The Post Office handles mail forwarding, but you need to notify other services separately
Changing your postal address involves two separate steps. First, you file a mail forwarding request with the United States Postal Service (USPS), which redirects mail sent to your old address. Second, you contact each organization that has your address on file — banks, employers, subscription services, government agencies — and update it directly. The USPS step takes a few days to process; the second step can take weeks or months depending on how many places you need to contact.
The USPS forwarding service is not permanent. It lasts for one year if you request it online or by mail, or 18 months if you request it in person at a post office. After that period, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender. This means you should start notifying other services as soon as you move, not after the forwarding period ends.
Key Takeaways
- File a mail forwarding request with USPS online at usps.com, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your local post office.
- USPS forwarding lasts one year (online or mail) or 18 months (in person), so update your address with banks, employers, and subscriptions before the forwarding expires.
- Government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, and your state's DMV require separate address changes through their own systems.
- Utilities, insurance companies, and healthcare providers need your new address to send bills and important documents, so contact them within the first week of moving.
How to file a mail forwarding request with USPS
You can start a forwarding request online at usps.com without leaving your home. Go to the USPS website, select "Mail & Packages," then "Mail Forwarding." You will need your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. The online request costs $1.10 and takes effect within three to five business days. You will need a valid credit or debit card to pay.
If you prefer not to use the website, you can fill out USPS Form 3575 (process for a Permanent Change of Address) and mail it to your local post office, or bring it in person. The form is free and available at any post office or on the USPS website. Mailing the form takes longer — usually seven to ten business days — but filing in person is fastest and gives you an 18-month forwarding period instead of one year.
USPS forwarding does not cover packages sent through other carriers like UPS or FedEx. Those companies do not have access to USPS forwarding records. You will need to contact UPS and FedEx separately if you receive packages through them regularly.
Updating your address with banks and financial institutions
Contact your bank, credit card companies, investment firms, and loan servicers as soon as possible. Most banks allow you to change your address online through their website or mobile app — log in, find the account settings or profile section, and update your mailing address. If you cannot find the option online, call the customer service number on the back of your card or statement.
Financial institutions send statements, tax documents, and fraud alerts to your address on file. If they send a statement to your old address and it sits in a mailbox you no longer have access to, you may miss important information about your accounts. USPS forwarding will redirect these, but only for the year or 18 months the forwarding is active.
Update your address with your mortgage lender or landlord separately from your bank. If you rent, your lease may require you to notify your landlord in writing. If you have a mortgage, your lender needs your new address for property tax and insurance documents.
Notifying government agencies of your address change
The IRS, Social Security Administration, and your state's Department of Motor Vehicles each maintain separate address records. USPS forwarding does not automatically update these systems.
For the IRS, file Form 8822 (Change of Address) online through the IRS website, by mail to the address listed on the form, or through a tax professional. For Social Security, visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to request an address change. For your state's DMV, you can usually update your address online, by mail, or in person — the process varies by state. Check your state's DMV website for the specific steps.
If you receive unemployment benefits, SNAP, Medicaid, or other state benefits, contact your state's benefits office to update your address. Each program has its own system, and forwarding mail does not update your case file. The same applies to child support, workers' compensation, and other state-administered programs.
Updating utilities, insurance, and healthcare providers
Contact your electric, gas, water, and internet providers within the first week of moving. Most allow online updates through their customer portal. You will need to provide a move-out date for your old address and a move-in date for your new one. Some utilities require a final meter reading at your old address, so schedule that before you leave.
Notify your homeowners or renters insurance company, auto insurance company, and health insurance provider of your address change. Insurance companies use your address to calculate rates and to send renewal notices and policy documents. If they send a renewal notice to your old address and you do not receive it because the forwarding has expired, your policy may lapse without your knowledge.
If you have a primary care doctor, dentist, or other regular healthcare provider, update your address in their patient portal or call their office. Healthcare providers need your correct address to send appointment reminders, test results, and bills. If you are enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid, update your address with those programs as well.
Updating subscriptions, memberships, and online accounts
Go through your email inbox and look for subscription confirmations, membership renewals, and account statements. These tell you which services have your address on file. Common ones include streaming services, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, online retailers, and software subscriptions.
For most online services, log into your account, find the profile or settings section, and update your address there. Some services do not use your address for anything — they only send digital receipts and confirmations to your email — but others send physical bills, renewal notices, or promotional materials. Updating these prevents mail from piling up at your old address and gives you a complete record of where you have accounts.
If you have a post office box or mailbox at a UPS Store, update that address with any service that sends you physical mail. These services do not forward mail automatically.
What to do if you receive mail at your old address after you move
If mail arrives at your old address after you have moved, the new resident or landlord may mark it "return to sender" or "not at this address." USPS will attempt to forward it if your forwarding request is still active. If the forwarding period has ended, the mail will be returned to the sender.
If you discover that an important service still has your old address, contact them when ready and request they resend the document to your new address. For time-sensitive mail like tax documents or legal notices, ask the sender to confirm receipt of your address change before they mail anything else.
Keep a record of which services you have updated and when. This helps you track down any that you may have missed if you receive mail at your old address months after moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address before I move?
Yes. You can file a USPS forwarding request up to 30 days before your move date. This is useful if you want forwarding to start on your exact move date. For other services like banks and utilities, you can usually update your address a few days before you move, though some may require you to wait until closer to your move date.
What happens if I forget to update my address with a service?
USPS forwarding will redirect mail for one year (or 18 months if filed in person). After that, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender. Contact the service and request they resend any documents you missed. For critical services like banks and insurance, update your address as soon as you realize you missed them.
Do I need to update my address with the post office if I move within the same city?
Yes. Even if you move a few blocks away, you should file a forwarding request. Your new address may be in a different postal delivery zone, and mail sent to your old address will not reach you without forwarding.
How much does it cost to change my address with USPS?
Online and mail requests cost $1.10. In-person requests at a post office are free. The cost is a one-time fee that covers the entire forwarding period.
Can someone else file a forwarding request for me?
No. USPS requires the person whose name is on the mail to file the request themselves, either online with a valid payment method or in person with a photo ID. This prevents someone from redirecting another person's mail without permission.