The fastest way to change your address is through USPS.com or at your local post office

The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles mail forwarding through a service called mail forwarding. You can start the process online at USPS.com without leaving home, or you can walk into any post office with a photo ID and complete a paper form. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10 for a temporary forward (up to 12 months) or $1.10 for a permanent forward. The post office processes your request within one business day, though mail may take a few days to start following you to your new address.

When you set up mail forwarding, USPS will redirect mail addressed to your old address to your new one. This covers most mail, but not all — some pieces like magazines and packages from retailers may not forward if they were sent with a service that doesn't participate in forwarding. For that reason, you should also notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and any subscription services directly of your new address.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS mail forwarding can be started online at USPS.com or at your local post office and takes effect within one business day.
  • Mail forwarding through USPS costs $1.10 and covers most mail, but some packages and magazines may not forward automatically.
  • You must notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services directly because they may not use USPS forwarding.
  • Changing your address with the DMV, voter registration, and your employer requires separate steps at each organization.
  • Keep your old address active for mail forwarding for at least 30 days, and longer if you are waiting for important documents.

What you need to start mail forwarding online

To use USPS.com, you will need your Social Security number, a valid photo ID, and a debit or credit card to pay the $1.10 fee. You will also need to know both your old address and your new address. The website will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history, so have that information ready.

If you do not want to provide your Social Security number online, you can go to your local post office instead. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and $1.10 in cash or card. The post office will fill out USPS Form 3575 with you and process it on the spot.

Notifying banks, insurance, and employers

USPS forwarding does not reach financial institutions, insurance companies, or your employer. These organizations maintain their own mailing lists and do not automatically check USPS forwarding records. Contact each one directly by phone, email, or through their online account portal to update your address.

Start with your bank and credit card companies — they need your current address for statements and fraud alerts. Then contact your auto insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, and health insurance. Call your employer's human resources department or payroll office to update your address for W-2 forms and any benefits mail. If you receive Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213 to update your address with the Social Security Administration.

Updating your driver's license and voter registration

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles driver's license address changes separately from USPS. Most states allow you to update your address online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Some states charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) for an address change, while others do it for free. Check your state's DMV website to see which method is available and whether you need to bring documents.

Voter registration is handled by your county or local election office, not the state. You can update your voter registration address online through your state's election website, by mail, or in person at your county clerk's office. Some states allow you to update your address when you renew your driver's license, so check whether your DMV will notify the election office automatically.

Updating subscriptions and online accounts

Log into any subscription services — streaming, magazines, meal kits, or memberships — and update your address in the account settings. Most services have an "Account" or "Profile" section where you can change your mailing address in under a minute. Do this even if you do not receive physical mail from them, because some services may send promotional materials or billing statements to your old address.

For online shopping accounts like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy, update the address in your account profile. This ensures that any future purchases ship to the correct location. If you have pending orders, check the order status to see whether they have already shipped — if they have, you may need to contact the seller to arrange redelivery or pick up the package at your old address.

How long to keep mail forwarding active

USPS recommends keeping mail forwarding active for at least 30 days, though many people keep it for 6 to 12 months. The longer you keep it active, the more likely you are to catch mail from organizations you forgot to notify. If you are waiting for important documents like tax refunds, medical records, or legal papers, keep forwarding active until you receive them.

After your forwarding period ends, any mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "No Longer at This Address." The sender may then contact you if they have another address on file, or the mail may be discarded. If you realize you need forwarding again after it has expired, you can set up a new forward at any time.

Common mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake is assuming USPS forwarding reaches everywhere. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies do not automatically receive forwarding notices, so you must contact them directly. Do not wait until after you move — start notifying organizations at least two weeks before your move date so mail does not pile up at your old address.

Another common mistake is forgetting to update your address with the DMV and voter registration. These are separate from USPS and require their own updates. If you move to a new state, you will need to get a new driver's license and re-register to vote in your new county — USPS forwarding will not handle either of these.

Do not discard mail from your old address when ready after you move. Some important documents may arrive weeks or months later, so check your forwarded mail regularly. If you set up forwarding for 12 months and then move again, you will need to update your address again with USPS and notify all your organizations a second time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address at the post office without going online?

Yes. Visit your local post office with a photo ID, proof of your new address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and $1.10. Fill out USPS Form 3575 and the post office will process it when ready. Your forwarding will start within one business day.

What happens to mail that arrives after my forwarding expires?

Mail sent to your old address after forwarding ends will be returned to the sender marked "No Longer at This Address." The sender may contact you if they have another address, or the mail may be discarded. You can set up a new forward at any time if you need it.

Do I need to notify my bank if I have mail forwarding set up?

Yes. Banks do not receive USPS forwarding notices automatically. Call your bank's customer service line or log into your online account to update your address. This is important for receiving statements and fraud alerts.

How long does USPS mail forwarding take to start?

USPS processes forwarding requests within one business day. Mail may take a few additional days to start following you to your new address, depending on postal delivery schedules. Some mail from retailers and subscription services may not forward at all if they use non-USPS shipping.

Can I set up mail forwarding before I move?

Yes. You can start forwarding up to 30 days before your move date. This ensures that mail begins redirecting as soon as you arrive at your new address. However, some mail may still arrive at your old address during the transition period.