Change your address online or by mail with USPS

The fastest way to change your address with USPS is through their online form at usps.com/move. You fill in your old and new addresses, choose an effective date, and pay a one-time fee of $1.10. The whole process takes about five minutes. USPS will then forward your mail to your new address for up to 12 months.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it in person, you can fill out Form 592 at your local post office. The fee is the same, and the process works the same way — mail forwarding starts on the date you choose. Either method sends a confirmation to your old address so you can verify the change went through.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS forwards mail for 12 months after you submit a change of address, whether you do it online or at the post office.
  • The online form at usps.com/move costs $1.10 and takes about five minutes; no appointment needed.
  • You will receive a confirmation card at your old address within a few days to verify the change was processed.
  • Mail forwarding does not cover packages, bills, or subscriptions — you need to contact those senders separately to update your address.
  • If you move back to your old address within 12 months, you can file another change of address; USPS will not refund the original fee.

Using the USPS online form

Go to usps.com/move and select "Start" under the change of address option. You will need your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. The form asks whether this is a permanent move or a temporary one — temporary forwarding lasts up to one year, and permanent forwarding also lasts up to one year but is meant for people who do not plan to return.

After you enter both addresses and choose your start date, USPS asks for a phone number and email address. Pay the $1.10 fee with a debit or credit card. You will get a confirmation number on screen. Within three to five business days, USPS mails a confirmation card to your old address — this is your proof that the change went through. Keep it in case you need to dispute a forwarding issue later.

The online form is available 24 hours a day. USPS processes most changes within one business day, though mail forwarding may take a few days to set up across all postal facilities.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into any USPS location with a photo ID and ask for Form 592. Fill it out with your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. You do not need an appointment. Hand the form to the clerk along with $1.10 in cash or card payment.

The clerk will give you a receipt and tell you when to expect your confirmation card at your old address. The process is identical to the online method — mail forwarding lasts up to 12 months, and you will receive written confirmation within a few days. This option is useful if you do not have a credit card or prefer to handle it face-to-face.

What mail forwarding covers and what it does not

USPS forwards first-class mail, periodicals, and standard mail to your new address. This includes letters, magazines, and most promotional mail. However, forwarding does not cover packages, certified mail, or mail marked "Do Not Forward." Those pieces return to the sender instead.

Forwarding also does not update your address with banks, insurance companies, subscription services, or government agencies. You must contact each sender separately to change your address on file. This is especially important for bills, tax documents, and official notices — missing these can cause real problems. Make a list of everyone who sends you mail and update them within a week of your move.

If you have a PO Box, changing your home address does not affect it. You need to update the PO Box separately at the post office if you want to change who can access it or where notices go.

Timing and what to expect after you submit

Mail forwarding typically begins within one to three business days of when you submit your change of address. During the first week, some mail may still arrive at your old address because it was already in the system before your change took effect. This is normal and happens because mail is sorted and sent in batches.

Your confirmation card arrives at your old address within three to five business days. If you do not receive it after a week, contact your local post office to verify the change went through. Keep the confirmation card for your records — you may need it if a sender claims they never received a forwarding notice.

Forwarding lasts for 12 months from your start date. After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will no longer be forwarded and will be returned to the sender or treated as undeliverable. If you know you will still be at your new address after 12 months, you do not need to do anything — the mail will straightforward stay with you because you live there.

Moving back or changing your address again

If you move back to your old address within the 12-month forwarding period, you can file a new change of address. USPS will not refund your original $1.10 fee. You pay another $1.10 to set up forwarding from your temporary address back to your original one.

If you move to a third address before the first forwarding period ends, you can file another change of address. USPS will forward mail from your old address to your new address, then forward mail from your second address to your third address. This chain of forwarding works for the remainder of the original 12-month period, but it can be slow — mail may take longer to reach you because it goes through multiple forwarding steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the $1.10 fee if I change my address at the post office instead of online?

No, the fee is the same either way — $1.10. The online form and the in-person form cost the same amount. You cannot avoid the fee by choosing one method over the other.

What happens to mail that arrives after my 12 months of forwarding ends?

Mail sent to your old address after the 12-month period expires will not be forwarded. The postal carrier will mark it "Return to Sender" and send it back to whoever mailed it. This is why you should update your address with banks, insurers, and other regular senders before the forwarding period ends.

Can someone else file a change of address for my home if I am not there?

No. USPS requires the person whose name is on the mail to file the change of address in person at the post office with a photo ID, or to file it online themselves. This is a security measure to prevent mail theft. If you cannot do it yourself, you can authorize someone to do it on your behalf, but you must sign a form giving them permission.

Will USPS forward mail to a PO Box?

Yes, you can have mail forwarded to a PO Box if that is your new address. Enter the PO Box number as your new address when you file the change of address. Mail will be delivered to that box for the 12-month forwarding period.

Does changing my address with USPS update my address with the DMV or Social Security?

No. USPS only forwards mail — it does not share your new address with any government agency. You must contact the DMV, Social Security Administration, and any other agencies separately to update your address on file with them.