The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your address with the United States Postal Service in person at your local post office, online through USPS.com, or by mail using Form 3575. The online method is fastest — it takes about five minutes and costs $1.10. You'll need a valid government-issued ID and a credit or debit card to pay the fee online. If you go in person, bring the same ID and be prepared to pay cash or card.

Your address change takes effect within three to five business days after USPS processes it. During that window, mail addressed to your old address will still arrive there, so if you're moving, ask your landlord or the new resident to forward anything that comes. After the change is active, USPS will redirect mail sent to your old address to your new one for 12 months at no extra cost.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS processes address changes online at USPS.com for $1.10, which is faster than going to the post office in person.
  • You need a valid government-issued ID and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or cash) to change your address.
  • The change takes three to five business days to go into effect, so mail sent to your old address during that time will not be redirected yet.
  • USPS automatically forwards mail to your new address for 12 months after the change is active, at no additional cost.
  • If you change your address online, USPS will email you a confirmation — save this in case you need proof of the change date.

Changing your address online through USPS.com

Go to USPS.com and click "Manage My Mail" in the top navigation. Select "Change of Address" from the menu. You'll be asked whether you're moving yourself, moving a business, or handling a move for someone else (like a family member). Choose the option that matches your situation.

Enter your current address and the new address where you want mail sent. USPS will ask you to confirm the dates — the "effective date" is when you want the change to start, and the "end date" is when the 12-month forwarding period ends (USPS fills this in automatically). Review both addresses carefully before you proceed, because you cannot change them after you pay.

You'll then be asked to verify your identity. USPS requires either your driver's license number and date of birth, or your Social Security number and date of birth. Have one of these ready. After verification, you'll pay $1.10 by credit card or debit card. USPS sends a confirmation email when ready — the address change itself takes three to five business days to set up in their system.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into your local post office with a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Tell the clerk you want to file a change of address. They will hand you Form 3575 (the official USPS change of address form) and ask you to fill it out at a counter or table in the lobby.

The form asks for your current address, new address, the date you want the change to start, and your signature. You'll also need to choose whether the change is for yourself, a business, or someone else in your household. The clerk will take the completed form, charge you $1.10 (cash or card), and give you a receipt. The change takes the same three to five business days to process as an online submission.

Changing your address by mail using Form 3575

If you prefer not to go online or to the post office, you can request Form 3575 by mail. Call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 and ask them to mail you the form, or read it from USPS.com and print it yourself. Fill out the form with your current address, new address, and the effective date.

Mail the completed form to your current post office — the address is printed on the form itself. Include a check or money order for $1.10 made out to "USPS". Do not send cash through the mail. This method is the slowest because the form has to travel to your post office, be processed, and then take another three to five business days to set up. Plan for two to three weeks total.

What happens to mail during the change period

Between the day you submit your address change and the day it becomes active (three to five business days), mail sent to your old address will still go there. If you've already moved, ask the new resident or your landlord to write "Return to Sender — Person No Longer at This Address" on any mail that arrives for you and put it back in the mailbox. USPS will return it to the sender.

Once your change is active, USPS automatically forwards any mail addressed to your old address to your new one for 12 months. You don't have to do anything — the forwarding is built in. After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender as undeliverable.

Changing your address for a business or someone else

If you're moving a business, you'll file a change of address just like a personal move, but USPS may ask for a business tax ID or EIN (Employer Identification Number). If you're changing the address for a family member or someone else in your household, you can do this online or in person, but you'll need to specify that it's not your own address change on the form.

If you're handling the move for someone who is deceased, you cannot file a standard change of address. Instead, contact your local post office directly and ask to speak with a supervisor. They can help you manage mail for a deceased person's account, which has different rules.

Updating other organizations after you change your address

Changing your address with USPS only affects mail delivery — it does not automatically update your address with banks, insurance companies, employers, government agencies, or subscription services. You'll need to contact each organization separately to update your address in their records.

Start with the most important ones: your bank, insurance company, employer, and any government benefits you receive. Then work through subscriptions, online retailers, and utilities. Keep a list of places you've updated so you don't miss any. Some organizations let you change your address online through their website or app; others require a phone call or a form sent by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my address change to start working?

USPS processes address changes within three to five business days after you submit them. During that window, mail sent to your old address will not yet be forwarded. Once the change is active, forwarding begins automatically and lasts for 12 months.

Can I change my address if I don't have a government ID?

You need a valid government-issued ID to change your address online or in person. If you don't have one, you can still mail in Form 3575, though USPS may contact you to verify your identity before processing it. Call 1-800-275-8777 to ask about your specific situation.

What if I made a mistake on my address change form?

If you submitted the change online and realize you made an error before it's processed, call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 right away — they may be able to cancel it before it goes into the system. If it's already active, you'll need to file a new change of address with the correct information.

Do I have to pay the $1.10 fee every time I change my address?

Yes, USPS charges $1.10 for each address change, whether you do it online, in person, or by mail. There is no way to avoid this fee, and it does not cover the 12-month forwarding period — forwarding is included automatically.

What happens to packages sent to my old address after I move?

Packages are forwarded the same way as regular mail — if they're addressed to your old address, USPS will send them to your new address for 12 months after your change is active. However, some package carriers (like UPS or FedEx) do not use USPS forwarding, so contact them separately to update your address if you order packages regularly.