You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at your local post office

The fastest way is the USPS Postal Service's online tool, called USPS Change of Address, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You can also fill out form PS 3575 in person at any post office or request it by mail. The post office will forward your mail to your new address for up to 12 months, though you can end the service earlier if you move back or no longer need it.

Your forwarding order starts on the date you submit it—not the date you move. If you move on the 15th but submit your change on the 20th, mail sent between the 15th and 20th will go to your old address. Plan to submit your change a few days before moving day, or as soon as you know your new address.

Key Takeaways

  • The online USPS Change of Address tool at usps.com is the fastest method and costs $1.10 for a single address change.
  • Your forwarding order begins the day you submit it, so submit your change before mail starts arriving at your new place.
  • Mail forwarding lasts up to 12 months, and you can cancel it anytime through your online account or by visiting the post office.
  • If you change your address in person, bring a valid ID and proof of your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement.
  • The post office forwards First-Class Mail and packages, but not magazines, newspapers, or mail marked "Do Not Forward."

Changing your address online through USPS

Go to usps.com and click on "Manage My Mail" in the top navigation. Select "Change of Address" and log in with your USPS account, or create one if you don't have one yet. You'll need a valid email address and a password. The account takes less than a minute to set up.

Enter your current address, your new address, and the date you want the forwarding to start. You can choose to forward mail for just yourself, your whole household, or a business. At the end, you'll pay $1.10 by credit or debit card. The post office will send you a confirmation email, and your forwarding order is active when ready.

Keep your confirmation number and the email receipt. If mail still arrives at your old address after a few days, you can use the confirmation number to check the status of your order on the USPS website.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into any post office with form PS 3575, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a lease, a utility bill, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Tell the clerk you want to file a change of address. They will fill out the form with you or hand it to you to complete. The cost is $1.10, paid by cash or card. The clerk will give you a receipt. Your forwarding order starts that day.

If you don't have proof of your new address yet—because you're moving to a temporary location or haven't received a bill—ask the clerk what documents they can accept. Some post offices will take a signed letter from a landlord or a lease with a handwritten move-in date.

Changing your address by mail

Request form PS 3575 by calling 1-800-275-8777 or visiting your local post office. Fill out the form with your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. Include a copy of your ID and a copy of proof of your new address. Mail the form and copies to your local post office—the address is on the form itself.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the post office receives your form. You won't receive a confirmation email with this method, so keep a copy of what you mailed. If you need to check the status, call 1-800-275-8777 and have your confirmation number ready (write down the date and time you mailed the form).

What the post office will and won't forward

The post office forwards First-Class Mail (regular letters and bills), Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and packages. They also forward mail sent by certified mail and registered mail. Forwarding is automatic—you don't need to tell anyone.

The post office does not forward magazines, newspapers, or mail marked "Do Not Forward." They also don't forward mail addressed to "Resident" or "Occupant." If a sender has marked an envelope "Address Service Requested," the post office will notify the sender of your new address instead of forwarding the mail.

Some mail—like tax documents or court notices—may not forward if the sender has paid for restricted delivery. If important mail doesn't arrive within two weeks of moving, contact the sender and give them your new address directly.

How long forwarding lasts and how to stop it

Mail forwarding lasts for 12 months from the date you submit your change of address. After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender or discarded. You can cancel forwarding anytime before the 12 months are up.

To cancel online, log into your USPS account, go to "Manage My Mail," and select "Cancel Change of Address." To cancel in person, visit your local post office with your ID and ask the clerk to end your forwarding. You can also call 1-800-275-8777 to cancel by phone.

If you move again, you can file a new change of address order. The new order will override the old one, and forwarding will start on the new date you choose.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address

The most common mistake is submitting your change too late. If you move on the 15th but don't submit your change until the 20th, any mail that arrived between those dates goes to your old address. Submit your change at least three days before you move, or as soon as you have your new address confirmed.

Another mistake is not updating your address with individual senders. The post office forwards mail, but banks, insurance companies, employers, and government agencies need your new address directly. They won't automatically know you've moved. Make a list of places that send you mail and contact them separately—this includes your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, employer, and any subscription services.

Don't assume the post office will forward mail addressed to "Resident" or old tenant names. If you're moving into a place where someone else lived, mail for the previous resident won't be forwarded to you. If you receive mail for the old resident, write "Return to Sender—Person No Longer at This Address" on the envelope and put it back in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I'm moving to a PO box?

Yes. Enter your PO box number as your new address when you file your change of address. Mail will be forwarded to your PO box for 12 months. If you later move away from that PO box, you can file another change of address to forward mail to a street address or a new PO box.

What if I move and don't have proof of my new address yet?

Ask your post office clerk what documents they accept. Many will take a signed lease, a letter from your landlord on their letterhead, or a utility bill with a handwritten move-in date. If you're moving to a temporary address, explain that to the clerk—some offices will process your change without a recent bill if you have a lease or signed agreement.

Does the post office forward mail to other countries?

No. If you're moving outside the United States, the post office will return mail to the sender or hold it for a limited time. Contact your bank, employer, and other senders directly and give them your new international address. Some countries have their own postal forwarding services you can use.

Can I change my address for just one person in my household?

Yes. When you file your change of address, you can choose "Individual" instead of "Entire Household." Only mail addressed to that person's name will be forwarded. Mail addressed to other household members will stay at the old address unless they file their own change of address.

What happens to mail that arrives after my 12-month forwarding period ends?

Mail sent to your old address after the 12 months are up will be returned to the sender or discarded, depending on whether the sender included a return address. The post office won't hold it or forward it. If you need forwarding to continue, file a new change of address before the 12 months expire.