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 through USPS.com is the quickest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You'll need a credit or debit card, and USPS will send a confirmation postcard to both your old and new addresses within three to five business days to verify the change is legitimate.

If you don't want to pay the fee, you can fill out Form 3575 (process for USPS Delivery Forwarding Service) and bring it to your post office in person. This is free but takes longer to process. Mail-in submission of the form is also free but the slowest option — allow two to three weeks for processing.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at USPS.com costs $1.10 and processes in three to five business days after you receive verification postcards at both addresses.
  • Submitting Form 3575 in person at your post office is free and processes faster than mailing it, usually within one week.
  • Mail forwarding typically lasts 12 months, after which you'll need to renew it if you want mail to continue reaching your new address.
  • USPS will not forward mail to a PO box, apartment mailroom, or business address unless you own the business.
  • You should notify banks, employers, and subscription services of your address change separately — USPS forwarding does not reach all organizations.

Changing your address online through USPS.com

Go to USPS.com and click "Change of Address" in the top navigation menu. You'll be taken to the Informed Delivery dashboard, where you can start a new change-of-address request. You'll need to enter your current address, your new address, and the date you want the forwarding to begin. USPS allows you to start forwarding as soon as today or up to 30 days in the future.

After you enter your addresses, USPS will ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by providing your Social Security number or by answering security questions based on your credit history. Once verified, you'll pay the $1.10 fee with a credit or debit card. USPS will then mail confirmation postcards to both your old and new addresses. You must sign and return the postcard from your old address to complete the change — this is how USPS confirms you actually lived there and authorized the request.

Mail forwarding begins once USPS receives your signed postcard back, which usually takes three to five business days total. During this waiting period, mail sent to your old address will not yet be forwarded. If you need mail forwarded when ready, the in-person method at your post office is faster.

Submitting Form 3575 at your post office

Form 3575 is the official USPS process for Delivery Forwarding Service. You can read it from USPS.com, or pick up a copy at your local post office. Fill in your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. You'll need to sign and date the form.

Bring the completed form to your post office and hand it to a clerk. Bring a photo ID — the clerk will verify your identity in person. This eliminates the need for the confirmation postcards, so forwarding can begin much faster, usually within one to three business days. There is no fee for submitting the form in person.

If you submit the form by mail instead, address it to your local post office and allow two to three weeks for processing. You'll still need to include a copy of your photo ID or other proof of identity. This method is free but the slowest option.

What happens after you submit your change of address

Once your change of address is active, USPS will forward mail sent to your old address to your new one for 12 months. After 12 months, forwarding stops automatically — you'll need to submit a new change-of-address request if you want it to continue. Mail that arrives at your old address after the 12-month period ends will be returned to the sender or discarded.

USPS forwards most mail, but not all. Magazines, newspapers, and packages from retailers usually forward without issue. However, first-class mail from government agencies, banks, and insurance companies sometimes does not forward — these organizations often have their own address verification systems. You should contact these organizations directly and provide your new address to make sure they have it on file.

Packages from online retailers may or may not forward depending on the carrier and the type of package. If a package is marked "Do Not Forward," it will be returned to the sender instead of forwarded to your new address.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address

The most common mistake is not notifying important organizations separately. USPS forwarding does not reach your bank, employer, insurance company, subscription services, or government agencies reliably. You should contact these organizations directly with your new address. This is especially important for tax documents, medical records, and financial statements — missing these can cause serious problems.

Another mistake is assuming USPS can forward to a PO box or apartment mailroom. USPS will not forward mail to a PO box under any circumstances. If you're moving to an apartment building with a central mailroom, USPS may not forward there either — ask your post office before submitting your change of address. If you own a business, you can forward to a business address, but USPS will ask for proof of ownership.

Don't forget to sign and return the confirmation postcard if you submitted your change online. Without your signature, the forwarding will not set up. If you lose the postcard, contact your post office and ask them to resend it or to verify your change manually.

How long mail forwarding lasts and how to renew it

Mail forwarding is active for exactly 12 months from the date it begins. USPS does not send a reminder when your forwarding is about to expire. If you want forwarding to continue after 12 months, you'll need to submit a new change-of-address request using the same method you used the first time.

If you move again before the 12 months are up, you can submit a new change-of-address request for your new address. USPS will cancel the old forwarding and start a new one. The new forwarding will also last 12 months from the date it begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I'm moving to a different state?

Yes, USPS forwards mail to any address in the United States, including different states, territories, and military addresses. The process is the same whether you're moving across town or across the country. The cost is still $1.10 online, and the timeline is the same.

What if I submitted my change of address but haven't received the confirmation postcard yet?

Confirmation postcards usually arrive within three to five business days. If more than a week has passed, contact your local post office and ask them to check the status of your request. Bring your ID and be ready to provide both your old and new addresses. They can verify the request manually and set up forwarding without waiting for the postcard.

Can I change my address for only certain types of mail?

No, USPS forwards all mail sent to your old address — you cannot choose to forward only some types. If you want to stop receiving certain mail, you'll need to contact those organizations directly and ask to be removed from their mailing list.

What if someone else is still living at my old address?

You can still submit a change of address for yourself. USPS will forward mail addressed to you personally. Mail addressed to other people at that address will not be forwarded. If the new resident wants their own mail forwarded, they'll need to submit their own change-of-address request.

Do I need to change my address with USPS if I'm only moving temporarily?

If you're moving for less than 12 months, you can still submit a change of address and set an end date. However, you'll need to submit another change of address when you move back to your original address. For very short moves, it may be easier to ask friends or family to collect your mail and forward it to you, or to check your mail in person if possible.