The fastest way to change your address is through USPS.com or at your local post office
The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles mail forwarding, and you can start the process online in about five minutes. Go to USPS.com, click "Mail & Packages," then select "Change of Address." You'll enter your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. USPS charges $1.10 for an online change of address request and processes it within three to five business days.
If you prefer to do this in person, walk into any post office with a photo ID and a completed Form 3575 (the official change of address form). The post office staff will help you fill it out if needed. In-person requests cost the same $1.10 and take the same amount of time to process. Mail forwarding typically lasts for 12 months, after which it expires and mail to your old address will no longer be redirected.
USPS forwarding does not change your address with banks, employers, government agencies, or subscription services—it only redirects physical mail. You'll need to contact those organizations separately to update your address in their systems.
Key Takeaways
- USPS change of address requests cost $1.10 and take three to five business days to process, whether you submit online or in person.
- Mail forwarding through USPS lasts 12 months and then expires, so you may need to renew it if you stay at the new address longer.
- Updating your address with USPS does not automatically notify your bank, employer, insurance company, or government agencies—you must contact each one separately.
- For packages and mail sent to your old address during the forwarding period, USPS will redirect them to your new location at no extra cost.
- If you move frequently or manage mail for a business, USPS offers commercial mail forwarding options with longer terms and additional features.
Update your address with banks and financial institutions
Contact your bank, credit card companies, and investment firms directly to update your mailing address. Most banks allow you to change your address online through their website or mobile app—log in, find the account settings or profile section, and look for "address" or "contact information." The change usually takes effect when ready in their system, though printed statements may take a billing cycle to reflect the new address.
If you prefer not to use the online portal, call the customer service number on the back of your card or in your account documents. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. Some banks mail a confirmation letter to your new address after the change, so watch for it in your first week there.
Updating your address with financial institutions is important because banks use it to mail statements, tax documents (like 1099 forms), and fraud alerts. If mail goes to your old address and you don't retrieve it, you may miss notices about account changes or suspicious activity.
Notify your employer and government agencies
Tell your employer's human resources or payroll department about your address change so they can mail your W-2 form to the correct location each January. Most employers have a form or online portal for this, or you can email HR directly. Update your address in your employee profile as soon as possible after you move.
For government benefits or services, contact the specific agency. If you receive Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. If you receive unemployment benefits, log into your state's unemployment portal or call the number on your benefit statement. If you have a driver's license or state ID, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to update your address there—many states now allow online updates.
The IRS receives address changes through your tax return, but if you need to update your address before filing, you can call 1-800-829-1040 or submit Form 8822 by mail. Government agencies use your address to mail tax documents, benefit statements, and official notices, so keeping it current prevents mail from going to the wrong place.
Change your address with insurance companies
Contact your auto, home, renters, or health insurance company to update your address. Most insurers let you log into your online account and change it yourself—look for "account settings," "profile," or "policy information." The change usually takes effect when ready, though some companies may need to recalculate your premium if you're moving to a different state or rating area.
If you move to a different state, your insurance company may need to reissue your policy documents because insurance rates and coverage rules vary by state. Call your agent or the customer service number on your policy to discuss this before or right after you move. Some companies charge a small fee to reissue a policy, while others do it at no cost.
Keeping your address current with insurance is critical because insurers mail policy documents, renewal notices, and claim information to your address on file. If mail goes to your old address, you might miss a renewal important date or not receive proof of coverage when you need it.
Update subscriptions and online accounts
For magazine subscriptions, streaming services, online retailers, and other companies that have your address on file, log into each account and update your address in the settings or account information section. Most companies process address changes within one to two business days. If you can't find where to change it online, look for a "contact us" page and send an email with your old address, new address, and account number.
Retailers like Amazon, eBay, and others use your address for shipping and billing, so update it before you place new orders. Subscription boxes and magazine publishers use it to mail physical items, so update it before your next shipment date if possible. Some companies allow you to set a default shipping address separate from your billing address, which is useful if you move frequently.
For services that bill you monthly, updating your address ensures you receive invoices and statements at the right location. If you have automatic payments set up, the billing address change won't affect those—they'll continue to process normally.
Notify the post office if you receive mail for previous residents
When you move into a new home, you may receive mail addressed to the previous owner or tenant. Write "Return to Sender—Person no longer at this address" on the envelope and put it back in the mail. The post office will return it to the sender. Do not open mail that isn't addressed to you, even if you live there now.
If you receive a large volume of mail for a previous resident, you can fill out Form 1093 at your local post office to request that mail for that person be returned to the sender automatically. This is especially useful if the previous resident left a forwarding address with USPS but it's expired, or if they didn't set one up at all.
Timeline for address changes to take effect
USPS forwarding takes three to five business days to set up after you submit your request. During this time, mail sent to your old address will still be delivered there. Once forwarding is active, mail will be redirected to your new address for 12 months.
Banks and financial institutions usually update your address when ready online or within one business day if you call. Government agencies may take one to two weeks to process an address change, depending on the agency and how you submit it. Insurance companies typically update within one to two business days. Subscription services and online retailers usually process changes within one to two business days as well.
The table below shows typical processing times for common services:
| Service | Processing Time | How to Update |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Mail Forwarding | 3–5 business days | Online at USPS.com or in person at post office |
| Banks and Credit Cards | when ready to 1 business day | Online account or phone call to customer service |
| Employer/HR | 1–2 business days | HR portal or email to HR department |
| Social Security | 1–2 weeks | Phone (1-800-772-1213) or in-person visit |
| Insurance Companies | 1–2 business days | Online account or phone call to agent |
| Online Retailers and Subscriptions | 1–2 business days | Online account settings or email to customer service |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to mail sent to my old address after I move?
If you set up USPS forwarding, mail sent to your old address will be redirected to your new address for 12 months at no extra cost. After 12 months, forwarding expires and mail will no longer be redirected. Mail sent to your old address by companies you haven't notified will go to the new resident or be returned to the sender.
Do I have to pay to change my address with banks and insurance companies?
No. Banks, insurance companies, and most other businesses do not charge to update your address. The only cost is the $1.10 USPS charges for a change of address request. If a company claims you must pay to update your address, it is likely a scam.
Can I change my address online with the post office?
Yes. Visit USPS.com, click "Mail & Packages," then "Change of Address." You'll need your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. The online request costs $1.10 and takes three to five business days to process.
What if I move to a different state?
You'll need to update your address with USPS, your employer, your state's DMV, and any state-specific services like unemployment or state taxes. Your insurance company may also need to reissue your policy because rates and coverage rules vary by state. Federal agencies like Social Security and the IRS will update based on your tax return or a direct request.
How long does USPS forwarding last?
USPS mail forwarding lasts for 12 months from the date you request it. After 12 months, forwarding expires and mail sent to your old address will no longer be redirected. If you plan to stay at your new address longer than a year, you can submit a new change of address request before the first one expires.