The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your address with USPS online at usps.com using their Change of Address tool, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You fill in your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect, then pay by debit card or credit card. USPS will start forwarding your mail within three to five business days.

If you prefer not to go online, you can fill out Form 3575 in person at any post office and pay the same fee. The form is also available to print from usps.com if you want to mail it in, though mailing it takes longer — typically one to two weeks for processing.

The change lasts for 12 months. After that, your mail stops being forwarded and goes back to your old address, so you will need to update your address with banks, employers, and other senders before the year is up.

Key Takeaways

  • The online Change of Address tool at usps.com is the fastest method and begins forwarding mail within three to five business days.
  • You can also file Form 3575 in person at a post office or by mail, though in-person is faster than mailing the form.
  • Address forwarding lasts exactly 12 months, after which mail sent to your old address will no longer reach you.
  • You will need to notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services separately — USPS forwarding does not reach them automatically.
  • The fee is $1.10 whether you change your address online or at the post office.

What happens when you file a change of address

When USPS processes your change of address, they add your old address to a forwarding file. Mail carriers at your old address will see the file and place your mail in a separate bin to be forwarded. Mail sent to your new address goes directly to you without delay.

The forwarding service covers first-class mail, periodicals, and standard mail. It does not cover packages sent through UPS or FedEx, mail addressed to "Occupant" or "Current Resident," or mail from government agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration — those agencies keep their own address records and you must contact them separately.

USPS forwards mail for 12 months from the date you specify. If you move again within that year, you can file a second change of address and the new one will override the first. After 12 months, forwarding stops automatically and you will not receive a reminder.

Changing your address online step by step

Go to usps.com and look for the "Change of Address" link, usually found in the "Mail & Shipping" section. Click it to open the Change of Address tool.

Enter your current address exactly as it appears on your mail — including apartment number, suite number, or any other unit designation. Then enter your new address the same way. Choose the date you want forwarding to begin; USPS recommends the date you move or the date your lease starts.

Confirm your identity by entering your driver's license or state ID number and date of birth. Pay the $1.10 fee with a debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save or print this number in case you need to check the status of your change later.

Filing a change of address in person at the post office

Bring a photo ID and proof of your new address to any post office. Proof of new address can be a lease, a utility bill, a mortgage statement, or a government document showing your new address. The post office staff will fill out Form 3575 with you or hand you a blank form to complete yourself.

The form asks for your old address, new address, the date you want forwarding to start, and your signature. You will pay $1.10 at the counter. Processing begins when ready, and forwarding usually starts within three to five business days, the same as online filing.

In-person filing is useful if you do not have a debit or credit card, prefer to handle it face-to-face, or want to ask the postal worker questions about what will and will not be forwarded.

Mailing in your change of address form

You can read Form 3575 from usps.com, fill it out by hand, and mail it to your local post office. Include a check or money order for $1.10 made out to USPS. Write your phone number or email on the form so the post office can contact you if there is a problem.

Mail the form to the post office that serves your old address. You can find the correct address by entering your zip code at usps.com and looking up your local branch. Processing takes one to two weeks after the post office receives it, so this method is slowest and best used only if you cannot go online or visit in person.

What you still need to do after filing

USPS forwarding does not notify your bank, insurance company, employer, or subscription services. You must contact them separately and provide your new address. Start with accounts that send important documents — your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and the IRS.

Then update subscription services, online retailers, utility companies, and any medical providers. Many of these will let you update your address online through your account. For others, you may need to call or visit in person.

Update your address with the post office's Informed Delivery service if you use it, and with any mail-forwarding services you subscribe to separately. If you have a PO box, you will need to close it or update the address on file.

When USPS forwarding does not work

Government mail from the IRS, Social Security Administration, and Veterans Affairs does not follow USPS forwarding. You must contact each agency separately to update your address. The IRS has an online tool at irs.gov; Social Security requires a phone call to 1-800-772-1213 or a visit to your local office.

Mail from courts, law enforcement, and licensing agencies may not forward either. If you are expecting documents from a court or government office, contact them directly before you move to update your address in their system.

Packages from UPS, FedEx, and other carriers do not go through USPS and will not be forwarded. You must update your address with each carrier or retailer separately. Mail addressed to "Occupant," "Resident," or "Current Homeowner" is not forwarded because it is not addressed to you by name.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for USPS forwarding to start?

Forwarding usually begins within three to five business days if you file online or in person. If you mail the form, allow one to two weeks for the post office to receive and process it. The date you choose for forwarding to begin is when it starts, not when you file.

Can I change my address if I do not have a credit card?

Yes. Go to the post office in person with your ID and proof of your new address, and pay the $1.10 fee in cash. You can also mail Form 3575 with a check or money order. Both methods avoid needing a card.

What if I move again before the 12 months is up?

File a new change of address with your second new address. The new forwarding order will override the first one, and mail will be forwarded to your latest address instead. You pay $1.10 for each change.

Will my mail be forwarded if I move to a different state?

Yes. USPS forwarding works across state lines. File your change of address the same way, and mail will be forwarded from your old state to your new one within three to five business days.

Can someone else file a change of address for me?

Online, no — you must file it yourself with your ID number. In person, a family member or authorized person can file it if they bring your ID and proof of your new address, though the post office may ask questions. It is simpler to file it yourself.