The USPS Does Not Charge for a Change of Address

The United States Postal Service does not charge any fee to file a change of address. Whether you submit your request online, by mail, or in person at a post office, there is no cost. The USPS provides this service at no charge to all customers.

However, be aware that third-party websites may charge fees to process your change of address for you. These sites are not run by the USPS and are not necessary — you can always file directly with the USPS for free.

Key Takeaways

  • The USPS itself charges nothing to file a change of address, whether you do it online, by mail, or at the post office.
  • Third-party websites that claim to process your change of address may charge fees ranging from a few dollars to $20 or more, even though the USPS service is free.
  • Filing directly through USPS.com or at your local post office takes only a few minutes and costs nothing.
  • A change of address typically takes three to five business days to go into effect once the USPS processes it.

How to File a Change of Address Without Paying

The fastest way to file a change of address is through the official USPS website at USPS.com. You will need your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. The process takes about five minutes and requires no payment.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can visit your local post office in person and ask for Form 3575 (process for a Change of Address). A postal worker will help you fill it out at no cost. You can also request the form by mail, though this takes longer.

Some people mail in a handwritten change-of-address notice, but the USPS prefers the official form or online filing because it reduces errors. Either way, there is no fee involved.

Why Third-Party Websites Charge Fees

Several websites advertise change-of-address services and charge between $5 and $20 for what the USPS offers free. These companies are not affiliated with the USPS — they are private businesses that file the form on your behalf. They profit by charging a fee for a service you can do yourself in minutes.

Some of these sites also bundle change-of-address filing with other services, such as notifying utility companies or subscription services of your move. If you want help notifying those companies, you may find value in paying for a bundled service. But for the postal change of address alone, paying a third party makes no sense.

Always check the website URL before entering your personal information. The official USPS site is USPS.com. Sites with names like "changeofaddress.com" or similar are usually third-party services, not the USPS itself.

What Happens After You File

Once you submit your change of address through the USPS, it typically takes three to five business days to process. During this time, mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new one for up to 12 months (or 18 months if you are a business).

The USPS will send you a confirmation postcard to your new address within a few days. This confirms that your change of address is active. Keep this postcard in case you need proof that you filed the change.

After the 12-month forwarding period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender as undeliverable. This is why it is important to notify banks, insurance companies, and other organizations of your new address directly — do not rely only on postal forwarding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is paying a third-party website when you could file for free. Before you enter your payment information, ask yourself: am I on USPS.com, or am I on a different website? If it is not the official USPS site, you are likely paying for something free.

Another mistake is filing too late. If you wait until after you move, your mail may already be lost or delayed. File your change of address a week or two before your move date so it is active when mail starts arriving at your old address.

Some people also file a change of address but forget to notify their important contacts directly. The post office forwards mail, but it does not update your address with your bank, employer, or insurance company. You still need to contact those organizations yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a change of address over the phone?

No, the USPS does not accept change-of-address requests by phone. You must file online at USPS.com, in person at a post office, or by mail using Form 3575. Phone-based services that claim to file your change of address are third-party companies, not the USPS.

What if I move multiple times in a year?

You can file a new change of address each time you move. The USPS will cancel your previous forwarding order and start a new one. There is no limit to how many times you can file, and each one is free.

Do I need to file a change of address for my business mail?

Yes, you file a business change of address the same way as a personal one, either online or at the post office. Business forwarding lasts 18 months instead of 12, but the process and cost are the same — free.

Will my change of address work for packages and bills?

Yes, postal forwarding covers all mail, including packages and bills. However, some delivery services like UPS and FedEx do not use USPS forwarding, so contact them separately if you receive packages from those carriers.

Can I cancel a change of address before it takes effect?

Yes, you can cancel or modify a change of address through USPS.com or by visiting your post office before the effective date. Once it is active, you can file a new change of address to go back to your old address or move to a different one.