The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your address with the United States Postal Service online, by mail, or in person at your local post office. The online method through USPS.com takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You will need a credit or debit card, your current address, and your new address. The change takes effect within three to five business days, though some mail carriers begin forwarding sooner.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it in person, you can fill out Form 3575 at any post office location. The form takes a few minutes to complete, and the fee is the same. Mail-in submission is also an option — you can request Form 3575 by calling 1-800-275-8777, fill it out, and mail it back with payment, though this method takes longer because of postal delivery time.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS.com is the fastest option and lets you change your address in about 10 minutes for $1.10 using a credit or debit card.
  • Your forwarding order takes effect within three to five business days, and you can set an end date so mail stops forwarding after a certain period.
  • You must provide your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to start.
  • Mail forwarding does not change your address with banks, employers, or other organizations — you must contact them separately.
  • If you share a mailbox with others, only your mail will forward; their mail stays at the old address unless they submit their own change.

Changing your address online through USPS.com

Go to USPS.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You will be asked to verify your identity by answering questions based on your credit history — this usually takes two to three minutes. The system asks for your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. You can start forwarding when ready or choose a future date up to 30 days away.

Next, you choose how long you want mail forwarded. USPS offers three options: 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months. After that period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender. You can renew the forwarding order before it expires if you need it to continue. At the end of the process, you pay $1.10 with a credit or debit card and receive a confirmation number by email.

Keep your confirmation number in case you need to check the status of your change or contact USPS about a problem. You can also log back into USPS.com and view your active forwarding orders under "Manage Change of Address."

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into any post office with a government-issued photo ID and ask for Form 3575. The clerk will hand you the form and a pen. You fill in your current address, new address, the date you want forwarding to start, and how long you want it to last. The form is straightforward and takes about five minutes to complete.

Hand the completed form back to the clerk along with $1.10 in cash or card payment. The clerk will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Your forwarding order takes effect within three to five business days, the same as online. This method works well if you are already at the post office or do not have internet access at home.

What happens to mail during the forwarding period

Once your forwarding order is active, mail addressed to your old address will be forwarded to your new address at no extra cost to you. First-class mail, packages, and magazines are all forwarded. The forwarding process adds a few extra days to delivery time because mail goes to your old post office first, then gets sent to your new one.

Some mail will not forward. Packages marked "Do Not Forward" will be returned to the sender. Mail addressed to "Occupant" or "Current Resident" at your old address will not forward — it stays at the old address. Certified mail and mail requiring a signature sometimes do not forward either, depending on the sender's instructions.

If you set a 6-month forwarding period and move again during that time, you can submit a second change of address. USPS will forward mail from your first old address to your second new address, though this adds more delivery time.

Updating your address with other organizations

USPS forwarding only redirects mail — it does not change your address with your bank, insurance company, employer, subscription services, or government agencies. You must contact each organization separately to update your address. This is important because some mail, like tax documents and legal notices, may not forward properly if the sender has restrictions.

Start with your bank and credit card companies, since they send statements and fraud alerts. Then contact your employer's payroll or HR department, your insurance providers, and any subscription services you use. For government benefits or tax documents, contact the relevant agency directly — Social Security, the IRS, your state's unemployment office, or your local housing authority, depending on what you receive.

Make a list of organizations you do business with and check them off as you update your address. This prevents important mail from going to your old address and reduces the risk of identity theft or missed payments.

What to do if your forwarding order expires or stops working

If your forwarding period ends and you still need mail redirected, you can renew your order through USPS.com or at the post office. Log into your account on USPS.com, find your expired forwarding order, and renew it for another 3, 6, or 12 months. The renewal costs another $1.10.

If mail is not forwarding when it should be, check your confirmation number and the dates on your order. Make sure the forwarding start date has passed and the end date has not. If everything looks correct but mail is still not forwarding, visit your local post office with your confirmation number and ask a clerk to investigate. Sometimes mail from specific senders does not forward due to their own restrictions, and the post office can help you figure out why.

Forwarding mail for other people at your address

If you live with roommates, family members, or others, each person must submit their own change of address. Submitting one change of address for the whole household will only forward mail addressed to the person whose name is on the form. Mail addressed to other household members will stay at the old address unless they submit their own change.

This is especially important in shared housing situations. If you move out but your roommate stays, your forwarding order will not affect their mail. They need to submit their own change of address when they eventually move, or their mail will continue to go to the old address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address before I move?

Yes. You can submit your change of address up to 30 days before your move date. Choose the date you want forwarding to start, and USPS will hold the order until that date arrives. This lets you submit the change early without mail starting to forward to an address you are not at yet.

What if I do not have a credit card for the online fee?

Go to your local post office and pay the $1.10 fee in cash or with a debit card. You can also call 1-800-275-8777 to request Form 3575 by mail, fill it out, and mail it back with a check or money order, though this takes longer overall.

Does USPS forwarding work for packages from online stores?

Most packages forward, but some do not. Packages marked "Do Not Forward" by the sender will be returned. If you are expecting packages during your forwarding period, contact the sender and give them your new address directly to avoid delays.

How long does it take for my forwarding order to start working?

USPS says three to five business days, though some mail carriers begin forwarding sooner. During the first week, some mail may still arrive at your old address. If you need mail redirected urgently, contact the sender and provide your new address directly.

Can I cancel my forwarding order before it expires?

Yes. Log into USPS.com, find your active forwarding order, and cancel it. You can also visit your post office with your confirmation number and ask a clerk to cancel it. USPS does not refund the fee for cancelled orders.