The fastest way to change your address

You can change your address with the U.S. Postal Service online at usps.com using their Change of Address tool, which takes about 10 minutes. You provide your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. The USPS charges a fee—currently $1.10 for online changes—and processes the request within one business day. Mail forwarding then begins on the date you specify and lasts for 12 months.

If you prefer not to go online, you can fill out Form 3575 (process for a Domestic Change of Address) at any post office and hand it to a clerk. The form is free, but the service fee is the same. Processing takes a few days longer this way, usually three to five business days.

Do not use email or phone to request a change of address. The USPS only accepts changes through their website, in person at a post office, or by mail if you send the completed form to your local post office.

Key Takeaways

  • The online Change of Address tool at usps.com is the fastest method and costs $1.10; processing takes one business day.
  • You can also fill out Form 3575 in person at a post office for the same fee; this takes three to five business days.
  • Your forwarding order lasts 12 months, after which mail to your old address will no longer be forwarded.
  • The USPS will not process changes by phone, email, or through third-party websites, even if they claim to offer the service.
  • You should notify banks, employers, insurance companies, and subscription services separately—the postal service forwards mail but does not update your address in other organizations' records.

What information you need before you start

Have your old address and new address ready, including ZIP codes. You will also need to know the date you want forwarding to begin—this can be today or up to 30 days in the future. If you are changing your address for a business, you will need the business name and the person authorized to make the change.

The USPS will ask you to verify your identity. Online, this usually means answering security questions based on your credit history, or providing a credit card to charge the fee. In person, bring a photo ID and your payment method.

How to change your address online

Go to usps.com/changeofaddress and click "get your free guide." Enter your old address and confirm it matches USPS records. Then enter your new address, select the date you want forwarding to begin, and choose whether this is for yourself or a business.

Next, you will answer identity verification questions or be asked to provide a credit card. The USPS uses this to confirm you are the person authorized to make the change. Once verified, you will see a confirmation number and receipt. Save or print this—you may need it if you contact the USPS later about your forwarding order.

Your forwarding order becomes active on the date you specified. If you chose today, mail forwarding can begin within 24 hours, though it sometimes takes a day or two for all mail carriers to receive the update.

Changing your address in person at a post office

Visit your local post office and ask for Form 3575. A clerk will give you the form and can answer questions while you fill it out. Complete all required fields: your old address, new address, the date forwarding should start, and your signature. You can submit the form when ready and pay the fee at the counter.

Processing takes three to five business days from the date you submit the form. The post office will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this in case you need to check on your order later or make changes.

What happens after you submit your change

Once your change is processed, the USPS will forward mail addressed to your old address to your new one for 12 months. This includes first-class mail, magazines, and packages. However, some mail—like certified mail and packages requiring a signature—may not forward automatically, and the sender may be notified that you have moved.

After 12 months, your forwarding order expires. Any mail sent to your old address after that date will not reach you. If you need forwarding to continue, you can submit a new change of address before the 12 months are up.

The postal service does not notify other organizations that you have moved. You must contact your bank, insurance company, employer, subscription services, and government agencies separately to update your address in their records. Relying only on mail forwarding can cause you to miss bills, tax documents, and important notices.

Changing your address for a business or family members

If you are changing the address for a business, you will need to provide the business name and your title or authorization. The person making the change must be authorized to do so—typically an owner, manager, or officer.

If you live with family members and each person has mail in their name, each person needs their own change of address. The USPS does not forward mail for an entire household under one request. You can submit multiple forms at once, but each person pays the fee separately.

If you need to cancel or modify your change of address

You can cancel or change your forwarding order online at usps.com if you have your confirmation number. Go to the Change of Address tool, select "Manage Your Change of Address," and enter your confirmation number and ZIP code. You can then cancel the order or update the forwarding end date.

If you do not have your confirmation number, visit your local post office with a photo ID and ask a clerk to look up your order using your old and new addresses. They can cancel or modify it for you at the counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address before I move?

Yes. When you submit your change of address, you can choose a start date up to 30 days in the future. This lets you set up forwarding before you actually move, so mail sent to your old address after moving day will still reach you.

Does the postal service notify my banks and insurance companies?

No. The USPS only forwards mail; it does not update your address with other organizations. You must contact your bank, insurance company, employer, and any subscription services separately. Failing to do this can cause you to miss bills and important documents.

What if I move again within the 12-month forwarding period?

You can submit a new change of address for your second move. Your first forwarding order will end, and the new one will begin on the date you specify. Mail sent to your first new address will then forward to your second new address.

Is there a way to change my address without paying the fee?

No. The USPS charges $1.10 for all domestic changes of address, whether you submit online or in person. This fee is set by the postal service and does not vary.

What if the USPS says my address does not exist?

This usually means the address format does not match USPS records exactly. Try entering your address with the apartment or unit number, or without it. If you still have trouble, visit your local post office with your lease or utility bill showing your address, and a clerk can help you format it correctly.