Start with the Post Office, then move to banks and bills

A change of address begins at the United States Postal Service. File a form with USPS first—it takes three to five business days to process, and during that window your mail will still arrive at your old address. Once USPS has your new address on file, they will forward your mail to the new location for up to 12 months. After that, mail stops being forwarded and returns to the sender.

While USPS handles mail forwarding, you need to notify banks, insurance companies, utilities, and subscription services separately. USPS forwarding does not reach them automatically. The order matters: start with USPS, then contact your financial institutions and service providers while mail is still being forwarded to catch anything you miss.

Key Takeaways

  • File a change of address with USPS using Form 3575 online at usps.com or in person at your local post office; processing takes three to five business days.
  • USPS forwards mail for 12 months, but banks, insurance, utilities, and subscriptions do not receive your new address automatically and must be notified separately.
  • Contact your bank, credit card companies, and insurance providers first, since they send statements and important documents you cannot afford to miss.
  • Update utilities, subscription services, and retailers after financial institutions, working through your list systematically to avoid overlooking accounts.
  • Keep your old address on file with at least one trusted contact for a few months in case mail arrives there after you move.

Filing your change of address with USPS

Go to usps.com and select "Change of Address" under the "Mail & Packages" section. You will enter your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. USPS charges $1.10 for an online filing. You can also walk into any post office, pick up Form 3575, fill it out by hand, and submit it there at no cost. Either way, the change takes effect three to five business days after you submit it.

During those three to five days, mail addressed to your old location will still arrive there. After the change is active, USPS will forward mail to your new address for 12 months. After 12 months, mail stops being forwarded and returns to the sender marked "Moved, Left No Address." This is why notifying banks and other institutions directly matters—if they still have your old address after the 12-month window closes, you will stop receiving their statements and notices.

Notify your bank and credit card companies

Contact your bank by phone, through their online banking portal, or in person at a branch. Have your account number ready. The bank will update your mailing address in their system, usually within one business day. Do the same for every credit card you hold, even if they are issued by the same bank—each card account is separate in their system.

Your bank uses your address to send statements, tax documents, and fraud alerts. If mail from your bank goes to your old address after you move, you might miss a notice about suspicious activity or fail to receive a 1099 form at tax time. Call the customer service number on the back of each card or log into your online account to find the address update option.

Update insurance, loans, and government documents

Contact your auto insurance, home or renters insurance, and health insurance companies. Each one maintains your address separately. Call the number on your policy or log into your online account. For auto insurance, updating your address is especially important because your policy is tied to the address where the vehicle is garaged—an incorrect address can affect your coverage.

If you have a mortgage or car loan, notify the lender. If you receive Social Security, unemployment benefits, or other government payments, update your address with the relevant agency. For Social Security, go to ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. For unemployment, contact your state's labor department. If you are registered to vote, update your voter registration with your local election office or through your state's election website.

Change address with utilities and service providers

Contact your electric, gas, water, internet, and phone providers. Most allow you to update your address online through their customer portal or by calling customer service. Utilities need your new address so they can send bills and shut-off notices to the correct location. Internet and phone providers need it for service appointments and billing.

If you are moving to a new house or apartment, you will also need to set up new accounts with utilities at the new address. Call ahead to schedule disconnection at your old address and connection at your new one. Coordinate the timing so you do not lose service during the move. Some utilities require notice 24 to 48 hours in advance.

Update subscriptions, retailers, and other accounts

Go through your email inbox and look for subscription confirmations—streaming services, magazines, software, gym memberships, and online retailers all have your address on file. Log into each account and update the address in your profile or account settings. Many sites have an "Account" or "Settings" link where you can change your mailing address without calling.

Update your address with any retailers where you have a loyalty account or have saved a payment method. This includes grocery stores, pharmacies, and online shopping sites. If you order packages regularly, make sure your address is current so deliveries go to the right place. Check your email for any accounts you may have forgotten about—old online orders, forum memberships, or services you signed up for years ago.

Keep records and watch for mail at your old address

Write down the date you filed your change of address with USPS and the date each institution confirmed the update. Keep this list for your records. If a bill or statement arrives at your old address after you move, you will know which company did not process the change.

Ask the person who lives at your old address (if you are renting) or the new owner (if you sold) to let you know if mail arrives for you. You can also ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check your old mailbox occasionally during the first few months. Some mail takes weeks or months to process the address change, so do not be surprised if something arrives at the old address three or four months after you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does USPS mail forwarding last?

USPS forwards mail for 12 months from the date your change of address takes effect. After 12 months, mail stops being forwarded and returns to the sender. If you need forwarding to continue, you can file a new change of address before the 12 months end.

Do I have to pay to change my address with USPS?

Filing online at usps.com costs $1.10. Filing in person at a post office with Form 3575 is free. Both methods take three to five business days to process.

What if I miss updating an account and mail goes to my old address?

USPS will forward it to your new address for up to 12 months. After that, the mail will be returned to the sender. Contact the company directly and ask them to resend the document to your new address, or request they email it to you instead.

Can I change my address before I move?

Yes. You can file your change of address up to 30 days before your move date. Choose the date you want the forwarding to start, and USPS will begin forwarding mail on that date.

What happens to mail from companies I forgot to notify?

If they still have your old address after the 12-month USPS forwarding period ends, their mail will be returned to them marked "Moved, Left No Address." Contact the company and provide your new address so they can resend important documents like statements or tax forms.