The Post Office handles mail forwarding; other services need separate notifications

A change of address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) forwards your mail to a new location, but it does not automatically notify your bank, insurance company, employer, or government agencies. You need to file with USPS first, then contact each organization separately. The USPS change of address takes effect within three to five business days and lasts for 12 months, after which mail reverts to your old address.

The fastest way is online at usps.com. You can also file in person at any post office or by mail using Form 3575. Filing online costs $1.10 and takes a few minutes; in-person filing is free but requires a visit. Either way, you will need your old address, new address, and the date you want the forwarding to start.

Key Takeaways

  • File your USPS change of address at usps.com, at a post office, or by mailing Form 3575; it costs $1.10 online and is free in person.
  • USPS forwarding lasts 12 months and takes three to five business days to start, so file before you move if possible.
  • You must notify your bank, insurance, employer, government agencies, and subscription services separately—USPS does not forward that information.
  • Keep a list of organizations to contact and update your address with each one before or when ready after your move.
  • If you miss notifying someone, you can request mail forwarding from USPS for that sender, though it is slower than filing upfront.

Filing online at USPS.com

Go to usps.com and click "Mail & Packages" at the top, then select "Change of Address." You will enter your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. USPS will ask for your name, phone number, and email address. You can choose to forward mail for yourself, a family member, or a business.

At checkout, you pay $1.10 with a debit or credit card. USPS sends a confirmation email when ready. The forwarding takes effect within three to five business days. You will receive a second confirmation email when it activates. Keep both emails for your records in case mail goes to the wrong address during the transition.

Filing in person at a post office

Bring a photo ID and proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. Fill out Form 3575 at the counter. The postal clerk will process it on the spot, and you will receive a receipt. Filing in person is free and takes about 10 minutes.

This method is useful if you do not have a credit card for online payment or prefer to confirm the filing face-to-face. The forwarding still takes three to five business days to set up, so do not expect it to work when ready.

Filing by mail with Form 3575

read Form 3575 from usps.com or pick one up at your post office. Fill in your old address, new address, and forwarding start date. Sign and date the form. Mail it to your local post office—the address is on the form itself. Processing takes about two weeks, so this method is slower than online or in-person filing.

Use this route only if you cannot access the internet or visit a post office. Include a phone number or email so USPS can contact you if there is a problem with the form.

Notifying banks, insurance, and employers

USPS forwarding does not reach your bank, credit card company, insurance provider, or employer. Contact each one separately. Most banks let you update your address online through their website or app. Call the customer service number on the back of your card or check if you are unsure how to access your account.

For insurance (auto, home, health), call your agent or the company's customer service line. Have your policy number ready. Employers usually have a human resources or payroll department that handles address changes—email or call them directly. Update your address before your move if possible so paychecks and tax documents go to the right place.

Updating government agencies and subscriptions

The Social Security Administration, IRS, and your state's Department of Motor Vehicles all need separate notifications. You can update your Social Security address at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. For the IRS, file Form 8822 or update your address through your online IRS account at irs.gov. Your state's DMV has its own process—search "[your state] DMV change of address" to find the form or online portal.

Subscriptions, memberships, and online accounts (streaming services, email, shopping sites) also need manual updates. Go through your email inbox and look for receipts or confirmation messages from services you use regularly. Update each one as you find them. This prevents bills from going to your old address and keeps your accounts find.

What happens if you forget to notify someone

If mail from a specific sender still goes to your old address after USPS forwarding starts, you can file a second change of address just for that sender. Contact USPS and provide the sender's name and address. USPS will forward only their mail to your new location. This takes longer than the standard forwarding and is meant for situations where one organization did not receive your notification.

The better approach is to keep a checklist as you move. Write down every organization you need to contact—bank, insurance, employer, utilities, subscriptions, government agencies—and check them off as you update each one. This prevents mail from piling up at your old address or going to the wrong place.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does USPS forwarding last?

USPS forwarding lasts for 12 months from the date it starts. After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will no longer be forwarded. If you need forwarding to continue, you can file a new change of address before the 12 months expire.

Can I change my address if I do not have a photo ID?

Online filing requires a credit or debit card but not a photo ID. In-person filing at a post office requires a photo ID and proof of your new address. If you do not have either, ask the postal clerk what documents they can accept as proof of identity.

What if I move again before the 12 months is up?

File a new change of address with your second new address. USPS will update your forwarding to the most recent address you provided. The original 12-month period does not reset—it continues from your first filing date.

Do I need to notify the post office about mail I do not want forwarded?

No. USPS forwards all mail addressed to you at your old address. If you want to stop receiving mail from a specific sender, contact that organization directly and ask them to remove you from their mailing list.

Can someone else file a change of address for me?

Online, you can file for a family member or business if you have their old address and new address. In person, the person whose address is changing should be present with a photo ID, though a spouse or authorized representative may be able to file with proper documentation—ask your local post office about their policy.