The USPS does not charge a fee for a change of address

The United States Postal Service offers change of address service at no cost. You can submit a change of address request online through USPS.com, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your local post office, and none of these methods incur a fee.

The only exception is if you use a third-party service that is not operated by USPS itself. Some private mail forwarding companies charge for their own forwarding services, but those are separate businesses — not USPS. If you go directly to USPS through their official channels, there is no charge.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS change of address requests submitted online, by mail, or at the post office are free.
  • The online method through USPS.com is the fastest and most common way to file a change of address.
  • A change of address typically takes three to five business days to go into effect after USPS processes it.
  • Third-party mail forwarding companies are not USPS and may charge fees for their own services.

How to file a change of address with USPS at no cost

The easiest method is to visit USPS.com and use the online change of address tool. You will need your current address, your new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. You can choose whether the change applies to one person or everyone at your address. USPS will ask for an email address to send confirmation, and the whole process takes a few minutes.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can fill out Form 3575 (Change of Address) and mail it to your local post office, or walk into any post office and request the form in person. A postal clerk can help you complete it on the spot. Both methods are free.

When your change of address takes effect

After you submit your request, USPS typically processes it within three to five business days. During that window, mail addressed to your old address will still arrive there — USPS does not retroactively redirect mail that was already in the system. Once the change is active, mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new one for up to 12 months.

If you need the change to happen faster, there is no expedited option through USPS. The standard processing time is the only option available, and it remains free.

What happens to mail sent to your old address

Once your change of address is active, the postal service will forward mail to your new address for one year. After that year ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "moved, left no address" or similar language. The sender may then contact you directly if they have another way to reach you.

This is why it is important to notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and other organizations of your new address directly — do not rely entirely on USPS forwarding. Some mail, like packages from certain retailers or government documents, may not forward automatically.

Difference between USPS change of address and private mail forwarding

USPS change of address is a postal redirection service that forwards mail to your new address for one year at no cost. Private mail forwarding companies, by contrast, rent you a mailbox address and charge monthly or annual fees. They may offer additional services like scanning mail, holding packages, or providing a permanent address that does not change when you move.

If you only need basic mail forwarding, USPS change of address is free and sufficient. If you need a permanent mailing address, want your mail scanned and emailed to you, or plan to move frequently, a private service may be worth the cost — but that is a separate product from what USPS offers.

Common reasons a change of address might not work

If mail is still going to your old address after your change of address should be active, the most common reason is that the sender has outdated information in their system. Banks, subscriptions, and other organizations do not automatically pull your new address from USPS — you have to tell them directly. Contact each organization and update your address with them.

Another reason is that some mail classes, like certain government benefits or court documents, may not forward. If you are expecting important mail, contact the sender to confirm they have your new address on file before you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay USPS to change my address?

No. USPS change of address is free whether you submit it online at USPS.com, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your local post office. Any charge you encounter is from a third-party service, not USPS.

How long does it take for a change of address to start working?

USPS typically processes a change of address within three to five business days. Mail sent to your old address will begin forwarding to your new one once the change is active. There is no way to speed this up.

Will my change of address work forever?

No. USPS forwards mail to your new address for 12 months after your change of address takes effect. After one year, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender. Notify important organizations of your new address directly so they update their records.

What if I move again before the year is up?

You can file a new change of address for your next move at any time. The new change of address will override the previous one. Mail will then forward to your newest address instead.

Can I change my address for just one person in my household?

Yes. When you file a change of address online or on Form 3575, you can specify whether the change applies to one individual or to everyone at your current address. This is useful if only one household member is moving.