The fastest way to change your address is through the USPS, but you'll also need to notify banks, employers, and subscription services separately

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) runs a service called USPS Mail Forwarding that redirects mail from your old address to your new one for a set period. However, USPS forwarding does not automatically update your address with banks, insurance companies, employers, or subscription services. You need to contact those organizations directly. The USPS step takes about 10 minutes online or a few minutes in person at a post office; notifying other organizations can take several weeks if you do it one at a time.

Start with USPS forwarding first, then work through a checklist of places that send you mail or bills. This two-step approach catches most mail while you update your address where it matters most.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS Mail Forwarding redirects mail from your old address to your new one, but you must set it up within 30 days of moving or it will not work retroactively.
  • You can start USPS forwarding online at usps.com, by phone at 1-800-275-8777, or in person at any post office; online is fastest and costs $1.10 for a single address or $5.60 for multiple addresses.
  • USPS forwarding does not reach banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, employers, or subscription services—you must contact each one separately.
  • Notifying your bank and credit card companies first protects you from fraud and ensures bills reach you; notifying employers and the IRS ensures tax documents arrive on time.

Setting up USPS Mail Forwarding online or at the post office

The USPS Mail Forwarding service is the backbone of address changes. You can start it online at usps.com by clicking "Mail & Packages" and then "Change of Address." You will need your old address, new address, the date you want forwarding to start, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $1.10 for a single address or $5.60 if you want to forward mail from multiple old addresses to one new address. Forwarding lasts for 12 months and can be renewed.

If you prefer to do it in person, visit any post office with a photo ID and your old and new addresses. A postal clerk will fill out a form (PS Form 3575) and process it on the spot. The fee is the same. In-person processing takes a few minutes, and forwarding usually starts within one to three business days.

You can also call 1-800-275-8777 to start forwarding by phone, though you will need to pay by credit or debit card and the process takes longer than online or in-person.

Notifying banks, credit cards, and financial institutions

Contact your bank and credit card companies as soon as you know your new address. These are the most important notifications because they control access to your money and your credit history. Call the customer service number on the back of your card or log into your online banking portal to update your address directly.

When you call or update online, confirm that the new address is set as your mailing address (where statements are sent) and your billing address (where charges are verified). Some banks separate these. Ask the representative to confirm the change was saved and ask when the next statement will reflect the new address. Most banks update within one to two business days.

If you have a mortgage, home equity line of credit, or auto loan, contact the lender directly. Do not assume your bank will update all loan accounts automatically. Loan servicers sometimes operate separately from checking and savings accounts.

Updating your address with employers and the IRS

Your employer needs your new address so your paycheck, W-2 form, and tax documents reach you. Contact your human resources or payroll department and provide your new address. Ask them to update it in their system and confirm when the change takes effect.

The IRS also needs to know your address. If you file taxes, you can update your address on your next tax return, or you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and provide your new address over the phone. The IRS uses your address to send tax refunds, notices, and correspondence. Updating it prevents mail from going to your old address where someone else might receive it.

If you receive Social Security, SSI, or other federal benefits, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to update your address. The same applies if you receive unemployment benefits or veterans' benefits—contact the agency that sends those payments.

Notifying insurance companies and healthcare providers

Call or log into the online portal for your auto insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, and health insurance. Update your mailing address and confirm the change. Insurance companies use your address to send policy documents, renewal notices, and claims information. If mail goes to your old address, you might miss a renewal important date or not receive proof of coverage when you need it.

Contact your doctor's office, dentist, and any specialists you see regularly. Provide your new address so appointment reminders and medical records reach you. If you use a pharmacy regularly, update your address there as well so prescription refill notices and insurance coordination letters arrive on time.

Updating subscriptions, utilities, and other regular mail

Go through your email and look for subscriptions you pay for: streaming services, magazines, newspapers, software, gym memberships, and online shopping accounts. Log into each one and update your address in the account settings. Most services separate billing address from shipping address, so update both if they are different.

Contact your utility companies (electric, gas, water, internet, phone) and provide your new address. Ask them to update your billing address and confirm when the change takes effect. Some utilities require you to call; others let you update online.

If you have a post office box, you can cancel it or update the address on file. If you subscribe to any professional licenses or memberships, update your address with those organizations as well.

What to do if mail still arrives at your old address

USPS forwarding is not perfect. Some mail—particularly from government agencies, courts, and older mailing lists—may not be forwarded. If you receive mail at your old address after forwarding starts, contact the sender directly and ask them to update their records. Provide your new address and ask them to confirm the change.

If you own your old home or apartment, ask the new resident to write "Return to Sender—Person Does Not Live Here" on mail addressed to you and put it back in the mailbox. The USPS will not forward mail that has been marked this way, but it signals to the sender that the address is no longer valid.

Keep checking your old address for the first month or two after you move, if you can. Mail from organizations you forgot to notify will arrive there, and you can contact them to update their records.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does USPS forwarding take to start?

USPS forwarding usually starts within one to three business days of when you submit your request. If you submit online or in person, it is faster than by phone. The forwarding date you choose is when it begins, so if you move on a Friday and request forwarding to start the following Monday, mail arriving at your old address on Monday will be forwarded to your new address.

Can I change my address if I do not have a photo ID?

You need a photo ID to start USPS forwarding in person at a post office. If you do not have one, you can start forwarding online at usps.com or by phone at 1-800-275-8777 using your old and new addresses and a payment method. Online is the fastest option.

What happens to mail after USPS forwarding expires?

After 12 months, USPS forwarding stops and mail addressed to your old address will no longer be redirected. You can renew forwarding online at usps.com or at a post office before it expires. If forwarding expires and you receive mail at your old address, contact the sender and ask them to update their records with your new address.

Do I need to notify the post office about packages and deliveries?

USPS forwarding covers packages sent through USPS. However, packages sent through UPS, FedEx, or other carriers are not forwarded automatically. Contact those companies separately if you have active shipments coming to your old address, or update your address in your online accounts with retailers before you move.

Can someone else start USPS forwarding for my address?

No. USPS requires the person whose name is on the mail to start forwarding, or a household member with a photo ID and proof of residency at the old address. This is a security measure to prevent mail theft. If you cannot do it yourself, a family member living at your old address can start forwarding on your behalf in person at a post office.