How to Change Your Address at the Post Office

You can change your address in person, by mail, or online through USPS

The fastest way to change your address is online at usps.com using the "Change of Address" tool. You can also fill out form PS 3575 in person at any post office, or request the form by mail. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. In-person changes are free but require a trip to your local branch. All three methods forward your mail to your new address for up to 12 months.

USPS will begin forwarding mail within three to five business days of your change being processed. During that window, some mail may still arrive at your old address—this is normal. If you are moving out of state or to a new city, notify your post office as soon as you have a confirmed move date and new address.

Key Takeaways

The online change of address at usps.com is the fastest method and costs $1.10; processing takes three to five business days.
You can change your address in person at any post office by filling out form PS 3575 for free, with no online account required.
Mail forwarding lasts up to 12 months, after which mail sent to your old address will no longer be redirected.
USPS will send a confirmation postcard to both your old and new addresses so you can verify the change went through.
Temporary address changes (30 days or less) are available online and cost $1.10, the same as permanent changes.

Changing your address online through USPS

Go to usps.com/manage and click "Change of Address." You will need to enter your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. USPS will ask whether this is a permanent move or a temporary one (30 days or fewer). You will also choose whether the change applies to everyone at your address or just one person.

After you enter your information, USPS will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history, or by providing a credit or debit card. This step takes a few minutes. Once verified, you pay $1.10 by card and your change is submitted. You will receive a confirmation email, and USPS will mail a confirmation postcard to both your old and new addresses within two weeks.

The online method is the most reliable because you have a record of your confirmation number and can track the status of your change. If you do not receive the confirmation postcard within three weeks, contact your local post office to confirm the change was processed.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into any post office branch and ask for form PS 3575, the "process for a Change of Address." Fill it out with your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. You can request a temporary change (up to 30 days) or a permanent one. The form takes about five minutes to complete.

Bring a photo ID and proof of your new address. Proof of new address can be a lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, or a bank or credit card statement showing your new address. If you do not have a document yet, some post offices will accept a signed statement from you explaining why, though this varies by location—call ahead if you are unsure.

Submit the form to the postal clerk. There is no fee for in-person changes. The clerk will give you a receipt, and USPS will mail confirmation postcards to both addresses. Processing takes three to five business days, the same as online changes.

Requesting a change of address by mail

If you cannot visit a post office or use the online tool, you can request form PS 3575 by mail. Call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 and ask them to mail you the form, or visit your local post office and ask them to send one to you. Once you receive it, fill it out completely with your current address, new address, and move date.

Mail the completed form to your local post office. You can find your post office's mailing address on usps.com by entering your zip code. Include a check or money order for $1.10 if you are making a permanent change; temporary changes by mail are also $1.10. Mail the form at least two weeks before your move date to allow time for it to arrive and be processed.

This method is slower than online or in-person changes because of mail transit time. Plan accordingly if your move date is soon.

What happens after you submit your change of address

USPS will begin forwarding mail within three to five business days. During this window, some mail may still arrive at your old address—this is expected and not a sign something went wrong. Mail that arrives at your old address after forwarding starts will be marked "Return to Sender" and sent back to the sender, who may then mail it to your new address if they have it on file.

Your forwarding lasts for 12 months. After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will no longer be forwarded. If you need to extend your forwarding, you can submit a new change of address request before the 12 months expire. USPS will send you a reminder postcard about 30 days before your forwarding expires.

You will receive confirmation postcards at both your old and new addresses within two to three weeks. These postcards confirm that your change was processed. Keep the postcard from your new address as proof of your address change—you may need it to update your address with banks, insurance companies, or government agencies.

Updating your address with other organizations

Changing your address with USPS only forwards mail; it does not automatically update your address with banks, insurance companies, employers, or government agencies. You will need to contact each organization separately. Start with the ones that send you important documents: your bank, insurance provider, employer, and the IRS.

For government agencies, visit the specific agency's website. The Social Security Administration has an online tool at ssa.gov; the IRS accepts address changes through your tax return or by calling 1-800-829-1040. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles will have its own process for updating your driver's license address, which usually requires a visit in person or an online form.

Keep a list of organizations you have notified so you do not miss any. Prioritize financial institutions and government agencies first, then move to subscriptions, memberships, and other services.

Temporary address changes and special situations

If you are moving for less than 30 days—for example, during a renovation or a temporary work assignment—you can request a temporary change of address. This costs $1.10 online or by mail, the same as a permanent change. Temporary changes are available only through the online tool or by mailing form PS 3575; you cannot request one in person at the post office.

If you are moving to a military address, USPS handles it the same way as a civilian address. If you are moving internationally, USPS will not forward mail outside the United States. Instead, contact your destination country's postal service to set up mail delivery there. Some countries have their own forwarding services.

If you share a mailbox with roommates or family members and only one person is moving, you can request a change of address for just that person. USPS will forward only mail addressed to that individual's name; mail addressed to other household members will continue to the old address.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my mail to start forwarding?

USPS begins forwarding within three to five business days of processing your change. During this window, some mail may still arrive at your old address. Confirmation postcards arrive within two to three weeks. If you do not receive them, contact your local post office to verify the change was processed.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

For online changes, USPS uses identity verification questions instead of requiring a document. For in-person changes, some post offices will accept a signed statement from you explaining why you do not have proof yet, though policies vary. Call your local post office ahead of time to ask what they will accept.

Can I change my address if I am moving to a PO box?

Yes. Enter your PO box number as your new address when you submit your change. USPS will forward mail to your PO box for the same 12-month period as a residential address change.

What happens to mail that arrives after my 12-month forwarding expires?

Mail sent to your old address after 12 months will no longer be forwarded. It will be marked "Return to Sender" and sent back to the sender. If you need forwarding to continue, submit a new change of address request before the 12 months expire.

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

Yes. Even if you are moving a few blocks away, you should submit a change of address so mail sent to your old address gets forwarded to your new one. The process is the same regardless of distance.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.