How to Change Your Address With the Post Office

You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at your local post office

The fastest way to change your address is through the USPS website at usps.com using their online form, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You can also fill out a paper form called the Mover's Guide (USPS Form 3575) at any post office, or request one by mail. The post office will forward your mail to your new address for up to 12 months, though you should also notify banks, employers, and subscriptions directly because not everything goes through the mail system.

No matter which method you choose, the forwarding process takes three to five business days to set up after USPS receives your request. During that waiting period, mail sent to your old address will still be delivered there, so plan your address change for at least a week before you move if you can.

Key Takeaways

The USPS online address change at usps.com is the fastest method and requires your old address, new address, and a credit or debit card for the $1.10 fee.
Mail forwarding begins within three to five business days of your request and lasts for 12 months, after which mail to your old address stops being forwarded.
You must notify your bank, employer, insurance company, and subscription services separately because mail forwarding does not catch everything.
If you do not have internet access, you can fill out a paper form at your local post office or request one by phone at 1-800-275-8777.

Changing your address online through USPS.com

Go to usps.com and click on "Mail & Shipping" in the top menu, then select "Change of Address." You will need your old address, your new address, and the date you want the forwarding to start. The form asks for a phone number and email address so USPS can send you a confirmation.

You will pay $1.10 with a credit card or debit card. USPS will send you a confirmation email, and forwarding typically begins within three to five business days. You can track the status of your request by logging back into your USPS account. If you need to cancel or make changes, you can do that online up until the forwarding start date.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into your local post office with a photo ID and ask for the Mover's Guide form. A postal worker will help you fill it out, which takes a few minutes. You will pay $1.10 in cash or card. The form goes into the system when ready, though forwarding still takes three to five business days to set up.

This method works well if you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it face-to-face. Some post offices are busier than others, so going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait. You will receive a receipt showing your request was submitted.

Changing your address by mail

Call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 and request that they mail you a Mover's Guide form. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $1.10, and mail it back to the address printed on the form. This method is slower—your request may take two to three weeks to process after USPS receives it—so use it only if you cannot access the internet or visit a post office.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. Write your old address and new address clearly in pen so there is no confusion when the post office processes it. The envelope should be addressed to the USPS location listed on the form itself.

What happens after you submit your address change

USPS will forward mail sent to your old address to your new one for 12 months. After that period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "moved, left no address." If you need forwarding to continue beyond 12 months, you must submit a new address change request before the first one expires.

Mail that arrives at your old address before your forwarding starts will not be redirected. For this reason, it is a good idea to submit your address change at least one week before you move, if possible. Packages and mail from government agencies sometimes do not go through the forwarding system, so notify those senders directly.

Notifying other organizations about your move

Mail forwarding does not reach banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, employers, or subscription services. You need to contact these organizations separately with your new address. Start with your bank and credit card companies first, because they need your correct address for statements and fraud alerts.

Then notify your employer's HR department, your insurance agent, your doctor's office, and any subscription services you use. Update your address with the IRS, your state's tax authority, and your voter registration. If you have a driver's license or state ID, visit your local DMV to update that as well. This usually takes a few days to a week, depending on how many organizations you need to contact.

Forwarding mail for someone else at your address

If someone else lived at your address before you moved in, mail will still arrive for them. You can write "return to sender—person does not live here" on the envelope and put it back in the mail. Do not open mail addressed to someone else.

If mail for a previous resident arrives frequently, you can submit an address change request on their behalf if you have their old address and new address. However, USPS may ask for proof that you have permission to do this. The safest approach is to contact the sender directly and ask them to update their records.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for mail forwarding to start?

Mail forwarding typically begins within three to five business days of your request. If you submit your change online or in person, it usually starts faster than if you mail in a paper form. During busy moving seasons (May through September), it may take closer to five business days.

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

If you are changing your address online, you do not need to show ID—you just need access to the internet and a credit or debit card. If you want to change your address in person at the post office, you will need a photo ID. Call 1-800-275-8777 to ask about other options if you do not have one.

What if I move again before the 12 months of forwarding ends?

You can submit a new address change request at any time. Your new request will replace the old one, and forwarding will begin from your second address instead. You do not need to cancel the first request—just submit a new one with your second new address.

Does mail forwarding work for packages?

USPS forwards most packages, but some do not may have access to—particularly those marked "do not forward" or sent through certain commercial services. Packages from Amazon and other retailers usually forward, but it is safer to update your address with those companies directly before you move.

Can I start mail forwarding before I actually move?

Yes. You can submit your address change up to 30 days before your move date. This gives you time to make sure everything is set up before mail starts arriving at your new address. Just enter the date you want forwarding to begin when you fill out the form.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.