Where You Can Change Your Address Online

You can change your mailing address online through USPS Informed Delivery, which is the official U.S. Postal Service tool for this task. Go to informeddelivery.usps.com, sign in with your USPS account (or create one free), and select "Manage Delivery" from the menu. The address change option appears there, and the process takes about five minutes.

Other organisations also let you update your address through their own websites — your bank, insurance company, employer, and subscription services all have account settings where you can change where mail gets sent. But if you want mail carriers to physically reroute everything coming to your old address, USPS Informed Delivery is the official channel.

Some states also let you change your address through the DMV website when you renew your driver's license or ID, which updates your mailing address in their records. Check your state's DMV site to see whether this option is available where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS Informed Delivery at informeddelivery.usps.com is the official online tool to redirect mail from your old address to your new one.
  • You need a free USPS account to use Informed Delivery, and the address change takes effect within three to five business days.
  • The USPS online change covers mail addressed to you by name, but packages and mail addressed to "Current Resident" may not be redirected.
  • You should also update your address directly with banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services through their account settings.
  • Some state DMV websites let you change your address when you renew your license, which updates government records.

What Information You Need Before You Start

Have your old address and new address ready — you will need both. You also need a valid form of ID to verify your identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. USPS will ask you to confirm details from your ID before processing the change.

If you are moving with a spouse or partner, each person needs their own USPS account and must submit their own address change. You cannot change someone else's address for them, even if you live at the same address.

How the USPS Online Process Works Step by Step

Start at informeddelivery.usps.com and click "Sign In" at the top right. If you do not have an account, click "Create an Account" and follow the prompts — you will need an email address and to create a password. USPS will send you a confirmation email; click the link in that email to set up your account.

Once you are logged in, look for "Manage Delivery" in the main menu. Click on it, then select "Change of Address" from the options that appear. Enter your old address exactly as it appears on mail you receive, then enter your new address. USPS will ask you to confirm both addresses before you proceed.

Next, you will verify your identity. USPS asks for your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Answer the security questions that appear — these are based on your credit file and are designed to confirm you are who you say you are. Once you pass verification, you can review your change one more time and submit it.

USPS charges a small fee (currently around $1.10) to process the change online. You pay by debit card or credit card during checkout. After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot. The address change usually takes effect within three to five business days.

What Gets Redirected and What Does Not

Mail addressed to you by name will be forwarded to your new address. This includes letters from banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and personal correspondence. The redirect lasts for 12 months from the date you submit it.

Mail addressed to "Current Resident," "Occupant," or other generic labels will not be forwarded — it stays with the address, not with you. Packages from shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx are not affected by a USPS address change; you need to update your address with each retailer or shipping account separately. Magazines and newspapers sometimes do not forward either, depending on the publisher's policy.

If you are concerned about missing important mail, contact your bank, insurance company, employer, and any government agencies you deal with directly and ask them to update your address in their records. This is faster and more reliable than waiting for forwarding to work.

Updating Your Address With Banks, Insurance, and Other Organisations

Log into your account on each organisation's website and look for "Account Settings," "Profile," or "Personal Information." Most banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers have a section labeled something like "Update Address" or "Mailing Address." Click into that section, delete your old address, type in your new one, and save the changes.

For your employer, contact your HR or payroll department directly — do not assume you can change it online. Some companies require a form or a manager's approval. For subscriptions (streaming services, magazines, utilities), log into each account and update the address in the settings.

If you receive Social Security, Medicare, or other federal benefits, update your address through the relevant agency's website or by calling them. Do not rely on USPS forwarding alone for government mail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume USPS forwarding covers everything. It does not redirect packages, mail to generic addresses, or mail from some businesses. Update your address directly with every organisation that sends you mail.

Do not enter your address in a different format than it appears on your mail. If your current mail says "123 Main Street Apt 4B," enter it exactly that way — do not abbreviate or rearrange. USPS matches based on exact spelling and format.

Do not forget to update your address with your state's DMV if you have a driver's license or ID. Your license address does not automatically change when you move, and you may be required by law to update it within a certain timeframe.

Do not wait until after you move to submit your address change. You can submit it up to 30 days before your move date, which means mail will start forwarding as soon as you arrive.

What to Do If Your Address Change Does Not Work

If mail is still arriving at your old address after five business days, log back into your USPS Informed Delivery account and check the status of your change. You can see whether it was processed and when it takes effect.

If the change shows as processed but mail is still not forwarding, contact USPS directly at 1-800-275-8777 or visit your local post office with your confirmation number. Bring a piece of mail addressed to you at your old address so the postal worker can verify the change in their system.

If you submitted the change but it was rejected, USPS will show you the reason — usually a mismatch between the address you entered and what is in their records. Go back and re-enter your old address exactly as it appears on your mail, character for character.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. USPS Informed Delivery accepts a passport, state ID, or military ID as proof of identity. You need one of these to verify who you are during the online process, but a driver's license is not required.

How long does a USPS address change last?

The redirect lasts for 12 months from the date you submit it. After 12 months, mail addressed to you at your old address will no longer be forwarded. If you need it to continue, you can submit a new change before the 12 months expire.

Can I change my address to a PO Box online?

Yes, you can have mail forwarded to a PO Box through USPS Informed Delivery. Enter the PO Box address as your new address during the online process, and mail will be forwarded there just as it would to a street address.

What if I share a mailbox with someone else at my old address?

Each person needs their own address change. If you live with a roommate or family member, they must log into their own USPS account and submit their own change separately. You cannot change their address for them.

Do I need to change my address with the post office in person, or can I do it entirely online?

You can do it entirely online through USPS Informed Delivery. You do not need to visit a post office unless something goes wrong with your online submission or you prefer to handle it in person.