The fastest way to change your address with the post office

The United States Postal Service (USPS) lets you change your mailing address online, by mail, or in person at your local post office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You'll need a valid credit or debit card, and your new address must be a residential or business address that USPS can deliver to.

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" under the "Mail & Packages" section. You'll enter your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. USPS will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history. Once approved, mail forwarding begins within three to five business days and lasts for 12 months.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can fill out form 3575 at your post office or request it by mail. The in-person option takes longer because you'll wait for staff availability, but some people find it easier than navigating the website. The form costs the same $1.10.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS forwards mail for 12 months after you submit a change of address, and forwarding starts three to five business days after approval.
  • The online method at usps.com costs $1.10 and takes about 10 minutes, but you need a valid credit or debit card and answers to security questions.
  • You must notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services separately — USPS forwarding does not reach them automatically.
  • If you move to a new city or state, some mail carriers and government agencies may not forward mail, so contact them directly before you move.
  • Temporary forwarding is available if you're moving for less than a year, and you can set an end date for forwarding instead of waiting the full 12 months.

What mail does and doesn't get forwarded

USPS forwards most first-class mail — letters, bills, and packages — but not everything. Magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals usually don't forward unless the publisher has agreed to participate. Certified mail, registered mail, and mail marked "Do Not Forward" will be returned to the sender instead of following you.

Government mail, including tax documents and court notices, often does not forward. The IRS, Social Security Administration, and state agencies may not participate in forwarding, so you need to contact them separately. If you're expecting tax refunds, court documents, or benefits information, update your address directly with those agencies before you move.

Packages from online retailers usually forward if they're sent through USPS, but packages from UPS or FedEx will not. Contact those carriers separately if you use them regularly. Banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and employers also do not use USPS forwarding — you must call or log into their websites to update your address with each one.

Updating your address with banks and financial institutions

Banks and credit card companies need your new address for statements, fraud alerts, and legal notices. Call the customer service number on the back of your card or log into your online banking portal. Most banks let you update your address in the account settings section without calling.

If you have multiple accounts at the same bank — checking, savings, credit cards — ask whether one address change covers all of them or whether you need to update each account separately. Some banks link addresses across accounts; others require individual updates. This takes five to 10 minutes per institution.

Update your address at least one week before you move so statements don't go to your old address. If you're concerned about mail arriving at your old place, ask the bank to email statements instead of mailing them, or set up paperless billing.

Notifying insurance companies and government agencies

Auto insurance, home insurance, health insurance, and life insurance all need your new address. Contact your insurance agent or the company's customer service line. You can usually update your address online through the company's website or mobile app, but some insurers require a phone call or a form signed by mail.

Government agencies that need your address include the IRS, Social Security Administration, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and your voter registration office. The IRS accepts address changes through Form 8822, which you mail to the address listed on the form. The Social Security Administration lets you update your address online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account, or by visiting a local office. Your state's DMV usually handles address changes online or at a local branch.

Voter registration changes vary by state. Some states update your registration automatically when you update your driver's license address; others require a separate voter registration form. Contact your local election office or visit vote411.org to find the process in your state.

Updating subscriptions and online accounts

Subscription services — streaming platforms, magazines, meal kits, and membership boxes — need your new address if they ship physical items or send billing statements. Log into each account and look for "Account Settings" or "Billing Address." Most services let you update your address online in under a minute.

Online retailers like Amazon store your address in your account profile. Update it before you move so new orders ship to the correct place. If you have a Prime membership or other loyalty programs, check that your address is current there too.

Utility companies — electric, gas, water, internet, and phone — need your new address before you move. Contact them at least two weeks in advance so they can schedule disconnection at your old address and connection at your new one. Ask about final bills and deposits; some utilities require a new deposit at a new address.

What to do if mail arrives at your old address

If mail arrives at your old address after you've moved, ask the person living there to write "Return to Sender — Person No Longer at This Address" on the envelope and put it back in the mailbox. USPS will return it to the sender, who can then contact you for your new address.

If you own the property you're leaving, you can ask the new owner or tenant to forward mail to you. Leave them a note with your new address and ask them to mark mail as forwarded. This works for a few weeks, but after 12 months USPS stops forwarding, so this is only a temporary solution.

If important mail keeps arriving at your old address — bills, tax documents, or legal notices — contact the sender directly and confirm they have your new address. Keep records of when you notified them in case there's a dispute later.

Moving to a new state or country

If you're moving to a different state, USPS forwarding still works the same way — mail forwards for 12 months. However, some state-specific mail may not forward. Your state tax authority, professional licenses, and vehicle registration all need separate address updates.

Contact your new state's DMV to transfer your driver's license and vehicle registration. Most states require you to do this within 30 to 60 days of moving. Your old state's tax authority needs to know you've moved if you have outstanding taxes or expect a refund.

If you're moving to another country, USPS forwarding does not work internationally. You'll need to contact each sender individually and provide your new address. Some banks and government agencies may not mail to international addresses, so ask about email or online statements instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does USPS forwarding last?

USPS forwards mail for 12 months from the date your change of address takes effect. After 12 months, mail to your old address will be returned to the sender or treated as undeliverable. You can renew forwarding before the 12 months end by submitting a new change of address request.

Can I set a temporary forwarding address?

Yes. When you submit your change of address online or on form 3575, you can choose an end date for forwarding instead of using the full 12 months. This is useful if you're moving temporarily or if you want forwarding to stop on a specific date.

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

If you entered the wrong new address or old address, contact USPS when ready. You can submit a new change of address request to correct it, but the original request will still be active until you cancel it. Call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 or visit your local post office to cancel the incorrect request.

Do I need to notify my employer about my address change?

Yes. Your employer needs your new address for W-2 forms, tax documents, and payroll records. Contact your HR or payroll department and provide your new address. If you receive direct deposit, your bank information doesn't change, but your mailing address for tax documents does.

What happens to mail after the 12-month forwarding period ends?

After 12 months, mail addressed to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "Moved, Left No Address" or treated as undeliverable. This is why it's important to update your address with banks, insurance companies, and government agencies — they won't know where to find you after forwarding stops.