Where to Change Your Address Online

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) runs the official online change of address tool at usps.com. Go to the homepage, look for "Mail & Shipping" in the top menu, then select "Change of Address." This takes you directly to the form where you can submit your address change without visiting a post office or calling anyone.

You can also change your address in person at any post office location, but the online method is faster — you fill it out once, pay the fee, and it processes automatically. The online tool is available 24 hours a day, and you get when ready confirmation that your request went through.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit usps.com, select "Mail & Shipping," then "Change of Address" to reach the official form.
  • You will need your current address, new address, and a valid payment method — the fee is $1.10 for online changes.
  • The change takes effect within three to five business days, though some mail carriers begin forwarding sooner.
  • Your change of address lasts 12 months by default, and you can renew it online before it expires.
  • The USPS will not forward mail to a PO box unless you own the box or have written permission from the owner.

What Information You Need Before You Start

Have your current address and new address ready before you open the form. The USPS will ask you to confirm your current address by typing it in, so it needs to match what is on file with them — use the address where mail is currently being delivered to you.

You will also need a valid payment method. The USPS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts. The fee for an online change of address is $1.10. If you change your address in person at a post office, the fee is $1.10 as well, so there is no cost difference between the two methods.

If you are moving to a new state or a new city, the form works the same way — just enter the new address exactly as it should appear on mail. Double-check the ZIP code, because mail carriers use that to sort your mail, and a wrong ZIP code can delay delivery.

Step-by-Step: Submitting Your Change Online

Open a web browser and go to usps.com. In the top navigation menu, hover over or click "Mail & Shipping." A dropdown menu will appear with several options. Click on "Change of Address." This opens the USPS change of address tool.

The form asks you to select the type of change you are making. Choose "Individual" if this is for one person, or "Business" if you are moving a business address. For most people, "Individual" is the right choice. Then enter your current address — the one where mail is being sent to you right now.

Next, enter your new address. Type it carefully, including the street number, street name, apartment or unit number if you have one, city, state, and ZIP code. The form will show you what it thinks your address is; if it looks wrong, correct it before moving forward.

Enter the date you want the forwarding to start. This can be today or any date up to 30 days in the future. If you are moving on a specific date, enter that date so mail forwarding begins on your move day. Then provide your email address and phone number — the USPS uses these to send you a confirmation.

Review the terms and conditions, then enter your payment information. The USPS charges $1.10 for the online change. Once you submit the form, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your change later.

How Long the Change Takes to Go Into Effect

Your change of address usually takes effect within three to five business days. During this time, the USPS is updating its systems so mail carriers know to forward your mail to the new address. Some carriers may start forwarding sooner, but you should not count on mail being forwarded before the third business day.

Mail that arrives at your old address after the change takes effect will be forwarded to your new address automatically. The USPS will put a yellow sticker on the envelope or package showing your new address, and it will be delivered there. This forwarding lasts for 12 months from the date you set it to begin.

If you need the change to happen faster, you can visit a post office in person and request a rush change of address. This is not a standard option online, but post office staff can sometimes process it the same day or the next day if you explain the urgency.

What Happens to Mail Sent to Your Old Address

Once your change of address is active, mail carriers will forward any mail that arrives at your old address to your new one. This includes letters, magazines, and small packages. However, some types of mail cannot be forwarded — certified mail, registered mail, and mail marked "Do Not Forward" will be returned to the sender instead.

Large packages and parcels are forwarded, but the USPS may charge extra postage if the package is heavy or if forwarding it costs more than the original postage paid. In most cases, the recipient (the person at your new address) will not have to pay this extra postage — the sender will be billed or the package will be held.

If you are expecting important mail before your change takes effect, contact the sender and give them your new address directly. This is especially important for bills, bank statements, tax documents, and government mail. Do not rely on forwarding for time-sensitive documents.

Renewing or Canceling Your Change of Address

Your change of address lasts 12 months. Before it expires, the USPS will send you a notice asking whether you want to renew it. You can renew online at usps.com using the same process, or you can let it expire if you are staying in your new location permanently.

If you need to cancel your change of address before the 12 months are up, you can do this online as well. Go back to usps.com, select "Change of Address," and look for the option to manage an existing change. You will need your confirmation number or the email address you used when you submitted the original change.

If you move again before your current change expires, you can submit a new change of address. The new one will override the old one, and mail will be forwarded to your newest address instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is entering your address incorrectly. If you type the wrong ZIP code or misspell the street name, mail carriers may not know where to send your mail. Before you submit the form, read your address out loud and compare it to what you typed. Check the ZIP code especially — it is straightforward to transpose numbers.

Another mistake is forgetting to change your address with other organizations. The USPS change of address only affects mail sent through the postal service. Banks, insurance companies, employers, and government agencies need to be notified separately. Make a list of places that send you mail and update your address with each one directly.

Do not assume that a change of address will catch everything. Some mail, like certified letters and packages from private carriers (UPS, FedEx), will not be forwarded by the USPS. Contact these senders directly to update your address.

Finally, do not wait until moving day to submit your change. The USPS recommends submitting it at least a week before you move, so the system has time to update and mail carriers are prepared. If you submit it the day you move, some mail may still arrive at your old address before forwarding begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if I do not have a credit card?

The online form requires a credit card, debit card, or bank account to pay the $1.10 fee. If you do not have any of these, you can visit a post office in person and pay with cash, check, or money order instead. The fee and process are the same.

What if I move to a PO box instead of a street address?

You can change your address to a PO box online, but only if you own the box or have written permission from the box owner. If you are renting a PO box, you will need to provide the box number as part of your address. The USPS will not forward mail to a PO box you do not own.

How do I know if my change of address went through?

You will see a confirmation number on the screen when ready after you submit the form. The USPS will also send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Keep the confirmation number in case you need to check on your change later or contact the USPS with questions.

Can I change my address for just one person in my household?

Yes. If you live with other people and only you are moving, select "Individual" on the form and enter only your name. Mail addressed to other household members will continue to go to the old address. Each person who is moving needs to submit their own change of address.

What if I made a mistake on my change of address form?

If you notice an error right after submitting, contact the USPS when ready with your confirmation number. You can call 1-800-275-8777 or visit a post office. If the change has not taken effect yet, they may be able to correct it. If it has already started, you may need to submit a new change of address with the correct information.