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 Postal Service's official address change tool. You can also fill out Form 3575 in person at your local post office, or request the form by mail. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10; in-person and mail submissions are free but take longer to process.

Your address change takes effect within three to five business days for online submissions and up to two weeks for mail-in forms. During this window, mail sent to your old address may still arrive there, so plan accordingly if you're expecting time-sensitive documents. USPS will send you a confirmation postcard to verify the change went through.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS processes address changes online at usps.com for $1.10, or free in person at your post office using Form 3575.
  • Online changes take three to five business days; mail-in forms take up to two weeks.
  • You'll need a valid government ID and either a credit or debit card for online submissions.
  • Notify your bank, employer, insurance company, and subscription services separately—the post office only forwards mail, not account information.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months for residential moves and 18 months for business moves, then stops automatically.

Changing your address online at USPS.com

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You'll enter your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. The system asks whether this is a residential or business move, and whether you want to forward mail for one person or an entire household.

You'll need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a credit or debit card to complete the transaction. USPS charges $1.10 for online submissions. After you pay, you receive a confirmation number when ready—save this in case you need to check the status or cancel later. USPS sends a confirmation postcard to both your old and new addresses within three to five business days. If you don't receive the postcard at your new address within two weeks, contact your local post office to verify the change went through.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Visit your local post office with a valid government ID and ask for Form 3575 (process for a Delivery Change of Address). Fill it out on the spot—the form takes about five minutes and asks for your current address, new address, effective date, and whether the change applies to one person or the whole household. There is no fee for this method.

The postal clerk will process the form when ready and give you a receipt. Processing still takes up to two weeks, but you have proof of submission in case questions arise later. This method is useful if you don't have a credit card or prefer to handle it face-to-face. You can also ask the clerk whether your mail is already being held at the post office if you're moving within the same delivery area.

Requesting a form by mail

Call 1-800-275-8777 and ask USPS to mail you Form 3575. Fill it out when it arrives, sign it, and mail it back to your local post office. Include your current address and new address on the form. This method is slowest—the form takes several days to arrive, and processing takes another two weeks—so use it only if you can't visit the post office or go online.

When you mail the form back, send it to your local post office address (you can find this on usps.com by entering your ZIP code). Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you don't hear back within three weeks, call 1-800-275-8777 to confirm the form was received and processed.

What happens during the forwarding period

Once your address change is active, USPS forwards mail addressed to your old address to your new one for 12 months (18 months for business moves). After that, forwarding stops and mail sent to your old address goes to the dead letter office. If you move again within the forwarding period, you can submit a new change of address; USPS will update the forwarding destination.

Mail that arrives at your old address before the change takes effect will not be forwarded. If you're expecting something important, contact the sender and provide your new address directly. Packages and certified mail are forwarded, but some first-class mail from government agencies (like tax documents) may not be, so notify those agencies separately. The post office does not forward mail to a temporary address—forwarding goes only to the new permanent address you provide.

Updating your address with banks, employers, and other organizations

The post office forwards mail but does not update your address in any company's database. You must contact each organization separately: your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, employer, subscription services, and any government agencies that send you documents. This includes the IRS, Social Security Administration, and your state's motor vehicle department.

Start with your bank and credit card companies first, since they control access to your money and credit. Then notify your employer's payroll department, your insurance agent, and any utilities or services you subscribe to. Keep a list as you go so you don't forget anyone. Many organizations let you update your address online through their website or app; others require a phone call or a visit in person. Don't assume that because you changed your address with the post office, these organizations know about it.

What to do if you need to cancel or change your address change

If you submitted your change online, you can cancel it within one business day at usps.com using your confirmation number. After one business day, you must visit your local post office in person with your ID and ask them to cancel the forwarding order. Cancellations take effect within three to five business days.

If you need to change the effective date or the destination address, submit a new change of address form. USPS will process the new form and override the old one. Keep your confirmation numbers from both submissions until the new change takes effect. If you cancel a change and then want to resubmit it later, you can do so at any time—there's no waiting period between cancellation and a new submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address before I move?

Yes. You can submit your change of address up to 30 days before your move date. USPS will not begin forwarding until the effective date you specify, so you can set it for the day you arrive at your new home.

What if mail arrives at my old address after I move?

If the sender's address is on the envelope, USPS will forward it to your new address during the forwarding period. If there is no return address, the mail goes to the dead letter office. This is why notifying senders directly (banks, employers, subscriptions) is important.

Do I need to change my address with the DMV or voter registration?

No. The post office change does not update your driver's license, voter registration, or any government ID. Contact your state's motor vehicle department and your local election office separately to update those records.

Can someone else submit a change of address for me?

No. The person whose address is changing must submit the form in person or online with their own ID. This prevents unauthorized changes to someone else's mail delivery.

What if I'm moving to a new apartment in the same building?

Submit a change of address form with your old unit number and new unit number. USPS will forward mail from the old unit to the new one. Notify your building management and any services that deliver to you so they have the correct unit number on file.