You can change your address in person, by mail, or online through USPS
The fastest way to change your address is online at usps.com through the USPS Address Change service, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You can also walk into any post office with a filled-out Form 3575 and pay the same fee in cash or card. If you prefer mail, you can request Form 3575 from your local post office, fill it out, and send it in—this takes longer because the form has to travel to your old address first.
Your address change takes effect within three to five business days after USPS processes it. During that window, mail sent to your old address will still arrive there, so notify important senders (banks, employers, insurance companies) directly rather than waiting for the post office to redirect everything. The redirect itself lasts 12 months, after which mail to your old address stops being forwarded.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes at usps.com are the fastest option and cost $1.10, taking effect in three to five business days.
- You can change your address in person at any post office with Form 3575 and payment, without needing an appointment.
- Mail forwarding lasts 12 months, so contact your bank, employer, and other important senders directly with your new address.
- If you change your mind within 30 days, you can cancel the address change by visiting a post office or calling 1-800-ASK-USPS.
Changing your address online at USPS.com
Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You will need to enter your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. USPS will ask for your name, phone number, and email address. You must also provide a credit or debit card to pay the $1.10 fee—USPS does not accept PayPal or other payment methods online.
After you submit, USPS sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history (questions like "which of these addresses have you lived at"). This verification step usually takes a few minutes. Once you pass it, your address change is submitted and will process within three to five business days.
If you do not receive a confirmation email within a few minutes, check your spam folder. If it is not there, your payment may not have gone through—log back into usps.com and check your account under "Manage My USPS Notifications" to see the status.
Changing your address in person at the post office
Pick up Form 3575 (Statement of Applicant for Successor in Interest) at any post office, or read it from usps.com before you go. Fill out the form with your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. You will need to sign and date it. Bring the form and $1.10 (cash or card) to any post office and hand it to the clerk at the counter.
You do not need an appointment. Walk-in service is available during regular post office hours. The clerk will process your form on the spot and give you a receipt. Your address change takes effect within three to five business days, the same as online.
Bring a photo ID if you have one—the clerk may ask to see it, though it is not always required. If you are changing the address for a business or a deceased person's mail, bring documentation showing you have the authority to make the change (a business license, power of attorney, or death certificate).
Changing your address by mail
Request Form 3575 from your local post office or read it from usps.com. Fill it out completely with your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. Sign and date the form, then mail it with $1.10 (check or money order only—USPS does not accept cash by mail) to your local post office. The address is on the form itself.
This method is slower because USPS must receive the form at your old address first, verify it, and then process it. The entire process usually takes two to three weeks. Use this method only if you cannot go online or visit a post office in person.
What happens after you submit your address change
USPS will forward mail sent to your old address to your new one for 12 months. After 12 months, mail to your old address will no longer be forwarded and will be returned to the sender or discarded. If you move again before the 12 months are up, you can submit a new address change and the forwarding period resets.
During the first few weeks after your change takes effect, some mail may still arrive at your old address because it was already in the mail system when you submitted the change. This is normal. If you are concerned about missing important mail, contact your bank, insurance company, employer, and other regular senders directly and give them your new address.
If you change your mind within 30 days of submitting your address change, you can cancel it. Visit any post office with your receipt or call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to request cancellation. After 30 days, you cannot cancel—you would have to submit a new address change to go back to your old address.
Address changes for businesses and special situations
If you are changing the address for a business, bring a business license or other proof that you own or manage the business. If you are changing the address for someone who has died, bring a death certificate and proof that you are authorized to handle their mail (such as power of attorney or a letter from the estate). If you are changing the address for a minor, a parent or guardian must submit the change in person with a photo ID.
If you are in the military and moving to a base address, you can still use the standard address change process. USPS will forward mail to your base address the same way it would to a civilian address. If you are moving overseas, USPS has a separate process—contact your local post office for details on military mail forwarding.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume that changing your address with USPS automatically updates your address with banks, insurance companies, or government agencies. USPS only forwards mail—it does not notify other organizations. You must contact each one separately. Missing this step can result in important bills or notices going to your old address and being lost.
Do not wait until after you move to submit your address change. Submit it a few days before your move date so the forwarding is in place when mail starts arriving at your new address. If you submit it after you have already moved, there may be a gap where mail goes to your old address and is not forwarded.
Do not pay more than $1.10 for a standard address change. Some third-party websites claim to offer address change services for higher fees. USPS charges only $1.10, whether you do it online, in person, or by mail. Use usps.com or visit a post office directly to avoid overpaying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my address change to start working?
Your address change takes effect within three to five business days after USPS processes it. During that time, mail sent to your old address will not yet be forwarded. If you need mail forwarded when ready, submit your change as soon as possible—online is fastest.
Can I change my address if I do not have a photo ID?
Yes. A photo ID is helpful but not required at the post office. The clerk may ask security questions instead to verify your identity. If you are changing your address online, you will need to answer security questions based on your credit history, which serves as verification.
What if I move again before my 12-month forwarding period ends?
Submit a new address change for your second move. The new forwarding period will start from the date you submit the second change, and your first forwarding will stop. You will pay $1.10 for the second change as well.
Will my address change affect my mail at work or a PO Box?
No. An address change only affects mail sent to your home address. If you have a PO Box or mail at a workplace, you must submit separate address changes for each one, or contact the organization managing that address directly.
Can I cancel my address change after 30 days?
No. Once 30 days have passed, you cannot cancel. If you need to go back to your old address, you would have to submit a new address change form with your old address as the destination and pay another $1.10 fee.