The fastest way to change your address at the post office
You can change your address with the U.S. Postal Service online, by mail, or in person at your local post office. The online method through USPS.com takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You will need a valid credit or debit card, and the address change takes effect within three to five business days. If you go in person, bring a photo ID and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.
The in-person route is faster if you need the change to take effect when ready, though the postal system itself still needs a day or two to update all its machines. Mail-in forms are the slowest option and take about two weeks, but they are free. You can request a form at your post office or read it from USPS.com.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through USPS.com cost $1.10 and take three to five business days to process.
- In-person changes at your local post office require a photo ID and proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days.
- Mail-in forms are free but take about two weeks and require you to sign the form in front of a postal worker or notary.
- Your address change does not forward mail automatically — you must choose whether to forward mail, hold it, or let it return to sender.
- Temporary address changes for mail forwarding last up to one year, and permanent changes have no expiration date.
What documents you need for each method
For online changes, you need only a valid credit or debit card and access to the internet. USPS will ask for your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. You will also need to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history.
For in-person changes, bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and one document that proves you live at your new address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance documents all work if they are dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail addressed to you at the new address also counts. If you do not have proof of your new address yet, some post offices will accept a signed statement from you, but call ahead to confirm your location accepts this.
For mail-in changes, read the form PS 3575 from USPS.com or pick one up at your post office. You must sign the form in front of a postal worker, notary public, or other authorized person — you cannot mail it in unsigned. This is why the mail-in method is slowest: you still have to visit a post office or notary to complete it.
Temporary versus permanent address changes
A temporary address change forwards your mail to a second address for a set period, usually up to one year. Use this if you are moving for a season, staying with family, or traveling for work. After the temporary period ends, mail stops forwarding and returns to sender. You can renew a temporary change before it expires, or convert it to a permanent change at any time.
A permanent address change has no expiration date and tells the postal service your new address is your main residence. Once it takes effect, all mail addressed to your old address will forward to your new one indefinitely, unless you cancel the change. Permanent changes are what most people need when they move.
What happens to mail during the change
When you submit an address change, you choose what happens to mail sent to your old address. The most common option is to forward it to your new address. Mail forwarding typically lasts 12 months for a temporary change or indefinitely for a permanent change. First-class mail, packages, and magazines all forward, but some marketing mail and periodicals may not.
You can also choose to hold mail at your post office instead of forwarding it. This is useful if you are not sure when you will be at your new address or if you want to pick up mail in person. Held mail stays at the post office for 30 days, then returns to sender. Another option is to let mail return to sender, which happens automatically if you do not set up forwarding.
Address changes do not affect packages sent through other carriers like UPS or FedEx. You will need to update your address separately with each company, retailer, or service that ships to you. The same goes for mail from banks, insurance companies, and government agencies — they use their own mailing lists, so notify them directly of your move.
Costs and processing times
Online address changes cost $1.10 and take three to five business days. In-person changes are free and take effect the same day you submit them, though the postal system may need an extra day to update all sorting machines. Mail-in changes are free but take about two weeks because the form must be signed in front of a witness and then processed by hand.
If you need your address change to take effect faster than the online timeline allows, going in person is your only option. Some post offices can process in-person changes within hours, especially if you arrive early in the day. Call your local post office to ask about wait times before you go.
Updating other services when you move
A postal address change does not notify your bank, insurance company, employer, or government agencies of your move. You will need to contact each one separately. Start with your bank and credit card companies, since they use your address to send statements and fraud alerts. Then notify your insurance providers, employer, and any subscription services you use.
For government services, update your address with the IRS, Social Security Administration, and your state's motor vehicle department. If you receive benefits from any government program, contact that agency directly. The postal service does not share address changes with any other organization.
Update your address with the voter registration office in your new county or state if you have moved across state lines or to a new county. You may also need to re-register your vehicle and update your driver's license address, depending on your state's rules.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is forgetting to set up mail forwarding at all. If you do not submit an address change, mail sent to your old address will go to whoever lives there now or return to sender. This can cause you to miss bills, tax documents, and important notices. Even if you think you have notified everyone, some organizations take weeks to update their records, so forwarding is a safety net.
Another mistake is not updating your address with individual companies and agencies. The postal service forwards mail, but it does not change the address on file with your bank, insurance company, or employer. If you move and do not update these services, they may send mail to your old address, and it will sit there until the forwarding period ends.
Do not forget to bring proof of your new address if you go in person. Without it, the post office cannot process your change on the spot. A utility bill or lease is the easiest proof to carry — avoid bringing original documents you cannot afford to lose, since you will have to hand them over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if I do not have a credit card?
No, USPS requires a credit or debit card for online changes. You can change your address in person for free, or request a mail-in form and pay the $1.10 fee when you sign it in front of a postal worker.
How long does mail forwarding last?
Mail forwarding lasts up to 12 months for a temporary change or indefinitely for a permanent change. You can renew a temporary change before it expires, or convert it to permanent at any time by visiting your post office or updating it online.
What if I move again before my forwarding period ends?
You can update your address change at any time. If you set up a new address change before the old one expires, the postal service will forward mail from your first address to your second address, then to your third. This chain of forwarding works for up to 12 months total.
Do I need to change my address if I am only moving within the same city?
Yes, even a move within the same city requires an address change. The postal service sorts mail by address, so mail sent to your old address will not reach you at your new one without forwarding set up.
Can someone else change my address for me?
No, you must change your address yourself in person or online. If you are unable to visit the post office, you can authorize someone else to pick up a mail-in form on your behalf, but you must sign it yourself in front of a witness.