How to Change Your Mailing Address at the Post Office

Change Your Address in Person or Online

You can change your mailing address at the Post Office in two ways: fill out Form 3575 in person at any Post Office location, or use the USPS online address change tool at usps.com. The online method is faster — it takes about five minutes and costs $1.10 — while the in-person route is free but requires a trip to your local branch. Both methods take effect within three to five business days, though some mail carriers begin forwarding sooner.

The Post Office does not forward mail automatically when you move. You must submit a change-of-address request, or mail addressed to your old location will either be returned to the sender or sit in the postal system. If you have already moved and missed the window to file, you can still submit a request; the Post Office will forward mail for up to one year from the date you file.

Key Takeaways

File Form 3575 at your local Post Office for free, or use usps.com for $1.10 and faster processing.
Your address change takes effect in three to five business days, and the Post Office forwards mail for one year.
You will need a valid ID and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works.
If you are moving out of state or changing your address for security reasons, inform the Post Office staff when you file.
Mail forwarding does not cover packages, subscriptions, or financial accounts — you must contact those senders separately.

What You Need Before You Go

Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The Post Office will not process your request without it. You will also need proof of your new address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement showing your new address all work. If you do not have a document yet, ask the Post Office clerk; some locations accept a signed letter from your landlord or a copy of your moving company's paperwork.

If you are filing online, you will need the same documents nearby to verify your identity, but you can upload them or answer security questions instead of showing them in person. The online tool asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number to confirm who you are.

Filing Form 3575 at the Post Office

Walk into any Post Office location during business hours and ask for Form 3575, the Mailing Address Change Form. The clerk will hand you the form and a pen. Fill in your current address, your new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. You can request the change to start when ready or up to 30 days in the future — useful if you are moving on a specific date but want to file early.

Hand the completed form and your ID to the clerk. They will ask to see proof of your new address. Once they verify it, they will process the request on the spot. You will receive a receipt. The change takes effect within three to five business days, though some mail carriers begin forwarding sooner. Keep your receipt in case you need to confirm the change later.

Using the USPS Online Address Change Tool

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. Select "Move" from the options — the tool also handles temporary holds and business moves, but "Move" is for a permanent address change. Enter your current address and the new address where you want mail forwarded.

The tool will ask when you want the change to take effect. You can choose a date up to 30 days in the future. Then you will enter your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system uses this information to verify your identity. Pay the $1.10 fee with a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation email with a receipt number. The change takes effect in three to five business days.

The online tool is faster than going in person, but it does not work for all situations. If you are moving to a new state, changing your address for safety reasons, or need to forward mail for someone else's household, file Form 3575 in person instead so you can speak with a clerk about your specific situation.

What Mail Forwarding Does and Does Not Cover

The Post Office forwards first-class mail, periodicals, and standard mail to your new address. This includes letters, bills, magazines, and most promotional mail. However, mail forwarding does not cover packages, certified mail, or mail marked "Do Not Forward." If a package arrives at your old address after you have moved, it will be returned to the sender.

Mail forwarding also does not update your address with banks, insurance companies, subscription services, or government agencies. You must contact those organizations separately and give them your new address. Start with your bank, insurance provider, employer, and any subscription services you use. Then contact the Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, and the IRS if you have filed taxes recently. The Post Office can only forward physical mail — it cannot update your address in any organization's database.

Forwarding Mail for Someone Else or Your Business

If you are moving a business or need to forward mail for another person in your household, file Form 3575 in person. Bring the person's ID and proof of your new address. The clerk will ask why you are filing on someone else's behalf and may ask for a signed letter from that person authorizing the change. This step protects against mail theft and fraud.

If you are a business owner moving your office, you can file a business change of address using the same form. Bring your business license or EIN documentation along with your ID and proof of the new business address. The Post Office processes business moves the same way as residential moves — within three to five business days.

What Happens If You File Late or Need to Cancel

If you have already moved and did not file a change-of-address request, you can still file one. The Post Office will forward mail for up to one year from the date you submit the request. Go to your local Post Office with Form 3575, your ID, and proof of your new address. The clerk will process it the same way as a timely request.

If you filed a change of address but need to cancel it — for example, if you decided not to move — contact your local Post Office and ask to speak with a supervisor. Bring your receipt if you have it. The Post Office can cancel requests that have not yet taken effect. If the forwarding period has already started, you cannot cancel it, but you can file a new address change to redirect mail to a different location.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does mail forwarding last?

The Post Office forwards mail for one year from the date you file your change-of-address request. After one year, mail addressed to your old location will be returned to the sender or treated as undeliverable. If you need forwarding to continue, you must file a new request before the year is up.

Will my packages be forwarded to my new address?

No. Mail forwarding covers letters and standard mail only. Packages, certified mail, and Priority Mail Express will be returned to the sender if they arrive at your old address after you move. Contact the sender or shipper and give them your new address before your move date.

Can I change my address online if I just moved?

Yes. The online tool at usps.com works whether you are filing before you move or after. You can request the change to take effect when ready or choose a future date. The $1.10 fee applies either way.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

Ask the Post Office clerk what documents they accept. A mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or signed letter from your landlord usually works. Some locations accept a copy of your moving company's paperwork or a notarized statement if you do not have other proof yet.

Do I need to tell my bank and insurance company about my address change?

Yes. Mail forwarding only redirects physical mail from the Post Office. Your bank, insurance company, employer, and other organizations will not know about your move unless you contact them directly. Update your address with each one to make sure you receive bills and important documents.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.