The fastest way to change your address with USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) lets you change your address online through their website, by mail, or in person at a post office. The online method through USPS.com takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. Your mail forwarding starts within three to five business days of approval.

You will need a credit or debit card to pay the fee online. If you prefer not to use a card, you can fill out Form 3575 at any post office and pay with cash or check. The in-person method takes longer because the post office processes it manually, but your forwarding can begin the same day if you arrive early in the morning.

Mail forwarding lasts for 12 months. After that, your mail returns to the sender unless you renew it. USPS sends you a reminder email about 30 days before your forwarding expires if you provided an email address during setup.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS online address change costs $1.10 and takes effect within three to five business days; you need a valid credit or debit card.
  • Form 3575 at your local post office is free but processes more slowly than the online method.
  • Your forwarding lasts 12 months, and USPS will remind you by email when it is about to expire.
  • Temporary forwarding (30 days or less) costs nothing and works the same way as permanent forwarding.
  • You should also notify your bank, employer, insurance company, and subscription services separately — USPS forwarding does not reach them.

What you need before you start

Have your current address and new address ready. USPS will ask you to confirm both. You will also need to choose whether you are moving permanently or temporarily. Temporary forwarding covers 15 or 30 days and costs nothing; permanent forwarding covers 12 months and costs $1.10.

If you are changing your address online, have a credit or debit card available. If you are going to a post office in person, bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your new address. Proof of new address can be a lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If someone else is moving with you and has mail at the same address, they will need to set up their own forwarding. USPS does not forward mail for household members automatically.

Changing your address online through USPS.com

Go to USPS.com and click "Manage Your Mail" in the top navigation. Select "Change of Address" from the menu. You will be asked to enter your current address and your new address, then choose permanent or temporary forwarding.

Next, enter the date you want forwarding to begin. USPS recommends choosing the date you move or the date your lease starts. Then provide your name, phone number, and email address. USPS uses the email to send you a confirmation and a reminder before your forwarding expires.

Review the information you entered, then pay the $1.10 fee with your credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. USPS processes the change within three to five business days, and you can check the status of your request using that confirmation number.

Changing your address in person at a post office

Visit your local post office with your government-issued photo ID and proof of your new address. Tell the clerk you want to file a change of address. They will give you Form 3575 to fill out or help you complete it at the counter.

The form asks for your current address, new address, the date you want forwarding to begin, and your signature. You do not pay a fee for in-person changes. The clerk will process it when ready, and forwarding can begin the same day if you arrive early enough for them to enter it into the system before the mail is sorted.

Ask the clerk for a receipt showing your confirmation number. Keep it in case you need to check on your forwarding status or cancel it later.

Changing your address by mail

You can request Form 3575 by calling USPS at 1-800-275-8777 and asking them to mail it to you. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it to your local post office. The address for your post office is on the form itself.

Mail-in changes take longer than online or in-person changes because the form has to travel to your post office and be processed manually. Plan for two to three weeks from the time you mail the form until forwarding begins. This method is free, but the delay makes it the slowest option.

What USPS forwarding does and does not cover

USPS forwarding redirects mail addressed to your old address to your new address. It covers personal mail, bills, and packages. However, it does not reach government agencies, banks, insurance companies, employers, or subscription services. Those organizations send mail based on the address they have on file, and USPS cannot intercept it.

You must contact those organizations separately to update your address. Start with your bank and credit card companies, your employer's payroll department, the IRS, your state's tax authority, your car insurance and homeowners or renters insurance, your health insurance, and any subscription services you use. Many of these have online account portals where you can change your address yourself.

Some mail — like certified mail, registered mail, and mail marked "Do Not Forward" — will not be forwarded. It returns to the sender instead. If you are expecting important certified mail, contact the sender and give them your new address before you move.

Renewing or canceling your forwarding

You can renew your forwarding online through USPS.com or in person at your post office. USPS sends you an email reminder about 30 days before your 12-month forwarding period ends. Click the link in that email to renew, or log into USPS.com and select "Manage Your Mail" again.

If you need to cancel your forwarding before it expires, you can do that online or in person as well. Go to USPS.com, click "Manage Your Mail," and select "Cancel Change of Address." Or visit your post office with your confirmation number and ask the clerk to cancel it.

If you move again before your current forwarding expires, you can set up a new forwarding address. Your old forwarding will end automatically when the new one begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does USPS forwarding take to start?

Online changes take three to five business days. In-person changes can start the same day if you arrive early, but usually take one to two business days. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks because the form has to be delivered and processed manually.

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

No. USPS forwards all mail addressed to your old address to your new address. You cannot forward only certain types of mail or only mail from certain senders. If you do not want some mail forwarded, contact those senders and ask them to remove you from their mailing list.

What happens if I move again before my forwarding expires?

You can set up a new forwarding address at any time. Your previous forwarding will end when the new one starts. You do not have to wait for the first one to expire.

Does USPS forwarding work for packages?

Yes. Packages addressed to your old address will be forwarded to your new address the same way mail is. However, some shipping carriers (like UPS or FedEx) do not use USPS forwarding, so contact them separately if you are expecting packages from them.

Can I set up forwarding for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the mail must set up their own forwarding. You cannot change someone else's address without their signature or authorization. If you are moving with a spouse or family member, each person needs to file their own change of address.