The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your address with USPS online at usps.com, by mail, or in person at your local post office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. USPS will forward your mail to your new address for 12 months (or 18 months if you pay extra). The change takes effect within three to five business days after you submit it.

Before you start, have your old address, new address, and a credit or debit card ready if you are changing online. If you prefer not to use a card, you can fill out form PS Form 3575 at your post office and pay in cash or check. Either way, USPS will send a confirmation postcard to your new address within two weeks — this is normal and confirms the change went through.

Key Takeaways

  • The USPS online change-of-address tool at usps.com is the fastest method and costs $1.10 for 12 months of mail forwarding.
  • Mail forwarding begins three to five business days after you submit your request, so plan ahead if you are moving soon.
  • You can change your address in person at any post office using form PS Form 3575 if you do not want to pay online.
  • USPS forwards mail for 12 months by default, but you can pay extra to extend forwarding to 18 months.
  • A confirmation postcard will arrive at your new address within two weeks — this is expected and proves your change was recorded.

Changing your address online at USPS.com

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You will land on a page that asks whether you are moving within the United States, moving to a military address, or moving abroad. Select your situation. If you are moving within the U.S., click "Start" to begin.

Enter your current address exactly as it appears on your mail, then your new address. USPS will ask whether you want to forward mail for yourself only, your whole household, or a business. Choose the option that matches your situation. Next, enter the date you want forwarding to start — this should be your move date or the day before. USPS will not forward mail that arrives before this date.

Review the cost: $1.10 for 12 months of forwarding, or $16.10 for 18 months. Enter your credit or debit card information and complete the purchase. You will receive a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot. USPS will send a second confirmation postcard to your new address within two weeks.

Changing your address at the post office

Visit any USPS location and ask for form PS Form 3575 (Change of Address Order). Fill it out completely — the form asks for your old address, new address, the date you want forwarding to start, and whether you are moving for yourself, your household, or a business. You can fill this out at home before you go or at the post office counter.

Bring a photo 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. The post office clerk will process your form and collect payment — $1.10 for 12 months or $16.10 for 18 months. They accept cash, check, or card. You will receive a receipt and a confirmation number.

Mail forwarding will begin on the date you specified on the form, usually within three to five business days. A confirmation postcard will arrive at your new address within two weeks.

What happens to mail that arrives before your forwarding starts

USPS will not forward mail that arrives at your old address before the start date you chose. If you know mail is coming before your move date, contact the sender and ask them to update your address in their system. This is especially important for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and subscription services.

If mail does arrive at your old address after you move, the new resident or the post office may mark it "Return to Sender" or "No Longer at This Address." This delays the mail and can cause problems with bills or important documents. Starting your forwarding a few days before your move date gives you a small buffer.

Extending or canceling your mail forwarding

Your forwarding order lasts 12 months from the start date you chose. If you want to extend it to 18 months total, you can do this online at usps.com or at your post office. The extension costs $16.10 minus what you already paid — so if you paid $1.10 for 12 months, the extension costs $15. You can extend only once per address change.

To cancel forwarding before it expires, go to usps.com, click "Manage Your Change of Address," and enter your confirmation number and ZIP code. You can also cancel in person at your post office. There is no refund for canceling early.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address

Entering your address wrong. USPS matches your old address to mail already in the system. If you type it differently than it appears on your mail, the system may not recognize it. Copy your address directly from a recent piece of mail or a bill.

Forgetting to notify senders. Mail forwarding works for mail already in transit, but it does not update addresses in company databases. Banks, insurers, employers, and government agencies will not know you moved unless you tell them. Update your address with each sender separately to avoid missed bills or documents.

Starting forwarding too late. If you start forwarding on your move date, mail that arrives on that day may not be caught in time. Start forwarding a few days before you move if possible.

Assuming forwarding is permanent. Forwarding expires after 12 months. If you want it to continue, you must extend it before the 12 months end. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar.

Changing your address for a business or commercial mail

If you own a business or rent a mailbox at USPS, the process is different. You cannot use the standard change-of-address form. Instead, contact your local post office directly and ask to speak with a business services representative. They will help you update your business address or mailbox location.

Bring your business license or tax ID and proof of your new business address. Processing may take longer than a residential change — allow one to two weeks. Some business addresses require additional verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does USPS mail forwarding take to start?

Mail forwarding begins three to five business days after you submit your request online or at the post office. This means mail arriving at your old address after that date will be forwarded to your new address. Mail that arrives before the start date will not be forwarded.

What if I move again before my forwarding expires?

You can submit a new change-of-address request at any time. Your old forwarding order will be canceled and replaced with the new one. You will pay the full fee again — USPS does not credit unused time from your previous order.

Will USPS forward packages and certified mail?

Yes, USPS forwards packages, certified mail, and regular mail. However, some services like signature-required mail may be handled differently. If you are expecting important mail, contact the sender and give them your new address directly to avoid delays.

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

USPS requires a photo ID to change your address in person at the post office. If you do not have one, you can change your address online at usps.com using a credit or debit card instead — no ID is required for the online method.

What if I made a mistake on my change-of-address form?

If you submitted your request online, you can log back into usps.com with your confirmation number and ZIP code to view or cancel your order. If you submitted a form at the post office, return to that location with your receipt and ask the clerk to correct it. Changes can usually be made within a few days of submission.