The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your address with the USPS online at usps.com, by mail, or in person at your local post office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $1.10, and you can do it from home. USPS will start forwarding your mail within three to five business days of approval.

If you go in person, bring a valid ID and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The post office will process it the same day. Mail-in forms take longer — you fill out PS Form 3575, mail it in, and wait for processing, which can take two to three weeks.

Address changes last for 12 months. After that, mail stops forwarding and goes to your old address. You can renew the forward before it expires by submitting a new change online or at the post office.

Key Takeaways

  • The USPS online change at usps.com costs $1.10 and takes 10 minutes, with forwarding starting in three to five business days.
  • In-person changes at your local post office require a valid ID and proof of your new address, and are processed the same day.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months, then stops — you must renew before expiration to keep mail going to your new address.
  • USPS forwards mail to your new address but does not automatically notify banks, employers, or subscriptions, so you must contact them separately.
  • If you submit a change online and then move again before forwarding starts, you can cancel and resubmit with the correct address at no extra cost.

Changing your address online at USPS.com

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You will be asked to enter your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. USPS will ask whether you want to forward mail for yourself, a family member, or a business.

Next, you enter your email address and create a temporary password. USPS sends a verification code to your email — you enter it to confirm you own that email account. Then you pay $1.10 by debit card or credit card. The system will show you a confirmation number when ready.

Your change goes into the USPS system right away, but mail does not start forwarding until three to five business days have passed. During that waiting period, you can still cancel the change for free if you made a mistake. After forwarding starts, you cannot cancel online — you have to go to the post office in person.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Bring your valid ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a piece of mail or document showing your new address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Tell the postal worker you want to change your address. They will fill out the form with you or hand you PS Form 3575 to complete. You will specify the date forwarding should start and whether the change is for yourself, a family member, or a business. There is no fee for in-person changes.

The post office processes the change the same day. Your mail will start forwarding within one to three business days. You will receive a confirmation notice in the mail at your new address within two weeks.

Changing your address by mail

read or request PS Form 3575 from the USPS website or your local post office. Fill in your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form itself.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the day USPS receives it. You will not get a confirmation number or receipt, so keep a copy of the form for your records. Mail forwarding will begin after USPS processes the form, which means there is a longer gap between when you submit it and when it takes effect.

This method is slower and riskier — if the form gets lost in the mail, you will not know until mail starts piling up at your old address. Use it only if you cannot go online or to the post office.

What USPS forwards and what it does not

USPS forwards first-class mail, magazines, and packages to your new address. It does not forward marketing mail (flyers and coupons), mail addressed to "Resident" or "Occupant," or mail sent to a business address if you no longer work there.

Your bank, insurance company, employer, and subscription services do not automatically know you moved. You must contact them separately and give them your new address. Check your important accounts — credit cards, utilities, tax documents, medical records — and update them yourself. Forwarding only buys you time; it does not replace notifying the people and companies that send you mail.

If you miss updating a critical account, mail can be returned to the sender marked "Forwarding Order Expired" after 12 months. That can cause problems with billing, tax documents, or legal notices, so do not rely on USPS forwarding alone.

Renewing your address change before it expires

Your forwarding order lasts exactly 12 months from the start date. About a month before it expires, USPS sends a notice to your new address telling you the expiration date. If you want forwarding to continue, you must submit a new change before the old one runs out.

You can renew online at usps.com for $1.10, in person at the post office for free, or by mail using PS Form 3575. If you do not renew and forwarding expires, mail sent to your old address will go to the new resident or be returned to the sender. There is no grace period.

If you move again before your current forwarding expires, you can cancel the first change and submit a new one. USPS will refund the $1.10 if you cancel within 30 days of submitting it online.

Changing address for a family member or business

If you are changing the address for someone else in your household, you can do it online or in person. The person whose address is changing does not have to be present, but you will need to know their name and current address. At the post office, you may be asked to show ID and explain your relationship.

For a business address change, you will need the business name, current address, and the date the change should start. If the business is a sole proprietorship in your name, you can change it online. For other business structures, the post office may ask for documentation showing you are authorized to make the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address before I actually move?

Yes. You can set a future start date when you submit your change online or at the post office. For example, if you move on the 15th, you can submit the change on the 10th and tell USPS to start forwarding on the 15th. This prevents mail from sitting at your old address while you are waiting for the change to process.

What happens if I submit a change online and then move again before forwarding starts?

You can cancel the first change for free if you do it within 30 days. Then submit a new change with your correct address. USPS will not charge you twice. If you cancel after 30 days, you lose the $1.10.

Does USPS notify my bank and other companies when I change my address?

No. USPS only forwards mail; it does not contact banks, insurance companies, employers, or subscription services. You must contact them separately. Check your most important accounts — credit cards, utilities, tax documents, and medical providers — and update them yourself to avoid missing bills or important notices.

What if I move and forget to change my address with USPS?

Mail sent to your old address will go to the new resident or be returned to the sender. You can still submit a change at any time, but it will only forward mail received after the change takes effect. Mail already delivered to your old address cannot be recovered. Contact USPS as soon as you realize the mistake.

Can I change my address temporarily?

USPS forwarding is designed for permanent moves and lasts 12 months. If you need mail forwarded for a few weeks or months, you can still use the service — just set an earlier expiration date when you submit the change, or cancel it early by going to the post office. You will not get a refund if you cancel after 30 days.