Where to report your address change

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the main place to report an address change for mail. You can do this online at usps.com, by phone, in person at your local post office, or by mail using a paper form. The online method is fastest — it takes about five minutes and costs $1.10. Your mail will start going to your new address within three to five business days after USPS processes the change.

If you use a private mailbox service or a UPS Store mailbox, you'll need to contact that business directly to update your address there. They don't use the USPS change-of-address system. The same applies if you rent a mailbox at a commercial mail center — call or visit in person to update your records.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS processes address changes online at usps.com for $1.10, or you can fill out Form 3575 in person at your post office for free.
  • Mail forwarding takes three to five business days to start, so report your change before you move if possible.
  • You must notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and government agencies separately — USPS forwarding does not reach them automatically.
  • Private mailbox services and UPS Store locations require you to update your address directly with them, not through USPS.
  • USPS forwards mail for 12 months, then returns undelivered pieces to the sender, so update your address with important contacts before the year ends.

The USPS online change-of-address process

Go to usps.com and click "Mail & Packages" in the top menu, then select "Change of Address." You'll need your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. USPS will ask for the last name of the person whose mail you're forwarding and a phone number or email address. You can forward mail for yourself, a family member, or a business.

After you submit the form and pay $1.10 online, USPS sends a confirmation to your email. A few days later, you'll receive a postcard at your old address as a security check — this confirms that someone at that address requested the change. Once you receive and verify the postcard, the forwarding begins. If you don't receive the postcard within 10 days, contact USPS to check the status of your request.

The online method works best if you have a credit or debit card and access to email. If you don't, you can use the paper form instead.

Using Form 3575 at your post office

Walk into your local post office and ask for Form 3575, the official change-of-address form. Fill it out with your current address, new address, and the effective date. You'll need to show a photo ID and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document with your name and new address on it works. The post office staff will process the form on the spot, and there is no fee.

This method takes longer than online because the post office must mail you the same security postcard to your old address. You still won't see forwarding start until you receive and verify that postcard. However, if you're moving soon and want to handle it in person, this avoids the $1.10 fee and the need for a credit card.

Notifying banks, insurance, and government agencies

USPS forwarding only redirects mail that comes through the postal system. It does not automatically notify your bank, credit card company, insurance provider, employer, or government agencies of your new address. You must contact each of these separately, or you risk missing important statements, tax documents, and notices.

Start with your bank and credit card companies — call the customer service number on the back of your card or your statement. Have your new address ready. Then contact your insurance companies (auto, home, health, life) and ask them to update your mailing address in their system. If you receive benefits from Social Security, Medicare, or unemployment, log into your account online or call the agency to update your address. The Social Security Administration's website is ssa.gov; Medicare is at medicare.gov.

Notify your employer's human resources or payroll department so your W-2 and other tax documents go to the right place. If you're self-employed or a freelancer, update your address with each client who sends you 1099 forms. The IRS will not automatically know your new address, so if you expect a tax refund, update your address at irs.gov or include it on your tax return.

What happens after 12 months

USPS forwards your mail for 12 months from the date your change takes effect. After that year ends, mail addressed to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "Moved, Left No Address." This is why it's important to update your address with banks, insurance companies, and other regular contacts before the 12 months are up — otherwise they may stop trying to reach you.

If you need to extend your forwarding beyond 12 months, you can submit a new change-of-address request before the first one expires. However, the better approach is to update your address with all your regular contacts so you don't rely on forwarding at all.

Changing your address for packages and online orders

If you order from online retailers like Amazon, you'll need to update your address in your account settings on each website. USPS forwarding will redirect packages, but only if they're sent through the postal service. Packages shipped by UPS, FedEx, or the retailer's own delivery service won't be forwarded — they'll be returned to the sender if the address is wrong.

Log into your Amazon account, go to "Your Account," then "Addresses," and add or edit your address there. Do the same for any other online shopping accounts you use regularly. If you have subscriptions or recurring deliveries, update those addresses too. This prevents delays and returned packages after you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address before I actually move?

Yes. You can set the effective date of your change-of-address request for up to 30 days in the future. This is useful if you know your move date in advance — you can submit the request now and have it take effect on moving day. Just make sure the date you choose is when you'll actually be at your new address.

What if I'm moving temporarily or to a second home?

USPS allows temporary forwarding for up to one year. When you submit your change-of-address request, you can choose whether it's temporary or permanent. If it's temporary, mail will resume going to your original address after the forwarding period ends. This works well for seasonal moves or extended stays elsewhere.

Do I need to change my address with the DMV and voter registration?

Yes, these are separate from USPS. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to update your driver's license and vehicle registration. Update your voter registration through your county clerk's office or your state's election website. USPS forwarding will not reach these agencies automatically.

What if mail arrives at my old address after I've moved?

If USPS forwarding is active, the mail carrier will redirect it to your new address. If forwarding has expired or the sender's address is incorrect, the mail may sit at your old address. Ask the new occupant to write "Return to Sender" on it, or contact USPS to request a one-time redirect if you missed something important.

Can someone else change my address without my permission?

USPS requires a photo ID and proof of the new address to process a change in person, and the security postcard sent to your old address serves as a check. However, if someone has access to your USPS account online, they could submit a change. Protect your USPS.com login with a strong password and enable two-factor authentication if available.