USPS charges $1.10 for an online change of address, but free options exist

The United States Postal Service charges $1.10 to file a change of address online through their website. If you go to a post office in person, the service is free — you fill out form 18 and hand it to a clerk at the counter. The online fee covers the cost of verifying your identity through a third-party service; the in-person route skips that step because the postal worker sees your ID directly.

The $1.10 charge applies only to the USPS official change of address tool. Some third-party mail forwarding services charge more, and some charge nothing but make money by selling your information to marketers. If cost is your main concern, walking into any post office takes 10 minutes and costs nothing.

Key Takeaways

  • Filing a change of address online through USPS.com costs $1.10 and takes about five minutes.
  • Submitting form 18 in person at any post office is free and requires only your ID and new address.
  • Mail forwarding typically begins within three to five business days after USPS processes your request.
  • The $1.10 fee is a one-time charge per address change, not a monthly or annual subscription.

How the online change of address works

When you file online at USPS.com, you enter your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. The system asks for your name, phone number, and email. USPS then uses a third-party identity verification service to confirm you are who you say you are — this usually means checking your Social Security number, date of birth, and credit history against public records. That verification step is what the $1.10 covers.

After you pay, you receive a confirmation email. USPS processes the change within one to two business days, and mail forwarding begins on the date you selected. You can file up to 30 days before your move or up to 180 days after, so there is no rush if you are planning ahead.

Filing in person at the post office

Walk into any post office with your ID and ask for form 18, the official change of address form. Fill in your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. Hand it to the clerk — no fee, no online account needed, no identity verification beyond showing your ID.

Processing takes the same one to two business days as the online method. Some post offices will file the form on the spot; others may ask you to come back or mail it in. Ask the clerk what their process is when you arrive. The in-person route is free and works just as well as paying online.

What happens to mail after you file

Once your change of address is active, USPS forwards mail addressed to your old address to your new one for 12 months. First-class mail, packages, and magazines all forward. Some mail does not forward — bills from utilities, banks, and insurance companies sometimes use non-forwardable mail because they want to know if you have moved. That is why you should notify those companies directly rather than relying on USPS forwarding alone.

After 12 months, forwarding stops. If you need it to continue, you can file another change of address. USPS does not automatically renew the forwarding order.

Third-party mail forwarding services and their costs

Companies like UPS Mail Boxes Etc., Amazon Logistics, and private mail forwarding services offer their own change of address options, usually for a fee. Some charge $10 to $30 per month; others charge a flat annual rate. These services are useful if you move frequently, travel, or want to keep a permanent address in one state while living elsewhere, but they cost more than USPS and are not necessary for a standard move.

Be cautious with free third-party services — many make money by selling your address change information to data brokers and marketers. If you use one, read the privacy policy to understand what happens to your data.

When to file your change of address

USPS lets you file up to 30 days before your move date, which is the safest window. Filing too early can cause mail to forward before you are ready; filing after you move means some mail may arrive at your old address first. If you move suddenly and cannot file in advance, you can file up to 180 days after your move date, though mail that arrived at your old address in the meantime will not be forwarded.

If you are moving for work and know your move date months in advance, file about two weeks before you leave. This gives USPS time to process the change without forwarding mail too early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a change of address for someone else?

No. USPS requires the person whose mail is being forwarded to file the change themselves, or to sign a form authorizing someone else to file on their behalf. You cannot file for a family member or roommate without their written permission. If you are moving with a spouse or partner, each person files their own change of address.

What if I file online but want to cancel before the 12 months are up?

You can cancel a change of address through USPS.com or by visiting a post office in person. There is no fee to cancel. Once cancelled, mail stops forwarding and goes to your old address instead. If you realize you made a mistake right after filing, contact USPS as soon as possible — they may be able to stop the change before it takes effect.

Does the $1.10 fee cover multiple addresses or just one?

The $1.10 is per address change. If you are moving from one address to another, you pay $1.10 one time. If you later move again, you pay $1.10 for the new change. There is no bulk discount or annual subscription.

Will my old address still receive mail after I file a change of address?

Mail addressed to your old address will forward to your new one for 12 months. However, mail sent to the wrong address or mail from senders who have not updated their records will still go to your old address. That is why notifying banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscriptions directly is important — do not rely on USPS forwarding alone.