The fastest way to change your address is through USPS.com or at your local post office

The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles mail forwarding through a service called mail forwarding. You can start the process online at USPS.com without leaving home, or you can walk into any post office with a form and ID. Online forwarding costs $1.10 and takes effect within three to five business days. In-person requests at the post office cost $1.10 as well and may process slightly faster, though both routes reach the same result: mail addressed to your old address gets sent to your new one for up to 12 months.

You will need your current address, your new address, and a valid ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID all work. If you are forwarding mail for someone else at your address (a spouse or adult family member), you can add them to the same request, but they must sign the form in person at the post office or you must submit separate requests online for each person.

Mail forwarding does not redirect packages from online retailers or bills from banks and insurance companies automatically. Those senders use address databases that update on their own schedule, which is why you also need to notify them directly.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS mail forwarding costs $1.10 online or at the post office and redirects mail for up to 12 months.
  • Forwarding takes three to five business days to start, so submit your request before you move if possible.
  • Banks, insurance companies, subscription services, and government agencies do not automatically receive your new address and must be notified separately.
  • You can change your address with the IRS, Social Security Administration, and your state's DMV through their own websites or offices.
  • Employers, healthcare providers, and utility companies need direct notification from you to update their records.

Notifying banks, credit cards, and insurance companies

Banks and credit card companies do not receive your new address from USPS, so you must contact them directly. Log into your online banking account and look for a profile or account settings section — most banks let you change your address there in under a minute. If you cannot find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your card or your bank statement.

Insurance companies (auto, home, health, or life) need your new address for billing and for policy purposes — your homeowner's or renter's insurance, for example, is tied to the physical address of the property. Call your insurance agent or the company's customer service line. Have your policy number ready. Some insurers let you update online through their website or mobile app.

Investment accounts, retirement accounts (401k, IRA), and brokerage firms also require direct notification. Log into your account online or call the firm's customer service number. These updates are important because the IRS and financial institutions use your address on file to send tax documents and year-end statements.

Updating your address with government agencies

The IRS does not automatically learn your new address from USPS. You can notify them by filing Form 8822-B (Change of Address) online through IRS.gov, by mail, or by calling 800-829-1040. If you file taxes, updating your address with the IRS ensures that tax refunds, notices, and documents reach you.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires you to visit your local Social Security office in person or call 1-800-772-1213 to change your address. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID. You can also create an account at ssa.gov and update your address online if you have already set up a my Social Security account.

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles driver's license and vehicle registration address changes. Most states let you update online through their DMV website, by mail with a form, or in person at a DMV office. Check your state's DMV website for the exact process — it varies by state. Some states charge a small fee; others do not.

Notifying employers, schools, and healthcare providers

Contact your employer's human resources or payroll department directly. They need your new address for W-2 forms, tax withholding, and benefits administration. Email or call HR and provide both your old and new addresses so there is no confusion.

If you receive healthcare through an employer plan, Medicare, Medicaid, or a private insurer, notify your healthcare provider's office directly. Call the main number or use the patient portal if your provider has one online. Your doctor's office, dentist, and any specialists you see all need the update so they can mail you bills, appointment reminders, and medical records if you request them.

Schools and universities need your new address for transcripts, financial aid documents, and student loan correspondence. Contact the registrar's office or student services office at your school. If you have student loans, notify your loan servicer directly — you can find your servicer's contact information at studentaid.gov.

Updating subscription services and memberships

Streaming services, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, and online shopping accounts do not automatically update from USPS. Log into each account online and look for account settings or profile information. Most services let you change your address in seconds through their website or app.

For services that do not have online accounts (a local gym, a newspaper subscription, a library card), call the business directly or visit in person. Have your account number or membership number ready.

Utility companies (electric, gas, water, internet, phone) need your new address so they can transfer service to your new location and send you bills. Contact each utility at least two weeks before you move. They will ask for your account number and your move date. Some utilities let you update online; others require a phone call.

What happens if you miss notifying someone

If you do not notify a bank or credit card company, bills will go to your old address and may pile up. Your account could be reported delinquent if you miss payments because you did not receive the bill. Check your online account regularly or set up paperless billing to avoid this problem.

If you do not update your address with the IRS or Social Security, tax refunds and benefits may be delayed or sent to the wrong place. If a refund is mailed to your old address, the new resident may receive it, and retrieving it becomes complicated. Update these agencies as soon as possible after you move.

If you do not notify your employer or healthcare provider, important documents like W-2 forms and medical bills may reach your old address. The new resident is not required to forward mail, so you may not receive these documents at all. This can cause problems with taxes and medical billing.

Timing: when to submit your address change

Submit your USPS mail forwarding request at least one week before you move, though two weeks is safer. This gives the post office time to process your request and start forwarding mail on your move date or shortly after.

Notify banks, insurance companies, and government agencies at least one to two weeks before you move. For utilities and internet service, contact them two to four weeks ahead so they can schedule disconnection at your old address and connection at your new one.

If you have already moved and forgot to submit a forwarding request, you can still do it — USPS will forward mail for up to 12 months from the date you submit the request. However, mail sent before you submitted the request will not be forwarded, so contact important senders (banks, insurance, IRS) right away and ask them to update their records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online with USPS without going to the post office?

Yes. Go to USPS.com, select "Mail & Shipping" and then "Change of Address," and follow the steps. You will need your current address, new address, and a valid ID. The cost is $1.10, and you can pay with a credit or debit card. Processing takes three to five business days.

Does USPS mail forwarding cover packages from Amazon and other online retailers?

No. USPS forwarding only covers mail sent by the postal service. Packages from online retailers use address databases that update on their own schedule. You must notify Amazon, eBay, and other retailers directly by updating your account profile before you move.

What if I move and do not have a forwarding address yet?

You can still submit a USPS forwarding request with your new address once you have one. If you need mail held temporarily, ask the post office about their mail hold service — they can hold mail for up to 30 days while you arrange forwarding. Call your local post office or visit in person to set this up.

Do I need to notify my car insurance company if I move to a different state?

Yes. Auto insurance rates and coverage rules vary by state, so your insurer needs to know your new address and state. Call your insurance agent or the company's customer service line when ready. Your policy may change, and your rates could go up or down depending on the new location.

How long does USPS mail forwarding last?

Mail forwarding lasts for up to 12 months from the date you submit your request. After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will no longer be forwarded. If you need forwarding to continue, you can submit a new request before the first one expires.