The USPS charges $1.10 for an in-person address change at the post office, but online changes through USPS.com are free

If you file your address change online at USPS.com, there is no charge. You can do this from home in a few minutes using your email address and a valid ID number (driver's license, passport, or state ID). The Postal Service processes the change within one business day, though mail forwarding typically begins the next day.

If you go to your local post office in person, the fee is $1.10. You will fill out Form 3575 (process for a Permanent Change of Address) and pay at the counter. This method is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it face-to-face, but it costs money that the online method does not.

A few other routes exist but are less common. Some third-party mail forwarding services charge their own fees on top of or instead of the USPS fee. The USPS also allows you to file by mail—you can request Form 3575, fill it out, and mail it in, but this is slower and still costs $1.10 when processed.

Key Takeaways

  • Filing your address change online at USPS.com costs nothing and takes effect within one business day.
  • Filing in person at the post office costs $1.10 and requires Form 3575 and a valid ID.
  • Mail forwarding typically begins the day after your change is processed, not when ready.
  • Third-party mail forwarding services may charge additional fees beyond the USPS fee.

How to file online for free

Go to USPS.com and select "Mail & Packages" from the top menu, then click "Change of Address." You will need an email address and one of these ID numbers: a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. Have your old address and new address ready.

The form asks for the date you want the forwarding to start, how long you want it to last (temporary or permanent), and whether you are moving for yourself, your family, or a business. Once you submit, the USPS sends a confirmation email. The change takes effect the next business day, and mail forwarding begins shortly after.

Keep the confirmation email or take a screenshot. If mail does not forward correctly, you will need proof that you filed the change. The online method is the fastest and cheapest option available.

Filing in person at the post office

Walk into your local post office with a valid ID and ask for Form 3575. Fill it out with your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. You can choose temporary forwarding (up to 12 months) or permanent. The clerk will collect the $1.10 fee and process the form on the spot.

In-person filing is useful if you do not have email access or prefer to confirm the change face-to-face. The fee is the only real drawback compared to the online method, since processing time is similar—usually one business day before forwarding begins.

Mail forwarding timelines and what to expect

Once your address change is processed, the USPS begins forwarding mail the next business day. However, not all mail will forward. First-class mail (regular letters and bills) forwards for the full period you chose. Packages, magazines, and some marketing mail may not forward, depending on how the sender addressed them.

If you filed online, forwarding typically starts within 24 hours. If you filed in person, it may take one to two business days. During this window, some mail addressed to your old address may still arrive there, so ask the new resident or property manager to forward anything that comes.

The USPS does not forward mail that requires a signature, such as certified mail or packages from certain carriers. You will need to contact those senders directly and provide your new address.

When you might use a third-party mail forwarding service instead

Some people use private mail forwarding companies instead of the USPS, especially if they move frequently, travel, or need a permanent mailing address in a different state. These services typically charge a monthly or annual fee—amounts vary widely depending on the company and what services you choose.

Third-party services can offer features the USPS does not, such as mail scanning (they photograph your mail and send you digital copies), package consolidation, or a permanent address you can use for years. However, these features come at a cost. If you only need basic forwarding, the USPS online method is almost always cheaper.

What happens if your address change does not work

If mail is not forwarding after a few days, log into USPS.com and check the status of your change. You can search by your confirmation number or last name and address. If the change shows as processed but mail is still not forwarding, contact your local post office directly—there may be a typo in the address or a processing error.

Keep in mind that some senders update their records slowly. If you receive a bill or statement at your old address weeks after your change took effect, it usually means the company has an outdated address in their system. Contact them directly to update it; the USPS cannot force private companies to use the forwarding address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file an address change for someone else?

No. The person moving must file the change themselves, either online or in person with their own ID. This is a security measure to prevent mail theft. If someone is unable to file (due to age or disability), a guardian or authorized representative may file in person with both their ID and a signed authorization from the person moving.

How long does address forwarding last?

You choose when you file. Temporary forwarding lasts up to 12 months. Permanent forwarding continues indefinitely until you cancel it. If you do not specify, the USPS typically defaults to 12 months. You can renew or cancel at any time through USPS.com or by visiting the post office.

Will my packages forward automatically?

Some packages will, but not all. First-class packages usually forward. However, packages from major carriers like UPS or FedEx, or items sent through other services, may not use USPS forwarding. Contact those senders directly and give them your new address to may support delivery.

What if I move before my forwarding period ends?

File a new address change for your next address. The USPS will forward mail from your old address to your new one. You can file as many changes as you need, though each in-person filing costs $1.10. Online filings remain free.

Is the $1.10 fee the same everywhere?

Yes. The $1.10 in-person fee is set by the USPS nationwide. However, some post offices may charge additional fees for services like certified mail or notarization if you need those at the same time. The basic address change fee itself does not vary by location.