The fastest way to change your address online

The U.S. Postal Service lets you change your address online through their website at usps.com. You fill out a form, pay a small fee (currently $1.10 for online submission), and the change takes effect within a few days. This is the main address change most people need — it tells the post office to forward your mail to your new location for up to 12 months.

The process takes about five minutes. You will need your current address, your new address, and a credit or debit card to pay the fee. The post office will send you a confirmation email, and you can check the status of your change anytime by logging back into your account.

If you do not want to pay the fee, you can fill out a paper form (PS Form 3575) at your local post office for free. But the online route is faster and you do not have to leave home.

Key Takeaways

  • The USPS online change of address at usps.com costs $1.10 and takes effect within a few days, while the paper form at your post office is free but requires a trip.
  • You will need your current address, new address, and a payment method to complete the online form in about five minutes.
  • The USPS change covers mail forwarding only — you must notify banks, employers, insurance companies, and subscriptions separately.
  • Other services like your driver's license, voter registration, and utility accounts have their own separate online change processes through state or local websites.
  • A forwarding order lasts up to 12 months, after which mail to your old address will no longer be redirected.

What the USPS online form asks for

When you go to usps.com and select "Change of Address," the form walks you through a few screens. First, you enter your current address exactly as it appears on mail you receive. Then you enter your new address. The form asks whether this is a permanent move or a temporary one — temporary forwarding is useful if you are moving for a few months and want mail sent to a temporary location.

Next, you choose an effective date. The post office can start forwarding mail as soon as the next business day, though it usually takes a few days for the change to process fully. You will also confirm the name on the account and provide an email address for your confirmation.

At the end, you pay the $1.10 fee with a debit or credit card. The post office will email you a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email — you may need it if you have questions later.

Services you must notify separately

The USPS change of address only redirects mail. It does not automatically update your address with banks, insurance companies, employers, government agencies, or subscription services. You will need to contact each one separately.

Start with the ones that send you important documents: your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and employer. Then move to utilities, subscriptions, and online retailers. Many of these have online account settings where you can change your address yourself — log in, find "Account Settings" or "Profile," and look for an address field. Others require you to call or send a written request.

For government services, your state's DMV website usually has an online form to change your driver's license address. Your state election office handles voter registration changes. The IRS has a form (Form 8822) if you need to update your tax records, though the post office forwarding usually covers tax documents for the first year.

How long the forwarding lasts and what happens after

A USPS forwarding order lasts for 12 months. After that, mail sent to your old address will no longer be redirected — it will be returned to the sender marked "No Forwarding Address on File" or delivered to whoever lives there next.

If you know you will be at your new address longer than 12 months, you do not need to do anything — the forwarding will straightforward expire and you will be settled. But if you move again before the 12 months are up, you can file a new change of address for your next location. The post office will forward mail from your old address to your new one.

If you move and forget to file a change of address, you can still set one up later. The post office will begin forwarding mail from the date you file, not from the date you moved. Any mail that arrived at your old address before you filed will not be forwarded.

Changing your address with your state and local government

Your driver's license and voter registration are separate from the postal service. Most states let you change your driver's license address online through the DMV website. Go to your state's DMV page, log into your account (or create one), and look for "Update Address" or "Change Address." You will need your license number and usually a payment method, though many states charge no fee for an address change.

Voter registration changes vary by state. Some states update your voter address automatically when you change your driver's license. Others require you to file a separate form through your county election office or state election board website. Search "[your state] voter registration address change" to find the right form and office.

If you rent or own your home, your utility companies (electric, gas, water) will need your new address. Most have online account portals where you can update this yourself. If you own property, your local assessor's office may need notification as well, though this is sometimes handled through your mortgage lender or title company during the closing process.

What to do if you do not have internet access

If you cannot change your address online, you can visit your local post office in person. Ask for form PS Form 3575 (Change of Address). Fill it out with your current address, new address, and effective date, and submit it at the counter. There is no fee for the paper form. Processing takes the same amount of time as the online version.

For driver's license and voter registration changes, most states also accept paper forms by mail or in person at the DMV or election office. Call your state DMV or county election office to ask what forms they need and where to send them.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is assuming the postal service change updates everything. It does not — you still have to contact your bank, insurance company, employer, and other services by hand. Start this process as soon as you file your postal change, because some organizations take weeks to process address updates.

Another mistake is entering your address incorrectly on the postal form. Double-check that your current address matches exactly what appears on your mail, including apartment numbers, directional prefixes (North, South, East, West), and spelling. If the post office cannot match your current address to their records, the form will be rejected.

Do not wait until after you move to file your change of address. File it a week or two before you leave, so the post office has time to process it. Mail sent to your old address during the processing period may not be forwarded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if I just moved yesterday?

Yes. You can file a change of address anytime, even after you have already moved. The post office will begin forwarding mail from the date you file the change, not from the date you moved. Any mail that arrived at your old address before you filed will not be forwarded, so it is better to file as soon as you know your new address.

Do I have to pay the $1.10 fee every time I move?

Yes, each change of address costs $1.10 if you do it online. The paper form at the post office is free. If you move frequently, the paper form may save you money, but the online version is faster.

What if my mail is still going to my old address after I filed a change?

Processing usually takes a few days, so mail arriving in the first week after you file may still go to your old address. If mail is still arriving at your old address after two weeks, contact the post office with your confirmation number. They can check the status and resubmit if needed.

Does the postal change of address work for packages and bills?

Yes, the forwarding covers all mail, including packages, bills, and letters. However, some large shippers like Amazon use their own delivery networks and may not honor postal forwarding. If you order frequently from a specific retailer, update your address directly in your account with them.

Can I set up a change of address for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the mail must file the change of address themselves, or you must have a power of attorney or legal guardianship. This is a security measure to prevent mail theft. If you are helping an elderly parent or family member, they will need to authorize you in writing or file the change themselves.