Where to Change Your Address
The fastest way to change your mailing address is through the United States Postal Service (USPS) website at usps.com, where you can submit a change of address order in about five minutes. You can also do this in person at any post office, by phone at 1-800-275-8777, or by mail using USPS Form 3575. The online method costs $1.10 and takes effect within three to five business days; in-person and phone requests cost the same but may process slightly faster.
A USPS address change only redirects mail sent through the postal service. You will also need to update your address separately with your bank, employer, insurance companies, subscription services, government agencies, and any other organization that sends you mail or bills. There is no single form that updates everywhere at once.
Key Takeaways
- The USPS change of address form at usps.com is the fastest method and costs $1.10, taking three to five business days to process.
- A postal address change only redirects mail from the post office—you must update your address separately with banks, employers, and other organizations.
- You will need your new address, old address, and a valid ID to complete a change of address request.
- Mail forwarding lasts for 12 months, after which mail to your old address will stop being redirected unless you renew it.
- Update critical accounts like banking and government services within the first week to avoid missed bills or important documents.
Changing Your Address Online Through USPS
Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You will be asked for your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. The system will ask whether you are moving permanently or temporarily; choose permanent unless you plan to return to your current address within 12 months. You will also confirm whether you want mail forwarded for an individual or an entire household.
After you enter your information, USPS will ask you to verify your identity by providing a credit or debit card number. This is a security step—USPS does not charge your card unless you choose to pay the $1.10 fee online. If you do not have a card, you can pay in cash or check at the post office instead. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. Save this number in case you need to check the status of your request later.
Changing Your Address at the Post Office or by Mail
Walk into any post office with a valid ID and ask for a change of address form. The clerk will hand you USPS Form 3575 and can help you fill it out on the spot. Bring your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. You can pay the $1.10 fee with cash, check, or card. The post office will process your request when ready, though mail forwarding typically begins within three to five business days.
If you prefer to mail the form, read USPS Form 3575 from usps.com, fill it out completely, and mail it to your local post office. Include payment by check or money order. This method takes longer because the form must travel through the mail and then be processed, so use it only if you are moving more than a week away.
Updating Your Address with Banks and Financial Institutions
Contact your bank, credit card companies, and investment firms within the first week of your move. Most banks allow you to update your address online through their website or mobile app—log in, find the account settings or profile section, and look for "Update Address" or "Change Mailing Address." You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card or your account statement.
Updating your banking address is critical because banks send statements, fraud alerts, and tax documents to your mailing address. If these documents go to your old address and you do not pick them up, someone else could access sensitive information. Ask your bank whether they have a separate billing address and service address field; some allow you to keep a different address for each.
Notifying Your Employer, Government Agencies, and Insurance Companies
Contact your employer's human resources or payroll department to update your address for tax forms and paychecks. If you receive Social Security, Medicare, or other government benefits, update your address with the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you have a state driver's license or ID card, you will need to renew it or update it at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles; some states allow online updates, while others require an in-person visit.
Update your homeowners or renters insurance, auto insurance, and health insurance with your new address. Insurance companies use your mailing address to send policy documents and renewal notices, so missing these can result in a lapsed policy. Contact your insurance agent or log into your policy account online. Also update your address with the IRS if you are self-employed or expect a tax refund; you can do this through your tax return or by calling 1-800-829-1040.
Updating Subscriptions, Memberships, and Utilities
Go through your email inbox and look for recurring charges and subscriptions—streaming services, magazines, gym memberships, and online shopping accounts all have your address on file. Log into each account and update the address in the billing or account settings section. This prevents bills from going to your old address and keeps your account find.
Contact your utility companies (electric, gas, water, internet, phone) at least two weeks before you move. They need your new address to send bills and to schedule service at your new location. If you are renting, notify your landlord of your mailing address if it differs from your physical address. Also update your address with the post office for any packages or mail holds you may have set up.
What Happens to Mail Sent to Your Old Address
Once your USPS change of address takes effect, mail addressed to your old address will be forwarded to your new address for 12 months. After 12 months, the forwarding order expires and mail to your old address will be returned to the sender or discarded. If you think you will still need mail forwarded after a year, you can renew your change of address order before it expires.
Some mail will not be forwarded, including packages, magazines, and mail marked "Do Not Forward." If you are expecting important documents, contact the sender directly and give them your new address rather than relying on forwarding. First-class mail is forwarded reliably, but periodicals and marketing mail may not be, so update your address with publishers and retailers directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my address change to start working?
USPS typically processes address changes within three to five business days. If you submit your request online, you can check the status using the confirmation number you received. Mail sent to your old address will begin forwarding once the change takes effect, but mail already in transit may still arrive at your old address for a few days.
Can I change my address temporarily if I am moving for a few months?
Yes. When you submit your change of address request, USPS will ask whether your move is permanent or temporary. If you select temporary, you can set an end date, and mail forwarding will stop automatically on that date. After that, mail to your old address will no longer be forwarded.
What if I move again before my 12-month forwarding period ends?
Submit a new change of address request with your second new address. USPS will update your forwarding order, and mail will go to your most recent address instead. You do not need to cancel the first change of address; the new one will override it.
Do I need to update my address with the post office if I am moving within the same city?
Yes. Even if you are moving a few blocks away, you should submit a change of address request so mail goes to your correct new address. The post office uses address information to route mail, and an outdated address can cause delays or misdelivery.
What should I do if important mail is still going to my old address after the change takes effect?
Contact the sender directly and provide your new address. Some organizations, especially government agencies and financial institutions, may have your address on file in multiple systems. Updating one system may not update another, so calling to confirm is the safest approach.