You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at your local post office

The U.S. Postal Service lets you change your mailing address through three routes: the USPS website (the fastest option, taking about 24 hours), a paper form at any post office, or by phone. You'll need a valid ID and either a credit or debit card if you go online. The process costs $1.10 and is permanent once processed—the post office will not forward mail to your old address after the change takes effect, so timing matters if you're moving mid-month.

The online method is the most common because it's available any time and you get confirmation when ready. If you prefer to handle it in person or don't have a card, the post office form takes longer but works just as well. Either way, you should notify your banks, employers, and subscription services separately—the post office only changes where your mail goes, not where companies send bills or statements.

Key Takeaways

  • The USPS website (usps.com) processes address changes in about 24 hours and is the fastest method if you have a valid ID and debit or credit card.
  • A paper form filled out at your local post office takes 7 to 10 business days but requires no card and works if you don't have internet access.
  • The post office will not forward mail after your change date, so old mail sent to your previous address will be returned to the sender or discarded.
  • You must notify banks, employers, insurance companies, and subscription services separately—the address change only affects mail delivery, not where organizations send statements.
  • The change costs $1.10 regardless of method and becomes permanent once processed.

Changing your address online through USPS.com

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You'll be asked to enter your current address, the new address where you want mail sent, and the date you want the change to start. The USPS recommends starting the change a few days before you move so it's active when mail begins arriving at your new location.

Next, you'll enter your name, date of birth, and phone number. The system will ask for a valid ID number—a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Then you'll pay the $1.10 fee with a debit or credit card. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. The address change itself takes about 24 hours to process in the postal system, though some mail carriers report seeing it sooner.

Keep your confirmation email or take a screenshot. If mail still arrives at your old address after a week, you can use the confirmation number to check the status or contact USPS customer service. The online method is also the only way to change an address for someone else (like a parent or spouse) if you have their permission and ID information.

Submitting a paper form at the post office

Walk into any post office and ask for form PS 3575, the official change of address form. You can also read and print it from usps.com before you go. Fill in your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. You'll need to sign and date the form and provide a valid ID.

Hand the form to the postal clerk along with your ID and $1.10 in cash or card. The clerk will process it on the spot and give you a receipt. The change takes 7 to 10 business days to move through the system, which is slower than online but still reliable. This method works well if you don't have internet access, prefer handling it in person, or want to ask the clerk questions about your specific situation.

What happens to mail sent to your old address

Once your change date arrives, the post office stops forwarding mail from your old address. Any mail that arrives after that date—addressed to your old location—will be returned to the sender marked "Moved, Left No Address" or discarded, depending on whether the sender included a return address. This is why timing your change matters: if you move on the 15th but change your address on the 20th, mail sent between those dates may not reach you.

The post office does not hold mail or send it to your new address once the change is active. If you're worried about missing something, contact the sender directly and give them your new address. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies should be notified separately—do not rely on the post office change to reach them.

Notifying banks, employers, and other organizations

The post office change only affects mail delivery. You must separately notify every organization that sends you mail or statements. Start with your bank and credit card companies—log into your online accounts and update the address in your profile, or call the customer service number on the back of your card. Do the same for your employer's payroll department, insurance companies, subscription services, and any government agencies sending you documents.

For utilities, contact the company directly before you move and give them your new address. For the IRS, you can update your address on your tax return or contact them directly. Social Security, Medicare, and other federal benefits require separate notification—do not assume the post office change reaches them. The sooner you notify these organizations, the less likely you are to miss a payment important date or important document.

Changing your address if you don't have a valid ID

If you don't have a driver's license, state ID, or passport, you can still change your address in person at the post office. Bring two pieces of mail or documents showing your current address—utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements work. The postal clerk will verify your identity using these documents instead of a photo ID and process the form the same way.

You cannot change your address online without a valid ID number, so the post office form is your only option in this case. The process takes the same 7 to 10 business days, and the cost remains $1.10.

Temporary address changes and mail forwarding

If you're moving temporarily—for example, staying with family for a few months before a permanent move—you can set an expiration date on your address change. When you fill out the form or enter information online, specify an end date. After that date, mail will resume going to your original address. This is useful if you're in transition and don't want to notify everyone twice.

You can also set up mail forwarding without changing your official address. This option holds mail at your local post office for you to pick up, or forwards it to a temporary location. Ask the postal clerk about "hold mail" or "mail forwarding" options if you need something shorter-term than a full address change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the post office to process an address change?

Online changes take about 24 hours. Paper forms submitted at the post office take 7 to 10 business days. Once processed, the change is permanent—the post office will not forward mail to your old address after the effective date.

What if I change my address but mail still arrives at my old place?

Mail sent before your change date will still go to your old address. Ask whoever lives there now to write "Return to Sender" on it, or contact the sender directly with your new address. If mail arrives after your change date, it means the change hasn't processed yet—wait a few more days and contact USPS if it continues.

Can I change someone else's address without their permission?

No. The post office requires the person whose address is changing to sign the form or authorize the change online. You can change a spouse's or adult family member's address if they give you their ID and permission, but you cannot do it without their knowledge.

Do I need to change my address with the post office if I'm just moving within the same city?

Yes. Even a move across town requires a formal address change so mail carriers know where to deliver your mail. The process and cost are the same regardless of distance.

What if I move and forget to change my address right away?

Change it as soon as you remember. Mail sent to your old address after your change date will be returned to the sender, so the sooner you process it, the less mail you'll miss. You can backdate the change by a few days if needed, but the post office recommends changing it before you move.