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

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) lets you file a change of address in three ways: through their website at usps.com, by filling out Form 3575 and mailing it to your local post office, or by walking into any post office location with your ID. The online method is fastest and costs $1.10; the other two are free. Your mail forwarding typically starts within three to five business days of approval, though USPS recommends filing at least two weeks before you move.

A change of address is not automatic when you move. Without filing, mail sent to your old address will either be returned to the sender or sit in the post office until it is discarded. The forwarding service lasts for 12 months if you file online or by mail, or 18 months if you file in person at the post office counter.

Key Takeaways

  • File your change of address online at usps.com for $1.10, or free by mail or in person at your post office.
  • Mail forwarding takes three to five business days to start, so file at least two weeks before your move date.
  • You will need a valid ID and your new address to file, whether online or in person.
  • Your forwarding lasts 12 months (online or mail) or 18 months (in person), after which mail stops being forwarded.
  • File separately for each person in your household; one change of address does not cover a spouse or adult children.

Filing online through USPS.com

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You will enter your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. USPS will ask for your name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. You will also choose whether you want mail forwarded for just yourself or for multiple people in your household — each person needs their own entry.

After you submit, USPS will charge $1.10 to a debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to check the status of your change of address or contact USPS about it. Forwarding usually begins within three to five business days, though it can take longer during peak moving season (May through September).

The online method is the most common because it is fast and you can file from home. The downside is that it costs money and lasts only 12 months. If you need forwarding for longer than a year, filing in person at the post office counter will give you 18 months instead.

Mailing Form 3575 to your post office

You can pick up Form 3575 (process for a Change of Address) at any post office, or read it from usps.com. Fill in your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. Sign and date the form, then mail it to your local post office — the address will be on the form itself, or you can ask a postal worker for it.

This method is free but slower than online filing. It typically takes one to two weeks for the post office to process the form after they receive it, plus whatever time the mail takes to reach them. For this reason, mail your form at least three weeks before you move. Keep a copy for your records.

Form 3575 covers one person only. If you have a spouse or adult children who also need mail forwarded, each person must submit their own form or file separately online.

Filing in person at your post office

Walk into any post office location with a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and ask to file a change of address. A postal worker will fill out the form with you or hand you a form to complete. You will provide your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. There is no fee.

Filing in person has two advantages: it is free, and it gives you 18 months of forwarding instead of 12. It also lets you ask questions in real time if you are unsure about anything. The downside is that you have to go to the post office during business hours, which may not be convenient.

If you are moving out of state or to a very different area, filing in person can also help you confirm that your new address is correct before the post office enters it into the system. A postal worker can catch typos or address format issues on the spot.

What happens to mail sent to your old address

Once your change of address is active, mail addressed to your old address will be forwarded to your new one. The post office will put a sticker on the envelope and send it along. This works for most mail, including bills, magazines, and packages.

Some mail will not be forwarded, even with an active change of address. This includes mail marked "Do Not Forward," certified mail, registered mail, and some government documents. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies often send mail that cannot be forwarded, so you should contact them directly with your new address rather than relying on USPS forwarding alone.

After your forwarding period ends (12 or 18 months depending on how you filed), mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "No Forwarding Address on File." This is why it is important to update your address with banks, employers, the IRS, and any other organization that sends you important mail.

Updating your address with other organizations

A USPS change of address forwards your mail, but it does not automatically update your address with banks, insurance companies, employers, or government agencies. You should contact these organizations directly to avoid missing important documents.

Start with your bank and credit card companies, your employer's payroll department, and the IRS. Then contact your insurance providers (auto, home, health), your utility companies, and any subscription services. If you receive Social Security, Medicare, or other government benefits, update your address with those agencies through their websites or by calling their customer service lines.

Updating your address in advance of your move prevents mail from being returned or delayed. It also protects you from missing tax documents, benefit notices, or account statements that you may need for financial or legal reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a change of address for my spouse?

Yes. Each person in your household needs their own change of address, even if you are married and moving together. When you file online or by mail, you can add multiple people in one transaction, but each person is listed separately. If you file in person, you can submit forms for multiple household members at the same time.

What if I do not know my new address yet?

You can file a change of address with a temporary address and update it later. Some people file with a friend's or family member's address temporarily, then file again once they have a permanent address. You can also wait to file until you have your final address confirmed, though this means your forwarding will start later.

Can I cancel or change my change of address after I file it?

Yes. If you filed online, you can log back into usps.com and cancel it before the forwarding date starts. If you filed by mail or in person, contact your local post office directly. If forwarding has already started, you can file a new change of address to correct the address or extend the forwarding period.

What if mail arrives at my old address after I move?

If your forwarding is still active, the post office will forward it to your new address. If your forwarding has expired or the mail is marked "Do Not Forward," it will be returned to the sender. This is why updating your address directly with banks and other important organizations is crucial — do not rely only on USPS forwarding.

Does a change of address cost money?

Filing online costs $1.10. Filing by mail (Form 3575) or in person at the post office is free. The online fee is a one-time charge per person per move, not a monthly or recurring fee.