You can change your mailing address online through USPS.com without visiting a post office

The United States Postal Service (USPS) lets you submit an address change request through their website using the Informed Delivery service or the standalone Change of Address tool. You do not need to go to a physical post office location. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $1.10, and you can complete it from any device with internet access.

The online method works best if you have a credit or debit card, know your current address exactly as it appears on mail you receive, and can access your email. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can still visit a post office in person, but the online route is faster and available 24 hours a day.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS charges $1.10 to change your address online and requires a valid credit or debit card to pay the fee.
  • You will need your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect — typically the first or 15th of a month.
  • The online form takes about 10 minutes and you receive confirmation by email within a few minutes of submitting.
  • USPS begins forwarding mail 3 to 5 business days after your change takes effect, so submit your request at least a week before you move.
  • Address changes last for 12 months; after that, mail stops forwarding and returns to the sender.

Steps to change your address on USPS.com

Go to usps.com and look for the "Change of Address" link in the top navigation menu, or search for "change of address" in the site search box. Click the link that says "Change of Address Online" — this takes you to the USPS Informed Delivery portal.

If you do not already have a USPS Informed Delivery account, you will need to create one. Enter your email address and create a password, then verify your email by clicking the link USPS sends you. Once your account is set up, sign in and select "Change of Address" from the menu. You will see a form with fields for your current address, new address, and the effective date of the change.

Fill in your current address exactly as it appears on mail you receive — include apartment or unit numbers if applicable. Enter your new address in the same format. Choose the date you want the change to take effect; USPS typically offers the first or 15th of the current or next month. Review all information for accuracy, then proceed to payment. The fee is $1.10, paid by credit or debit card. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.

What information you need before you start

Have your current address written down exactly as it appears on your mail, including any apartment, suite, or unit number. USPS matches this information to their records, so spelling and formatting must be precise. If your address includes a directional prefix (North, South, East, West) or suffix (Street, Avenue, Road), include it as it appears on your mail.

Write down your new address in the same format — street number, street name, apartment or unit number if applicable, city, state, and ZIP code. You will also need to decide when you want the change to take effect. USPS typically allows you to choose the first or 15th of the current month or the next month. Select a date that gives you at least 3 to 5 business days after submission so forwarding can begin before mail arrives at your old address.

Have a valid credit or debit card ready for the $1.10 fee. USPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will also need access to the email address you use to create or access your Informed Delivery account, because USPS sends your confirmation there.

Timing: when forwarding starts and how long it lasts

Mail forwarding begins 3 to 5 business days after your change takes effect. If you choose the first of the month as your effective date and submit on the 20th of the previous month, forwarding will start around the 4th or 5th of the new month. Mail that arrives at your old address after that date will be forwarded to your new address.

The forwarding period lasts for 12 months from your effective date. After 12 months, mail stops forwarding and returns to the sender marked "No Forwarding Address." If you need forwarding to continue beyond 12 months, you must submit a new change of address request before the 12 months expire.

Some mail does not forward, including packages from online retailers, magazines, and first-class mail from certain senders. Notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services of your new address directly to avoid missed mail. The USPS change of address covers standard mail forwarding but is not a substitute for updating your address with individual organizations.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is entering your current address differently than it appears on your mail. If USPS records show "123 Main Street" but you type "123 Main St," the system may not recognize the match and your request could be rejected or delayed. Copy your address directly from a piece of mail you received to avoid typos and formatting differences.

Do not choose an effective date that is too soon. If you submit your request on the 25th and choose the 26th as your effective date, forwarding may not begin in time to catch mail arriving on the 27th or 28th. Choose a date at least one week in the future to give USPS time to process and set up your change.

Another mistake is assuming that changing your address with USPS automatically updates your address with banks, insurance companies, employers, and government agencies. It does not. You must contact each organization separately and provide your new address. USPS forwarding is a temporary measure; updating your address directly with each sender ensures you do not miss important mail after the 12-month forwarding period ends.

What happens after you submit your request

You will receive a confirmation email from USPS within a few minutes of submitting your form. This email contains a confirmation number and a summary of the address change you requested. Save this email or write down the confirmation number in case you need to check the status of your request later.

You can log back into your Informed Delivery account at any time to view the status of your change of address request. USPS processes requests within 1 to 2 business days. Once processed, your change becomes active on the effective date you selected, and mail forwarding begins 3 to 5 business days after that.

If you do not receive a confirmation email within 30 minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If the email is not there, log into your Informed Delivery account and check the status of your request. If you see an error message or your request was rejected, the most common reason is that your current address did not match USPS records. In that case, visit a post office in person or call 1-800-275-8777 to complete the change with a postal worker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I do not have an email address?

No, the online method requires an email address to create an Informed Delivery account and receive your confirmation. If you do not have email access, visit your local post office in person with a photo ID and proof of your current address. A postal worker can process your change of address form and charge the same $1.10 fee.

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

If you catch the error before your effective date, log into your Informed Delivery account and cancel the request, then submit a new one with the correct information. If your effective date has already passed, contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777 or visit a post office to file a correction. You may be charged another $1.10 fee for the correction.

Do I need to change my address with USPS if I am moving within the same city?

Yes. Even if you are moving a few blocks away, you must submit a change of address with USPS so mail carriers know to deliver your mail to your new location instead of your old one. The process and fee are the same regardless of distance.

Can I change my address for just part of my household?

No. A change of address applies to all mail delivered to that address. If only one person in a household is moving, that person should submit their own change of address using their name. The person staying behind does not need to do anything — mail addressed to them will continue to arrive at the original address.

How much does it cost to change my address online?

The fee is $1.10, paid by credit or debit card at the time you submit your request. This is the same price whether you change your address online or in person at a post office. There are no additional fees or hidden charges.