Each one keeps its own address records.

What types of mail will not be forwarded?

Government checks, court documents, and some official notices may not forward automatically. Contact the sender directly to update your address. This includes Social Security, tax refunds, unemployment benefits, and court-ordered mail. Magazines and marketing mail from companies that use their own mailing lists also may not forward unless you contact the company.