Yes, you can change your address online through USPS and most utilities and banks

The United States Postal Service lets you change your mailing address online through their website without visiting a post office. You can do this through USPS Informed Delivery or by going directly to usps.com and selecting "Change of Address." The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10 if you pay online. Most banks, insurance companies, subscription services, and utility providers also let you update your address through their websites or mobile apps — often without any fee.

The catch is that changing your address with USPS only redirects mail to your new location. You still need to notify each company, employer, and organization separately if you want them to have your current address on file. USPS will forward mail for 12 months, but after that, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender or discarded.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS change of address online costs $1.10 and takes about 10 minutes through usps.com or the Informed Delivery app.
  • USPS forwards mail for 12 months, but you must notify banks, employers, insurance companies, and subscriptions separately to update their records.
  • Most utilities, banks, and credit card companies let you change your address through their websites or apps at no cost.
  • Government agencies like the DMV, Social Security, and the IRS require separate address changes through their own systems or in person.

How to change your address with USPS online

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You will need your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. USPS asks for the name of the person whose mail you are forwarding — if you are moving a household, you can add multiple names for $1.10 each.

You can pay the $1.10 fee with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. USPS will send you a confirmation email with a tracking number. The change usually takes effect within three to five business days. If you prefer not to pay online, you can also fill out form 3575 in person at any post office for the same price.

After you submit the change, USPS will forward mail sent to your old address to your new one for 12 months. Mail that arrives after 12 months will be returned to the sender or treated as undeliverable. This is why notifying companies directly is important — you do not want to miss bills, tax documents, or legal notices because the forwarding period ended.

Which companies let you change your address online

Most major banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and utility companies have online portals where you can update your address yourself. Log into your account on their website or mobile app, look for "Account Settings" or "Profile," and find the address field. Changes usually take effect when ready or within one business day.

Subscription services like streaming platforms, meal kits, and software subscriptions also let you change your address online. Retailers like Amazon and eBay store multiple addresses in your account, so you can add your new address without removing the old one. Phone companies, internet providers, and cable companies typically let you change your address online, though some may require a phone call to confirm the change or schedule a technician visit if your new address is in a different service area.

The one exception is when you are moving to a different state or region. Some insurance companies, banks, and utilities have different rules or products by location, so they may ask you to call or verify your new address before updating it in their system.

Government addresses you must change separately

USPS change of address does not update your information with government agencies. You need to handle each one on its own. The Department of Motor Vehicles requires you to update your driver's license or state ID within a set timeframe — usually 10 to 30 days depending on your state. Most states let you do this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Social Security Administration does not have an online change-of-address system. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. The IRS also does not offer online address changes. You can file form 8822 by mail, or if you file taxes electronically, you can update your address when you file your next return.

If you receive benefits from any state or federal program — unemployment, SNAP, Medicaid, or others — each program has its own address-change process. Most state benefit programs have online portals where you can update your address, but some still require a phone call or in-person visit. Check your program's website or the back of your benefit card for instructions.

What to do if you cannot change your address online

If a company does not offer online address changes, call their customer service number and ask to update your mailing address. Have your account number ready. Most companies can change your address over the phone in a few minutes. Ask for confirmation that the change has been processed and when it will take effect.

For government agencies that do not have online systems, check their website for a mailing address where you can send a change-of-address form. Some agencies accept faxed forms or allow you to upload them through a find portal. If the website does not list these options, call the agency directly and ask what method they prefer.

Timing and what to expect after you change your address

Change your address with USPS first, before or at the same time as you notify individual companies. This gives you a safety net — if you forget to tell a company about your move, USPS will forward their mail to you for 12 months. Start notifying banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services at least two weeks before your move date so changes take effect by the time you arrive.

After you move, watch for mail from companies you may have forgotten about. Tax documents, insurance renewals, and loan statements often arrive weeks or months after you move. If you receive mail at your old address, contact the sender and provide your new address. Some companies may charge a fee to resend documents if they have already mailed them once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my address with USPS tell my bank and insurance company?

No. USPS only forwards mail to your new address. Your bank, insurance company, and other organizations do not receive notification from USPS. You must contact each company separately to update their records. If you do not, they will continue to mail statements and notices to your old address, and USPS will forward them for 12 months.

Can I change my address online if I do not have a credit card?

USPS requires payment for online change of address, and they accept debit cards and bank account numbers in addition to credit cards. If you have neither, you can visit a post office in person and pay with cash. Some post offices also accept checks.

What happens to mail sent to my old address after 12 months?

After 12 months, USPS stops forwarding mail. Mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "Moved, Left No Address" or treated as undeliverable. This is why updating your address with banks, employers, and government agencies is important — you do not want to miss critical documents.

Do I need to change my address with the IRS?

You can update your address with the IRS by filing form 8822 by mail, or you can provide your new address when you file your next tax return. If you are expecting a refund or have a pending case with the IRS, updating your address sooner is better so they can reach you.

Can I change my address online if I am moving to another country?

USPS does not forward mail internationally. You can set up mail forwarding to a U.S. address, or you can contact companies individually to remove your address from their mailing list or update it to a forwarding address in the United States.