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 will charge you a fee.

The service itself is free because it is a core postal function. However, some third-party websites that offer to process your change of address for you do charge fees — sometimes $1.00 to $5.00 or more. These are not USPS services, and you do not need them. Going directly to USPS takes the same amount of time and costs nothing.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS change of address requests are always free whether you submit them online, by mail, or at the post office.
  • Third-party websites that advertise change of address services are separate from USPS and may charge fees you do not need to pay.
  • Online submission through USPS.com is the fastest method and takes effect within three to five business days.
  • A paper Form 3575 submitted by mail takes longer but works if you do not have internet access or prefer a mailed receipt.

Submitting your change of address online

The fastest way to change your address with USPS is through their official website at USPS.com. Go to the "Mail & Packages" section, select "Change of Address," and follow the prompts. You will need your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect.

Online submission requires a credit or debit card, but this is only to verify your identity — you will not be charged. The change typically takes effect within three to five business days. USPS will send you a confirmation email, and you can print or save it as proof that your request was submitted.

Using Form 3575 by mail

If you prefer to submit a paper form, you can request Form 3575 at your local post office or read it from USPS.com. Fill out the form with your current address, new address, and effective date, then mail it to your local post office or hand it to a postal worker.

Processing a mailed form takes longer than online submission — usually one to two weeks. You will not receive a confirmation email, so consider keeping a copy for your records. This method works well if you do not have internet access or want a physical record of your submission.

Changing your address in person at the post office

You can walk into any USPS location and request a change of address in person. A postal worker will help you fill out the form and submit it on the spot. This method is free and gives you when ready confirmation that your request was received.

In-person submission takes the same amount of time to process as mailing a form — one to two weeks. This option is useful if you want to ask questions about what mail will be forwarded or if you need to change your address urgently and want to confirm it was submitted correctly.

Why third-party websites charge fees

Many websites appear in search results when you look for "change of address" and advertise convenience or speed. Some charge $1.00 to $5.00 or more to process your request. These are not USPS services — they are private companies that submit your change of address to USPS on your behalf.

You do not save time by using them. They still submit the same Form 3575 or use the same online system that you can access directly. The only difference is that you pay them a fee and they keep the money. USPS.com and your local post office offer the same service with no markup.

What happens after you submit your change of address

Once your change of address is processed, USPS will forward mail sent to your old address to your new one for a set period. The standard forwarding period is 12 months for residential moves and 18 months for business moves. After that period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender as undeliverable.

Not all mail will be forwarded. Government benefits, tax documents, and some financial statements require you to update your address directly with the sender. Magazines and subscriptions may also require separate address updates. Your change of address with USPS covers standard mail but not everything, so notify important accounts separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, USPS.com requires a credit or debit card to verify your identity during online submission. If you do not have a card, you can submit Form 3575 by mail or in person at your local post office at no cost.

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

Online submissions take three to five business days. Paper forms submitted by mail or in person take one to two weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly your local post office processes the form, not on how you submitted it.

Will my change of address forward packages and parcels?

Yes, USPS will forward packages and parcels to your new address during the forwarding period, just as they do with regular mail. However, some shipping services may not participate in forwarding, so contact the sender if a package does not arrive.

What if I need to change my address again before the forwarding period ends?

You can submit a new change of address request at any time. The new request will replace the old one, and forwarding will begin from your most recent address change. There is no fee for submitting multiple changes.

Do I need to change my address with USPS if I already told my bank and employer?

Yes. Notifying your bank and employer updates their records, but USPS forwarding is separate. You need both — the change of address with USPS ensures mail from senders you have not contacted will still reach you at your new location.