What you need to do to change your address with USPS

You can change your mailing address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) in person at your local post office, online through the USPS website, or by mail. The in-person route takes minutes and requires no paperwork. The online method costs $1.10 and takes effect within one business day. Both routes forward your mail to your new address for up to 12 months.

The post office does not require you to have a specific form or ID, though bringing a photo ID and proof of your new address (a lease, utility bill, or bank statement) makes the process faster. You do not need to notify the post office in advance — you can walk in and complete the change the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address in person at any post office, online at usps.com, or by mailing Form 3575 to your local post office.
  • The online method costs $1.10 and takes effect within one business day; the in-person method is free and when ready.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months, after which mail addressed to your old address will no longer be delivered to your new one.
  • Bring a photo ID and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to speed up the in-person process.
  • You will need to notify other organizations separately — the post office only forwards mail, it does not update your address with banks, employers, or government agencies.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into your local post office with your photo ID and a document showing your new address. Hand the clerk a piece of paper with your old address and new address written on it, or ask for Form 3575 (the official change-of-address form) and fill it out at the counter. The clerk will process it on the spot, and forwarding begins within one to three business days.

You do not need an appointment. Post offices are usually least crowded mid-morning on weekdays. If you do not know your local post office location, search "post office near me" on Google Maps or visit usps.com and enter your ZIP code in the location finder.

Changing your address online through USPS

Go to usps.com, click "Mail & Shipping" in the top menu, then select "Change of Address." Enter your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. You will need to provide an email address and pay $1.10 by debit card or credit card. USPS will send you a confirmation email within minutes.

Forwarding takes effect within one business day of payment. You will receive a second confirmation email when the change is active. This method works from home and requires no paperwork, but you must have a valid payment card and email address.

Changing your address by mail

read Form 3575 from usps.com or pick one up at your post office. Fill in your old address, new address, and the forwarding start date. Sign and date the form, then mail it to your local post office. The address is printed on the form itself. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the post office receives it.

This method is free but slowest. Use it only if you cannot visit the post office in person and do not have a payment card for the online method. Mail the form as soon as you know your new address, because forwarding does not begin until the post office processes it.

How long mail forwarding lasts and what happens after

USPS forwards mail for 12 months from the date your change takes effect. After 12 months, mail addressed to your old address will not be delivered to your new one. First-class mail (letters and small packages) is forwarded automatically. Standard mail (bulk mail, catalogs, and advertisements) may not be forwarded — check with the sender if you stop receiving something.

If you need forwarding to continue past 12 months, you must file a new change of address before the first one expires. You can renew online, in person, or by mail using the same methods described above.

What the post office does not do for you

The post office forwards mail only. It does not notify your bank, insurance company, employer, government agencies, or subscription services of your new address. You must contact each organization separately to update your address in their records. Start with the ones that send you important documents: your bank, insurance providers, the IRS, your state's tax authority, and your employer.

Create a list of organizations you do business with and work through it over the first week in your new home. Many allow you to update your address online through their website or app. Others require a phone call or a form. The post office cannot do this work for you.

What to bring and what to expect at the post office

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one document showing your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to your new address. The document must show your name and the full address you are moving to.

The transaction takes five to ten minutes. The clerk will ask for your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. You can start forwarding when ready or set a future date if you are moving in a few weeks. The clerk will give you a receipt or confirmation number. Keep it in case you need to verify the change later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address before I move?

Yes. You can set a future forwarding date up to 30 days in advance. This is useful if you know your move date but have not moved yet. The forwarding will not begin until the date you specify, so mail will continue going to your old address until then.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

Bring two documents that show your name and old address, plus one document showing your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail. A post office clerk can tell you which documents they will accept if you call ahead.

Can I change my address for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the mail must be present to change the address, or they must sign a power of attorney form. If you are moving a family member who cannot go to the post office, ask the clerk about the authorization process.

Will my packages be forwarded too?

Packages are forwarded only if they are sent through USPS. Packages from UPS, FedEx, or other carriers will not be forwarded by the post office. You must contact those carriers separately to update your address.

What if I change my mind after filing?

You can cancel a change of address online, in person, or by mail before it takes effect. If forwarding has already started, you can file a new change of address to go back to your old address, though the post office may charge a fee for a second change within a short period.