Where to change your address depends on who needs to know

The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles mail forwarding, but changing your address with USPS alone does not notify banks, employers, government agencies, or subscription services. You need to contact each organization separately. Start with USPS if you want mail forwarded to your new address, then work through a list of companies and agencies that have your current address on file.

The order matters: set up mail forwarding first so nothing gets lost while you contact other organizations. Then notify your bank, employer, insurance companies, and any government agencies. Last, update subscription services and retailers. This approach catches most mail within the first two weeks and gives you time to reach out to places you might forget.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS mail forwarding costs $1.10 for a single piece of mail or $1.60 for a package and takes three to five business days to set up after you submit the form.
  • You can start a USPS address change online at usps.com, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your local post office.
  • USPS forwards mail for 12 months, then stops; you must contact organizations directly to update their records permanently.
  • Banks, insurance companies, employers, and the IRS need separate notification and may require a phone call or written request with proof of your new address.
  • Keep a checklist of every organization with your address on file—including utilities, subscriptions, and government agencies—and update each one before or shortly after you move.

How to set up USPS mail forwarding online

Go to usps.com and select "Mail & Packages" from the top menu, then click "Change of Address." You will enter your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. USPS asks for a phone number and email address. The service costs $1.10 for mail or $1.60 for packages; you pay by debit card or credit card during checkout.

After you submit the form, USPS sends a confirmation email with a tracking number. Forwarding becomes active three to five business days later. During that waiting period, mail sent to your old address will still arrive there, so if you are moving mid-month, start the process as soon as you know your move date. USPS will forward your mail for 12 months from the start date you choose.

Changing your address by mail or in person

If you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it in person, read Form 3575 from usps.com or pick one up at your local post office. Fill in your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. Sign and date the form, then mail it to your local post office or hand it to a clerk in person.

Processing takes longer this way—usually seven to ten business days instead of three to five. If you go in person, bring a photo ID and proof of your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement. The clerk will process it on the spot and give you a receipt. You still pay the same fee: $1.10 for mail or $1.60 for packages.

Notifying banks, insurance, and government agencies

Your bank needs your new address to send statements, debit cards, and notices. Call the number on the back of your card or log into your online account and update it yourself. Most banks let you change your address in the account settings without calling. Do the same for any credit cards you hold.

Insurance companies—auto, home, health, and life—require a phone call or written request. Look up the customer service number on your policy and have your policy number ready. The IRS, Social Security Administration, and your state's tax agency also need notification. You can update the IRS online at irs.gov if you have an account, or mail Form 8822 to the address listed on the form itself. For Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person.

Your employer's human resources or payroll department needs to know so they send W-2 forms and tax documents to the right place. Email or call HR directly. If you receive unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, or disability payments, contact the agency that sends those checks—usually your state's labor or social services department.

Updating utilities, subscriptions, and retailers

Electric, gas, water, and internet companies need your new address so they can bill you and send service notices. Call each utility or log into your online account to update it. Most let you change your address without a phone call. Do this before you move so the company does not send bills to your old address.

Subscriptions—streaming services, magazines, gym memberships, meal kits—usually let you update your address in account settings online. If you cannot find the option, call customer service. Retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart store your address for shipping; update it in your account settings. If you have a rewards program or loyalty card, update your address there too so you receive promotional mail at the right place.

What to do if mail still arrives at your old address

Even with USPS forwarding active, some mail will still go to your old address because organizations send it before USPS processes the change, or because they have outdated information. If you still have access to your old address—because you own the home or the new tenant lets you—collect that mail and forward it yourself or contact the sender to update their records.

If you no longer have access to your old address, ask the new resident or landlord to write "Return to Sender—Person Does Not Live Here" on the envelope and put it back in the mail. USPS will return it to the sender. For important documents like tax forms or bank statements, call the organization directly and ask them to resend it to your new address. Keep a record of what you reported so you can follow up if something critical does not arrive.

Keeping track of what you have updated

Make a list of every place that has your address on file before you move. Include banks, credit card companies, insurance, employer, utilities, subscriptions, government agencies, and any retailers where you have an account. As you update each one, check it off. This prevents the common mistake of forgetting a service until a bill or important document arrives at the old address weeks later.

Some organizations take longer to process changes than others. Banks usually update within a few days; government agencies can take two to four weeks. If you do not receive an expected document within the normal timeframe, call and confirm the address change went through. Keep your old address active for mail forwarding for the full 12 months USPS offers, even if you think you have contacted everyone, because you will likely discover a forgotten subscription or account after you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address with USPS before I move?

Yes. You can submit your address change up to 30 days before your move date. Choose the date you want forwarding to start—typically the day you move or the day after. This gives USPS time to process it so forwarding is active when mail starts arriving at your old address.

What happens to mail after the 12-month forwarding period ends?

USPS stops forwarding your mail and returns it to the sender marked "Forwarding Order Expired." This is why you must contact organizations directly to update their records permanently. If you miss updating someone, their mail will bounce back to them, and they may assume you moved without leaving a forwarding address.

Do I need to notify the post office about packages separately?

No. The same USPS address change covers both mail and packages. The $1.60 package fee is included in the total cost. However, some shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx do not use USPS forwarding, so if you receive packages from them, contact those companies directly to update your address.

Can someone else change my address for me?

Online, no—you must use your own email address and phone number. In person at the post office, someone with power of attorney or a legal guardian can change your address if they bring the proper documentation. Otherwise, you need to do it yourself or ask the post office about options for people who cannot visit in person.

What if I move multiple times in one year?

You can cancel your current forwarding order and start a new one, but USPS charges the full fee each time. If you know you are moving again soon, contact organizations directly instead of relying on forwarding, since you will have to update them anyway. Keep a running list of everyone you have notified so you do not have to start from scratch.