The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your address with USPS online through their official website, by mail, or in person at your local post office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. USPS will forward your mail to your new address for up to 12 months, though you should also notify banks, employers, and subscriptions separately because not all mail goes through USPS.

The online form is called the Postal Service's Change of Address tool, found at usps.com. You will need your current address, new address, the date you want the change to take effect, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The change usually starts within three to five business days, though some mail may still arrive at your old address during that window.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS's online Change of Address tool at usps.com is the fastest method and costs $1.10 for a permanent address change.
  • Mail forwarding through USPS lasts up to 12 months, but you should notify banks, insurance companies, and subscriptions directly because they may not use USPS mail.
  • The change takes effect within three to five business days, but some mail may still arrive at your old address during the transition.
  • You can also file a change of address in person at your local post office or by mail using Form 3575, though both take longer than the online method.

Changing your address online at USPS.com

Go to usps.com and look for the "Change of Address" link, usually found under the "Mail & Shipping" section. Click it and select whether you are moving within the United States, moving internationally, or moving a business address — the process is slightly different for each. You will then enter your current address and confirm it matches USPS records.

Next, enter your new address and the date you want the forwarding to start. You can choose to start it when ready or pick a future date if you know when you will be moving. Then provide a phone number and email address, and choose your payment method. USPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After you pay the $1.10 fee, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Keep that confirmation number — you may need it if you have questions or want to cancel the forwarding later. The change takes effect within three to five business days, but USPS recommends notifying important contacts (your employer, bank, insurance company, and subscription services) separately, since they may not forward mail automatically.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Visit your local post office and ask for Form 3575, which is the official Change of Address form. Fill it out with your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. You will need to show a valid ID and sign the form in front of a postal worker. The fee is still $1.10, and you can pay with cash, check, or card.

Processing takes longer this way — usually five to seven business days instead of three to five. However, this method works if you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it face-to-face. Some people also use this method if they have already moved and do not have access to their old address to verify online.

Changing your address by mail

You can also mail Form 3575 to your local post office. read the form from usps.com, fill it out completely, and include a check or money order for $1.10 made out to the United States Postal Service. Mail it to your current post office address — you can find the mailing address on the form itself or by calling your local post office.

This method is the slowest. The form must arrive at your post office, be processed, and then take effect — typically 10 to 14 business days total. Use this option only if you cannot go online or visit the post office in person.

What happens to mail during the transition

Once your change of address takes effect, USPS will forward mail addressed to your old address to your new one for up to 12 months. However, some mail will not be forwarded. First-class mail (regular letters and bills) will be forwarded, but standard mail (bulk advertising and some marketing pieces) may not be. Packages sometimes forward and sometimes do not, depending on the carrier and the sender.

Mail from government agencies, courts, and some financial institutions may not forward at all, so contact those organizations directly with your new address. The same applies to subscriptions, memberships, and services you pay for — update your address with them directly rather than relying on USPS forwarding.

Updating your address with banks, employers, and other organizations

USPS forwarding is not a substitute for notifying the organizations you do business with. Contact your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, employer, and any subscription services to update your address. Many of these organizations do not send mail through USPS or use special mail classes that are not forwarded automatically.

You should also update your address with the IRS, your state's tax authority, and your local voter registration office. These changes may require separate forms or online updates depending on the organization. Start this process before you move if possible, so there is no gap in service or missed bills.

Canceling or updating a change of address

If you need to cancel your change of address before it takes effect, go back to usps.com, find the Change of Address tool, and select the option to cancel. You will need your confirmation number. USPS will refund your $1.10 fee if you cancel before the change takes effect.

If the change has already taken effect and you want to cancel it, you can still do so online or at the post office, but USPS does not refund the fee. If you entered the wrong new address, you can file a new change of address with the correct one — you will pay another $1.10 fee for the second change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does USPS mail forwarding last?

USPS forwards mail for up to 12 months from the date your change takes effect. After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will no longer be forwarded. If you need forwarding to continue, you can file a new change of address before the 12 months expire.

Will all my mail be forwarded?

Most first-class mail will be forwarded, but standard mail, some packages, and mail from certain government agencies may not be. Contact your bank, insurance company, employer, and subscription services directly to update your address with them rather than relying on USPS forwarding.

Can I change my address if I do not have internet access?

Yes. Visit your local post office and ask for Form 3575, or mail the form to your post office with a check for $1.10. Both methods take longer than the online option but do not require internet access.

What if I moved and did not file a change of address?

You can still file a change of address at any time, even after you have moved. Go to usps.com or visit your post office with Form 3575. Mail forwarding will start from the date you file, not from your actual move date.

Do I get a refund if I cancel my change of address?

USPS refunds your $1.10 fee only if you cancel before the change takes effect. Once forwarding has started, the fee is not refundable, even if you cancel when ready after.