The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your address with USPS online through their official website, by mail, or in person at your local post office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. USPS will forward your mail to your new address for 12 months if you choose mail forwarding, or you can straightforward update your address without forwarding if you only need to change where mail is sent.

The online form is called the Mover's Guide, and you access it at usps.com. You will need your current address, new address, and a credit or debit card to pay the fee. Once you submit, USPS sends a confirmation postcard to your old address within 3 to 5 days — you must sign and return it to set up the change. This verification step protects against fraud.

Key Takeaways

  • The online Mover's Guide at usps.com is the fastest method and costs $1.10, with a confirmation postcard arriving in 3 to 5 days.
  • You must sign and return the confirmation postcard to set up your address change — the form does not take effect until USPS receives it back.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months and costs the same $1.10 fee; after 12 months, mail to your old address will not be forwarded.
  • If you do not want to wait for the postcard, you can change your address in person at your local post office with a photo ID and proof of your new address.
  • Changing your address does not affect packages sent to your old address — you must contact the sender or shipper to update delivery details.

Changing your address online through USPS

Go to usps.com and look for the "Mail & Packages" section at the top of the page. Click on "Manage My Mail" and then select "Change of Address." You will be taken to the Mover's Guide form. Enter your current address exactly as it appears on mail you receive, then enter your new address. Choose whether you want mail forwarding (recommended if you are unsure all your contacts have your new address) or just an address change.

Select your move date — this is the date you want forwarding or the address change to begin. USPS allows you to schedule a change up to 30 days in advance. Pay the $1.10 fee with a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number on screen; write this down or take a screenshot. Within 3 to 5 business days, USPS mails a confirmation postcard to your old address. Sign the back of this postcard and mail it back to USPS in the envelope provided. Do not throw away the postcard — your address change does not set up until USPS receives your signed confirmation.

Changing your address in person at the post office

If you want to avoid waiting for the confirmation postcard, visit your local post office with two documents: a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your new address. Tell the postal clerk you want to change your address.

The clerk will fill out USPS Form 3575 (the official change of address form) with you. You sign it in front of the clerk, and the change takes effect when ready — no confirmation postcard required. This method also costs $1.10 and takes about 10 minutes. If you are changing the address for multiple people at the same address (a household move), each person needs their own photo ID, but you can all do it in one visit.

Changing your address by mail

You can request a change of address form by mail if you do not have internet access or prefer not to visit the post office. Call USPS customer service at 1-800-275-8777 and ask them to mail you Form 3575. Fill it out completely with your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to begin. Include a check or money order for $1.10 made out to "USPS." Mail the completed form to your local post office — the clerk can tell you the address when you call.

This method is the slowest because the form must travel to your post office, be processed, and then a confirmation postcard must be mailed back to you. Plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. You will still need to sign and return the confirmation postcard to set up the change, just as with the online method.

What happens after you submit your address change

Once USPS receives your signed confirmation postcard (or processes your in-person form), your address change is active. Mail addressed to your old address will be forwarded to your new address for 12 months if you chose forwarding. After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "moved, left no address" or delivered to the current resident at that address.

Your address change with USPS does not automatically update your address with banks, employers, government agencies, or online retailers. You must contact each organization separately to update your mailing address. USPS provides a checklist on their website of common places to notify, including the IRS, Social Security Administration, and your state's DMV.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is throwing away the confirmation postcard without signing and returning it. Your address change will not take effect until USPS receives your signed postcard back, even if you paid online. If you lose the postcard, contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777 and they can send you another one or help you complete the change over the phone.

Another mistake is assuming your address change covers package deliveries. If you have packages in transit to your old address, the carrier will deliver them there unless you contact the shipper directly. Check your order confirmation emails for tracking numbers and contact the company or carrier to request a redelivery to your new address.

Do not forget to update your address with your employer, bank, insurance company, and any subscription services. USPS only handles mail; they cannot update your records with other organizations. Set aside time after your move to go through bills and statements and update your address wherever it appears.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my address change to go into effect?

If you change your address online or by mail, it takes 3 to 5 business days for the confirmation postcard to arrive, then a few more days after you mail it back. Total time is usually 1 to 2 weeks. If you change your address in person at the post office, it takes effect when ready.

Can I change my address for just one person in my household?

Yes. Each person at the same address can have their own address change. If only one person is moving, they submit their own form. If the whole household is moving, each person needs to submit a form or change their address in person with their own photo ID.

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

Call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 and provide your confirmation number. They can cancel your current change and help you submit a new one. If the confirmation postcard has already arrived, you can also contact your local post office directly and they may be able to correct it before processing.

Does changing my address with USPS update my address everywhere else?

No. USPS only handles mail forwarding and address changes for postal delivery. You must separately update your address with your bank, employer, insurance company, government agencies, and any online accounts. USPS provides a checklist on usps.com to help you remember where to notify.

Can I cancel my address change after I submit it?

Yes, but only before the confirmation postcard is signed and returned. Call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 with your confirmation number and ask to cancel. If the postcard has already been returned and processed, contact your local post office to request a cancellation, though they may charge a fee.