The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your address with USPS online at USPS.com using the Postal Service's Change of Address tool, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You fill in your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect, then pay by debit card, credit card, or bank account. USPS will start forwarding your mail within three to five business days of processing.

If you prefer not to go online, you can fill out Form 3575 (process for a Domestic Change of Address) at your local post office and hand it to a clerk. This method is free but takes longer — typically seven to ten business days before forwarding begins. Some post offices also let you submit the form by mail, though that adds another week to the timeline.

Mail forwarding lasts for 12 months. After that, mail addressed to your old address will return to the sender marked "No Forwarding Address on File" unless you renew the change before the 12 months end.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at USPS.com is fastest and costs $1.10; forwarding starts within three to five business days.
  • Form 3575 at your post office is free but takes seven to ten business days and requires you to be present with ID.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months, and you must renew before it expires or mail to your old address will be returned.
  • You need a valid ID and either your old address or the address where you last received mail to start a change of address.
  • USPS forwards mail only — it does not update your address with banks, employers, or government agencies, which you must contact separately.

What you need before you start

Have your old address ready, or the address where you last received mail if you have moved multiple times. You will also need a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are changing the address for someone else (a family member or business), you will need their written consent and their ID as well.

Know the date you want the change to take effect. This can be today or any date up to 30 days in the future. If you are moving on a specific date, set the change to begin that day so mail does not pile up at your old address.

Changing your address online at USPS.com

Go to USPS.com and look for the "Change of Address" link, usually found under "Mail & Shipping" or in the main navigation. Click it to open the Change of Address tool. Enter your old address exactly as it appears on your mail, then enter your new address. The form will ask whether you are moving a single residence, a business, or an entire apartment building — select the one that matches your situation.

Choose the date you want forwarding to begin. USPS will show you a preview of what mail will be forwarded. Review it carefully, then proceed to payment. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or by linking a bank account. After payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number in case you need to check the status or make changes later.

The change usually appears in USPS's system within one business day, and mail forwarding begins within three to five business days. During this window, some mail may still arrive at your old address — this is normal.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Visit your local post office and ask for Form 3575. A clerk will give you the form and a pen. Fill in your old address, new address, the date you want the change to take effect, and sign the form. You must show a valid photo ID. The clerk will process the form on the spot, and you will receive a receipt.

Processing takes longer than the online method — typically seven to ten business days before mail forwarding begins. If you want to submit the form by mail instead of in person, you can mail it to your local post office, but add another week to the timeline. Call your post office first to ask for the mailing address, since it varies by location.

What happens after you submit the change

USPS will forward mail addressed to your old address to your new one for 12 months. This includes first-class mail, packages, and magazines. Mail that cannot be forwarded — such as mail marked "Do Not Forward" or certain government documents — will be returned to the sender.

You should also notify banks, insurance companies, employers, government agencies, and subscription services of your new address directly. USPS forwarding is not a substitute for updating your address with these organizations. Some will not accept forwarded mail, and others may charge you a fee to update your address after the fact.

About 30 days before your 12-month forwarding period ends, USPS will send you a notice. You can renew the change of address online or in person using the same methods described above. If you do not renew and mail arrives at your old address after 12 months, it will be returned to the sender.

Changing address for a business or multiple units

If you are moving a business, the process is the same, but you will select "Business" when the form asks what type of move you are making. You will need a valid ID and proof that you are authorized to make the change — usually a business license or lease in your name.

If you are the owner or manager of an apartment building and need to change the address for all units at once, USPS has a separate process. Contact your local post office directly to discuss bulk address changes, as this typically requires additional documentation and may take longer to process.

What to do if something goes wrong

If mail is still arriving at your old address after two weeks, log into your USPS account online or call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to check the status of your change. Have your confirmation number ready. A representative can tell you whether the change has been processed and when forwarding should begin.

If you submitted the change online but did not receive a confirmation email, check your spam folder. If it is not there, log back into USPS.com and look for a "Manage Change of Address" option to see the status. If the change does not appear, you may need to submit it again or visit your post office in person.

If you realize you made a mistake — wrong new address, wrong date, or wrong person — you can cancel the change online or at the post office and submit a new one. Canceling online is when ready, but you will not receive a refund of the $1.10 fee. At the post office, a clerk can help you correct the form before it is processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. USPS requires a valid photo ID to process a change of address, whether online or in person. This is to prevent fraud and unauthorized address changes. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can use a state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID.

What if I move multiple times in a year?

You can submit a new change of address each time you move. The new change will override the previous one. If you are moving again before your current 12-month period ends, straightforward submit a new change with your latest address and the new effective date.

Does USPS forwarding work for packages?

Yes, USPS forwards packages along with regular mail. However, packages from some carriers like UPS or FedEx will not be forwarded by USPS — you must update your address directly with those carriers. Packages from Amazon and other retailers that use USPS will be forwarded.

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

No. When you submit a change of address, USPS forwards all mail to your new address for 12 months. You cannot select which mail gets forwarded and which does not. If you want to stop receiving certain mail, you will need to contact the sender directly.

What if my new address is outside the United States?

USPS does not forward mail to addresses outside the United States through the standard change of address process. If you are moving internationally, contact your local post office to discuss options, or contact the postal service in your new country about mail forwarding from the United States.