The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your address with USPS online at usps.com, by mail, or in person at your local post office. The online method through USPS's Change of Address service is the quickest — it takes about five minutes and costs $1.10. Your mail forwarding starts within three to five business days after USPS processes your request.

You will need a valid form of ID and either a credit card, debit card, or checking account number to pay the fee online. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can fill out Form 3575 at your post office and pay in person, though processing takes slightly longer.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS's online Change of Address service at usps.com costs $1.10 and begins forwarding mail within three to five business days.
  • You need a valid ID and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or checking account) to change your address online.
  • Mail forwarding lasts for 12 months, after which you can renew it if you are still at the new address.
  • Forwarding covers mail addressed to you by name, but not mail addressed to "Resident" or "Occupant" or to previous residents.
  • Notify your bank, employer, insurance company, and subscription services separately — USPS forwarding does not reach them automatically.

Changing your address online at USPS.com

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You will be asked to enter your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. USPS recommends submitting your request at least two weeks before your move, though you can submit it up to 30 days in advance or up to 30 days after you move.

Next, enter your name, date of birth, and phone number. USPS will ask for a valid ID number — this is usually your driver's license number or state ID number. You will then choose your payment method and pay the $1.10 fee. After you submit, USPS sends a confirmation email. Processing takes three to five business days, and your mail will begin forwarding on the date you selected.

Keep your confirmation number from the email. If you need to cancel or modify your forwarding order within the first 30 days, you can do so online using that number.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Visit your local post office and ask for Form 3575, the Change of Address form. Fill in your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. You will need to show a valid ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Bring a payment method: you can pay with cash, check, credit card, or debit card.

Hand the completed form and payment to the postal worker. They will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Processing takes the same three to five business days as the online method. This route is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it face-to-face, but it does not save time.

What mail USPS will and will not forward

USPS forwards mail addressed to you by name at your old address. This includes bills, letters, and packages. However, USPS does not forward mail addressed to "Resident," "Occupant," "Current Resident," or any previous resident's name. Marketing mail and catalogs are forwarded only if they are addressed to you personally.

First-class mail, priority mail, and packages are all forwarded. Forwarding lasts for 12 months from the date you request it to start. After 12 months, your mail will no longer be forwarded unless you renew your change of address order.

How long forwarding lasts and how to renew it

Your USPS mail forwarding is active for exactly 12 months from the start date you selected. During that year, all mail addressed to you at your old address will be sent to your new address. One month before your forwarding expires, USPS sends a reminder email (if you provided one during setup).

To renew forwarding, go back to usps.com or return to your post office and submit a new change of address order. You will pay another $1.10 fee. If you do not renew and your forwarding expires, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender or held at the post office, depending on the sender's instructions.

Notifying other organizations about your move

USPS forwarding only works for mail sent through the postal service. It does not reach banks, insurance companies, employers, subscription services, government agencies, or online retailers. You need to contact these organizations separately to update your address in their systems.

Start with your bank and credit card companies — they need your new address for statements and fraud alerts. Then contact your employer's payroll department, your insurance providers, and any subscription services you use. Update your address with the IRS, Social Security Administration, and your state's motor vehicle department. Check any online accounts you use regularly (email, shopping sites, utilities) and update the address there too. This prevents mail delays and ensures important documents reach you.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address

Do not assume USPS forwarding covers all your mail. Many people submit a change of address and then miss bills or important letters because they did not update their address with the sender directly. Forwarding is a safety net, not a complete solution.

Do not wait until moving day to submit your request. USPS recommends submitting two weeks in advance so forwarding is active when mail starts arriving at your old address. If you submit after you move, there may be a gap where mail is delivered to your old address before forwarding begins.

Do not forget to renew after 12 months if you are staying at the new address. Many people assume forwarding is permanent and are surprised when it stops. Set a calendar reminder for 11 months after your move so you can renew in time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I do not have a driver's license?

Yes. USPS accepts other forms of valid ID, including a passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. You need some form of government-issued photo ID, but it does not have to be a driver's license.

What happens to mail sent to my old address after forwarding expires?

Once your 12-month forwarding period ends, mail sent to your old address will be handled based on what the sender instructed. Some mail will be returned to the sender marked "No Forwarding Address." Other mail may be held at the post office for a limited time. The safest approach is to renew your forwarding before it expires.

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

No. A change of address order covers all mail addressed to you by name at that address. If you have a spouse or roommate, they need to submit their own separate change of address order if they are moving too.

How much does it cost to change my address with USPS?

The fee is $1.10 for online orders and the same price in person. This is a one-time fee that covers 12 months of forwarding. After 12 months, you pay another $1.10 to renew if you want forwarding to continue.

Can I cancel my change of address before the 12 months are up?

Yes. If you cancel within the first 30 days, you can do it online using your confirmation number at usps.com. After 30 days, you will need to visit your local post office to cancel. USPS does not refund the $1.10 fee once processing is complete.