USPS charges $1.10 to change your address online, or you can do it free by mail

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers two ways to change your mailing address. If you use their online form at usps.com, you pay $1.10 with a credit or debit card. If you fill out a paper form at your local post office or request one by mail, there is no charge — you only pay if you want the change processed faster or need extra services.

The $1.10 fee is a one-time charge that covers a single address change for one person. If you have a household with multiple people, each person needs their own change, and each one costs $1.10 online. The fee is non-refundable once you submit the form.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through usps.com cost $1.10 and take effect in three to five business days.
  • Paper address changes at your post office are free and take seven to ten business days to process.
  • USPS charges extra for rush processing (expedited service) if you need the change within one business day.
  • Each person in your household needs their own address change; you cannot change one form for the whole family.
  • You can request a paper form by phone at 1-800-275-8777 if you do not want to visit the post office in person.

The online option: $1.10 and three to five days

To change your address online, go to usps.com and select "Change of Address" from the menu. You will need your current address, your new address, and the date you want the change to start. You can choose to have mail forwarded for four months, six months, one year, or eighteen months.

After you submit the form and pay $1.10, USPS sends a confirmation email. The change usually takes effect in three to five business days. During that time, mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new one. If you need the change to happen faster, USPS offers an expedited option for an additional fee — this processes the change within one business day.

The free option: Paper forms and seven to ten days

You can fill out a paper form at any post office for free. Ask for Form 3575, the official USPS Change of Address form. You will need to show a photo ID and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works. There is no charge to submit the form.

Paper forms take longer to process: seven to ten business days instead of three to five. If you cannot visit a post office, you can call 1-800-275-8777 and request that a form be mailed to you. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it back to your local post office. This route is free but takes the longest overall because of mail delivery time.

When USPS charges extra fees

Beyond the basic $1.10 online fee, USPS charges for several add-ons. If you want expedited processing (one business day instead of three to five), you pay an additional fee on top of the $1.10. This is useful if you are moving and need mail forwarded when ready.

USPS also charges if you want to change your address and receive a confirmation letter by mail instead of email. Some people request this for their records. The cost varies depending on the service level you choose. If you need to change your address multiple times in a short period, each change is a separate $1.10 charge online.

What happens to mail during the change

Once your address change is processed, USPS forwards mail from your old address to your new one for the period you selected (four months to eighteen months). First-class mail, packages, and magazines are all forwarded. However, some mail cannot be forwarded — government documents, court notices, and some financial statements may not follow you automatically.

It is a good idea to notify your bank, employer, insurance company, and subscription services of your new address directly rather than relying on USPS forwarding. This ensures you do not miss important documents. After your forwarding period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender as undeliverable.

Changing address for a business or organization

If you are changing the address for a business, nonprofit, or organization, the process is different from a personal address change. You will need to use USPS Form 3575-B instead of the standard form. Some businesses use a commercial mail forwarding service instead of USPS, which may have different costs.

Contact your local post office or call 1-800-275-8777 to ask about business address changes. The fee structure may differ, and processing times can vary depending on the type of organization and the volume of mail involved.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is paying the $1.10 fee online and then also submitting a paper form at the post office. This creates two separate address changes and can cause confusion about which one is active. Submit your change through only one method — either online or in person, not both.

Another mistake is forgetting to notify senders directly. USPS forwarding is not may provide for all mail types, and some senders may not honor it. Banks, government agencies, and employers should hear from you directly about your move. Also, remember that each household member needs their own address change if you want all their mail forwarded — a single form does not cover everyone living at the address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address over the phone?

No, USPS does not process address changes by phone. You can call 1-800-275-8777 to request a paper form be mailed to you, but you must fill it out and return it by mail or submit it in person at a post office. The online option at usps.com is the fastest way to change your address.

What if I move and do not change my address with USPS?

Mail sent to your old address will be delivered there, not to your new location. Your landlord, neighbors, or the new resident may receive your mail. You will miss important documents from banks, government agencies, and employers. Changing your address with USPS ensures mail is forwarded automatically.

How long does USPS keep forwarding my mail?

You choose the forwarding period when you submit your change: four months, six months, one year, or eighteen months. After that period ends, mail sent to your old address is returned to the sender as undeliverable. You can renew your forwarding before it expires if you need it longer.

Do I have to pay $1.10 for each person in my family?

Yes, each person needs their own address change. If you have a spouse and two children, that is four separate changes at $1.10 each online, or four free paper forms at the post office. Paper forms are the cheaper option for larger households.

What if I entered my new address wrong on the online form?

Contact USPS when ready at 1-800-275-8777 or visit your local post office. You may be able to cancel the change and submit a corrected one. If the incorrect address has already been processed, you will likely need to submit a new change with the correct address and pay another $1.10 online or submit a free paper form.