The Post Office handles address changes through USPS.com or in person at your local branch

To change your forwarding address, you file a form with the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can do this online at USPS.com, by mail, or by walking into any post office branch. The online method is fastest — it takes about five minutes and costs $1.10. The form itself is called a Postal Service Form 3575, though you won't need to print it if you use the website.

Your forwarding order starts on the date you request it and lasts for 12 months. After 12 months, mail stops forwarding and returns to the sender marked "No Forwarding Address on File." You can renew before that date expires, or set up a new forwarding order whenever you move again.

Key Takeaways

  • Online forwarding through USPS.com costs $1.10 and takes effect within three to five business days.
  • In-person filing at a post office branch is free but requires you to show a photo ID and proof of your current address.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months from the date you set it up, then stops automatically unless you renew.
  • The post office forwards mail addressed to you by name, but packages and mail addressed to "Resident" or "Occupant" do not forward.
  • If you file online, USPS will send you a confirmation email; keep this for your records in case questions arise later.

Filing your forwarding address online

Go to USPS.com and select "Mail & Packages" from the top menu, then click "Change of Address." You will be asked to enter your current address, your new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. The site accepts a date up to 30 days in the future, so you can set it up before you move.

You will need to provide a valid email address and a credit or debit card to pay the $1.10 fee. USPS will send you a confirmation email within minutes. The forwarding order becomes active within three to five business days. During that waiting period, some mail may still arrive at your old address — this is normal and happens because mail is already in transit.

If you want to forward mail for multiple people at the same address, you must file a separate forwarding order for each person. A household order that covers everyone at once is not an option through USPS.

Filing in person at your post office

Walk into any post office branch with your photo ID and a piece of mail or utility bill showing your current address. Ask for Form 3575 and fill it out at the counter. You will list your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. The postal clerk will process it on the spot, and there is no fee.

In-person filing is useful if you do not have a credit card, prefer not to use the website, or want to ask questions about what will and will not forward. The forwarding order takes effect the same day or the next business day, which is slightly faster than online filing.

What the post office will and will not forward

USPS forwards mail addressed to you by your name. This includes bills, letters, packages, and magazines. However, mail addressed to "Resident," "Occupant," "Current Resident," or any name other than yours will not forward — it returns to the sender or is discarded.

Packages from retailers like Amazon and UPS shipments will forward if they are addressed to your name. Certified mail and registered mail forward as well. First-class mail, priority mail, and standard mail all forward under your forwarding order.

Some mail does not forward under any circumstances: mail from government agencies (Social Security, IRS, courts) often requires you to notify them separately, and some financial institutions do not participate in forwarding. It is wise to contact your bank, insurance company, and any government agencies yourself rather than relying on the post office to forward those pieces.

Notifying banks, employers, and government agencies

A post office forwarding order is not a substitute for notifying the organizations that send you mail. Banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and your employer should all receive your new address directly from you. This ensures your statements, tax documents, and paychecks reach you without delay.

Government agencies — including the IRS, Social Security Administration, and your state's unemployment office — often do not honor post office forwarding. You must contact them separately. The same is true for court documents and legal notices. If you are expecting any of these, contact the agency before your move date and provide your new address in writing.

Updating your address with these organizations also protects you from identity theft. If someone else receives your mail at your old address, they could potentially intercept tax documents or financial statements.

Renewing or canceling your forwarding order

You can renew your forwarding order before it expires by filing a new one online or in person. USPS does not send you a reminder when your 12 months are up, so mark your calendar if you want to renew. If you do not renew, forwarding stops automatically and mail addressed to you at your old address will be returned to senders marked "No Forwarding Address on File."

To cancel a forwarding order before it expires, visit USPS.com, go to "Change of Address," and select the option to cancel. You can also visit your local post office and ask them to cancel it. Cancellation takes effect within one business day. There is no fee to cancel.

Forwarding mail from a business address

If you are moving a business or closing an office, you can file a forwarding order for business mail using the same process. However, business forwarding works differently: you can set it up for a business name rather than a personal name, and it can cover multiple recipients at that address. You will still need to file online or in person and pay the $1.10 fee (or file free in person).

For a business move, consider notifying clients and vendors directly rather than relying solely on mail forwarding. This ensures important business correspondence reaches you without delay and prevents mail from being returned if your forwarding order expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my forwarding to start working?

Online forwarding takes three to five business days to set up. In-person filing at a post office starts the same day or next business day. During the waiting period, some mail may still arrive at your old address because it is already in the mail system.

Can I forward mail to a PO box?

Yes. You can forward mail from your home address to a PO box, or from a PO box to a home address. The process is the same — file Form 3575 online or in person with your old address and your new PO box number.

What happens if I move again before my 12 months are up?

File a new forwarding order with your second new address. The post office will forward mail from your original address to your second address. You do not need to cancel the first order — the new one supersedes it.

Will my forwarding work if I move to a different state?

Yes. USPS forwarding works across all 50 states. File your forwarding order with your old address and your new out-of-state address, and mail will forward normally.

Do I need to notify my landlord or previous homeowner about forwarding?

No. A forwarding order is between you and USPS. Your landlord or the new owner of your home does not need to know about it. However, if you are renting and the lease requires you to provide a forwarding address, check your lease terms.