The fastest way to change your address online

The U.S. Postal Service lets you change your address online through their official website at usps.com. You fill out a form, pay a small fee (currently $1.10 for online changes), and your mail forwarding starts within a few business days. This is the one place you must notify — everything else flows from there, though you'll want to update other services separately so nothing gets lost in the meantime.

The USPS process takes about 10 minutes and requires your current address, new address, and a credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation email, and USPS will send a postcard to both your old and new addresses as verification. Mail forwarding typically begins within three to five business days of approval.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS online change of address at usps.com costs $1.10 and forwards mail within three to five business days.
  • You must notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services separately — USPS forwarding does not reach them automatically.
  • The USPS form requires your current address, new address, and a valid credit or debit card to complete.
  • Verification postcards arrive at both your old and new addresses; keep them as proof the change went through.

Step-by-step: changing your address on USPS.com

Go to usps.com and look for the "Change of Address" link, usually found under the "Mail & Shipping" section. Click it and select "Start" to begin a new change of address request. You'll be asked whether you're moving yourself, managing mail for a business, or handling someone else's mail — choose the option that matches your situation.

Enter your current address exactly as it appears on mail you receive now, then enter your new address. Choose your forwarding start date (USPS allows you to pick a date up to 30 days in the future). Select how long you want mail forwarded — options are 4 months, 6 months, or 12 months. Longer forwarding periods cost more: 4 months is $1.10, 6 months is $1.60, and 12 months is $2.75.

Review the address details carefully before paying. After you submit payment, USPS sends a confirmation email to the address you provide. You'll receive a second confirmation postcard at your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Keep both confirmations in case you need proof the change was processed.

What to update beyond USPS

USPS forwarding only redirects mail that has your name on it. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and subscription services need separate notifications or they'll send statements and bills to your old address. Start with accounts that send sensitive documents: banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and your employer's payroll department.

Contact each company directly through their website or customer service line. Most have an online account portal where you can update your address yourself without calling. For government benefits (Social Security, Medicare, unemployment), contact the agency directly — do not rely on mail forwarding for these. The IRS, state tax agencies, and your state's motor vehicle department also need separate notification.

Subscription services like streaming platforms, magazines, and utilities should be updated in your account settings or by calling their customer service. Retailers and online shopping accounts can usually be updated in your profile. The sooner you notify these services, the sooner they stop sending mail to the wrong place.

Timing: when forwarding starts and how long it lasts

Mail forwarding does not begin when ready. USPS processes your request over three to five business days, and the first forwarded mail may not arrive at your new address for a week or more after that. If you're moving on a specific date, submit your change of address request at least one week before you leave your old place.

Your forwarding period ends on the date you selected during signup. After that date, mail sent to your old address will not be forwarded — it will be returned to the sender or held at your old post office. If you need to extend forwarding, you can submit a new change of address request before the original one expires.

If you don't have a credit or debit card

USPS online change of address requires a credit or debit card for payment. If you don't have one, you can file a change of address in person at your local post office. Bring a photo ID and proof of your new address (a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement). The in-person fee is the same as online, and processing takes the same amount of time.

Some post offices also accept cash for in-person change of address requests, though this varies by location. Call your local post office ahead of time to confirm what payment methods they accept and whether you need to make an appointment.

Common mistakes that delay your forwarding

The most common error is entering your address differently than it appears on your current mail. If your mail says "123 Main Street" but you enter "123 Main St," the system may not recognize it as the same address. Copy your address exactly from a recent piece of mail or a utility bill.

Another mistake is submitting the change of address too close to your moving date. If USPS hasn't finished processing by the time you leave, mail sent to your old address during the processing period won't be forwarded. Submit your request at least a week before you move.

Some people forget to update individual accounts and then assume USPS forwarding failed when they don't receive a statement. USPS forwarding works, but only for mail addressed to you by name. Bills and statements from companies you haven't notified will go to your old address and won't be forwarded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if I'm moving to a different state?

Yes, USPS online change of address works for moves within the United States, including moves to a different state. Enter your new state and address during the form, and forwarding will begin on the date you select. The fee and processing time are the same regardless of distance.

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

Mail sent to your old address after your forwarding period expires will not be forwarded. It will be returned to the sender marked "No Forwarding Address on File" or held at your old post office. You can renew forwarding by submitting a new change of address request before the original one expires.

Do I need to change my address with the post office if I'm just moving within the same city?

Yes, you should still file a change of address even for a move within the same city. Your mail carrier needs to know your new address to deliver mail correctly. The process and fee are the same as any other move.

How long does it take to receive mail at my new address after I change it online?

USPS processes your request in three to five business days, but the first forwarded mail may take an additional week to arrive at your new address. Plan for up to two weeks total before you see forwarded mail. Mail sent directly to your new address by companies you've notified separately will arrive on the normal delivery schedule.

Can I cancel my change of address before it starts?

Yes, you can cancel a change of address request before the forwarding start date. Contact USPS through their website or call 1-800-275-8777. If forwarding has already begun, you cannot cancel it, but you can let it expire naturally or file a new change of address to return to your old address.