You can change where USPS delivers your mail using the Informed Delivery service or by filing a mail forwarding request
The fastest way to redirect mail to a new address is through USPS Informed Delivery, which lets you change the delivery location for individual pieces before they arrive. If you are moving permanently or want all mail sent somewhere else, you will file a Change of Address (COA) form at your local post office or online. The method you choose depends on whether you need a temporary redirect, a permanent move, or control over specific mail pieces.
Both routes are free. Informed Delivery works within days; a full address change takes about a week to process. Neither requires you to contact individual senders or update accounts yourself, though doing so prevents mail from going to the wrong place in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- Informed Delivery lets you see mail before it arrives and redirect individual pieces to a different address for a small fee per piece.
- A Change of Address form forwards all mail from your old address to your new one for free, and takes about seven business days to take effect.
- You can file a COA online at usps.com, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your local post office.
- A temporary forward lasts up to one year; a permanent forward has no time limit unless you cancel it.
- Mail forwarding does not update your address with banks, employers, or subscription services — you must contact them separately.
Using Informed Delivery to redirect individual mail pieces
Informed Delivery is a free USPS service that shows you images of incoming mail and packages before they arrive. Once you are signed up, you can use it to change the delivery address for specific pieces — useful if you are away temporarily or want to intercept a particular letter before it reaches your old address.
To use this feature, you must first create a free Informed Delivery account at usps.com. Once active, you will receive daily emails showing what is coming. When you see a piece you want redirected, you can request a one-time address change. USPS charges a small fee (currently around $1.10 per piece) to reroute it. This works best for a few urgent items rather than all your mail.
The redirect happens at the mail processing facility, so timing matters — you have to catch the piece before it enters your local delivery route. If you miss the window, the mail goes to your old address and you will need to retrieve it or ask the sender to resend it.
Filing a Change of Address form for a permanent move
A Change of Address (COA) form tells USPS to forward all mail from your old address to your new one automatically. This is the standard method for moving and covers everything except mail addressed to "Occupant" or "Current Resident." The forward lasts up to one year for a temporary move, or indefinitely if you do not cancel it.
You have three ways to file:
- Online at usps.com: Go to the "Mail & Packages" section, select "Change of Address," and follow the prompts. You will need your old address, new address, and the date you want the forward to start. Payment is made by credit or debit card (currently $1.10 for online filing). The forward takes effect within three to five business days.
- In person at your local post office: Pick up Form 3575 or ask a clerk to help you fill it out. You will need a photo ID and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). Payment is cash, check, or card. Processing takes about seven business days.
- By mail: Print Form 3575 from usps.com, fill it out, and mail it to your local post office with payment and proof of your new address. This is the slowest method — allow two to three weeks for processing.
What happens after you file a Change of Address
Once your COA is processed, USPS will forward mail from your old address to your new one. The forwarding period begins on the date you specify and lasts for the duration you chose (temporary or permanent). During this time, mail carriers will see the forward in their system and redirect your mail automatically.
However, some mail will not forward: pieces addressed to "Occupant," "Resident," or "Current Resident" stay at your old address because USPS cannot identify them as yours. Marketing mail and magazines sometimes fall into this category. If you are concerned about missing important items, contact your bank, insurance company, employer, and subscription services directly to update your address with them.
The post office will also send you a confirmation notice at your new address within two weeks, listing the old address and the forward dates. Keep this for your records.
Temporary versus permanent forwards and how to cancel
When you file a COA, you choose whether the forward is temporary (up to one year) or permanent (no end date). A temporary forward is useful if you are moving for a job, traveling long-term, or testing a new location. A permanent forward is for a definitive move.
If you filed a temporary forward and want to extend it, you must file a new COA before the original one expires. If you filed a permanent forward and later want to cancel it, you can do so online at usps.com, by filing a new COA with an end date, or by visiting your post office with ID and proof of your current address.
Canceling a forward takes about three to five business days to process. After that date, mail sent to your old address will no longer be redirected.
Why mail still arrives at your old address even after filing
A common frustration: you filed a COA weeks ago, but mail is still showing up at your old place. This happens for several reasons. First, mail forwarding does not update your address with the senders — banks, insurance companies, subscription services, and government agencies still have your old address on file. They will keep sending mail there unless you contact them directly and provide your new address.
Second, some mail is not may be able to access for forwarding. Pieces addressed to "Occupant" or "Current Resident" cannot be forwarded because USPS cannot confirm they belong to you. Third, if your forward has not yet taken effect (processing takes three to seven days depending on how you filed), mail will still go to the old address.
Finally, mail that was already in the system before your COA was processed will go to your old address. USPS cannot retroactively redirect mail that was sorted before your forward was active.
Updating your address with banks, employers, and other services
A mail forward handles the postal system, but it does not tell your bank, credit card company, insurance provider, employer, or subscription services that you have moved. You must contact each one separately to update your address. This is important because some mail — tax documents, account statements, legal notices — may not be may be able to access for forwarding, and you do not want to miss it.
Start with financial institutions and government agencies (Social Security, IRS, state tax authority). Then move to insurance, utilities, subscriptions, and memberships. Keep a list of who you have updated and who you are still waiting to hear from. Many organizations let you update your address online through their website or app; others require a phone call or a form.
If you are concerned about mail going to your old address, ask the previous occupant or the new owner to hold it for you, or request that they write "Return to Sender — Person no longer at this address" on it. This signals to the sender that you have moved and may prompt them to update their records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Change of Address take to start working?
If you file online, the forward takes effect in three to five business days. If you file in person or by mail, allow about seven business days. The date you specify on the form is when the forward begins, not when you submit it — so if you file today but request a start date two weeks from now, mail will not redirect until then.
Can I change my address for just one person in my household?
No. A Change of Address form applies to all mail for your old address. If only one person is moving, that person should file their own COA to their new address. The person staying behind does not need to do anything — mail addressed to them will continue to arrive at the old address.
What if I filed a Change of Address but need to cancel it?
You can cancel online at usps.com, in person at your post office, or by filing a new COA with an end date. Cancellation takes three to five business days to process. After that, mail sent to your old address will no longer be forwarded.
Does mail forwarding work for packages?
Yes. Packages sent through USPS will be forwarded to your new address just like letters. However, packages from other carriers (UPS, FedEx, Amazon) are not affected by a USPS forward — you must update your address with those services separately or contact the sender.
Can I set up a forward for someone else's mail?
No. You must file the COA yourself or have the person it applies to file it. USPS requires ID and proof of the new address to prevent fraud. If you are helping someone move, they will need to come to the post office with you or file online themselves.