The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your address with USPS online at usps.com using the Change of Address tool, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You fill in your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. USPS will forward your mail to the new address for up to 12 months (or 18 months if you pay extra). You can also change your address in person at any post office by filling out Form 3575, though the online method is faster and you get when ready confirmation.

The online tool accepts your request when ready, and forwarding usually starts within one business day. If you go to the post office, bring a photo ID and proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement all work. The post office will hand you a receipt with a confirmation number on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • The USPS Change of Address tool at usps.com costs $1.10 and takes about 10 minutes to complete online.
  • Mail forwarding starts within one business day of your requested effective date and lasts 12 months for the standard fee.
  • You can also change your address at any post office in person by filling out Form 3575 and showing a photo ID plus proof of your new address.
  • USPS forwards mail only—they do not notify banks, insurance companies, or subscriptions, so you will need to contact those separately.
  • If you change your mind within 30 days, you can cancel the forwarding order online or at the post office for a refund.

Changing your address online step by step

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top navigation menu. You will land on a page that asks whether you are moving for yourself, a business, or someone else. Select the option that matches your situation. If you are moving for yourself, click "Start" to begin the form.

Enter your current address exactly as it appears on your mail—include the apartment or unit number if you have one. Then enter your new address. The form will ask you to pick an effective date: this is the date forwarding begins. You can set it up to 30 days in the future, which is useful if you want to schedule it before you actually move. Next, enter your email address and create a password for your USPS account (or sign in if you already have one). Pay the $1.10 fee with a debit or credit card. You will get a confirmation number when ready, and forwarding starts on the date you chose.

Changing your address at the post office

Walk into any post office and ask for Form 3575, which is the Change of Address form. Fill it out with your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one piece of proof that you live at the new address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all count—it just needs to show your name and new address.

Hand the completed form and your documents to the postal clerk. They will process it on the spot and give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Forwarding usually starts the next business day. This method costs the same $1.10 as online, though some post offices may accept cash while others require a card.

What USPS forwarding does and does not cover

USPS forwarding covers regular mail, magazines, and packages addressed to you at your old address. The post office will redirect them to your new address for 12 months. If you pay an extra fee (around $1.60 total), you can extend forwarding to 18 months. After that period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "No Longer at This Address."

USPS forwarding does not automatically notify your bank, insurance company, employer, subscription services, or government agencies. You will need to contact each one separately to update your address. Start with the most important ones—your bank, insurance, and employer—then work through subscriptions and memberships. Many organizations let you update your address online through their website or app.

Canceling or changing your forwarding order

If you change your mind within 30 days of setting up forwarding, you can cancel it and get a refund. Go back to usps.com, sign into your account, and find your Change of Address order. Click the option to cancel. You will see a refund confirmation, and the cancellation takes effect when ready.

If more than 30 days have passed, you cannot cancel online. Instead, go to your nearest post office with your confirmation number and ask the clerk to cancel the order. They can do it at the counter, though you may not receive a refund depending on how much time has passed. It is worth asking—some post offices will refund you even after 30 days if the forwarding has not yet started.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is entering your old address incorrectly. USPS matches the address in their system, so if you type it differently than it appears on your mail, the form may reject it or create a forwarding order for the wrong address. Copy your address directly from a recent piece of mail or a bill.

Another mistake is forgetting to update your address with important organizations. USPS forwarding lasts only 12 months, and after that, mail to your old address stops being forwarded. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies will not know where you moved unless you tell them. Start updating your address with these organizations as soon as you submit your USPS change, not after you move.

Do not assume that changing your address with USPS changes it everywhere else. Some people think one change covers their voter registration, driver's license, and bank account. It does not. Each organization maintains its own records, and you must contact them separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does USPS forwarding take to start?

Forwarding usually starts within one business day of your effective date. If you set the effective date for today, mail may start being forwarded tomorrow. If you set it for a future date, forwarding will not begin until that date arrives.

Can I change my address if I do not have a photo ID?

Online, you do not need a photo ID—just an email address and a payment method. At the post office, you must show a photo ID. If you do not have one, the post office cannot process the form in person, but you can still change your address online at usps.com.

What happens to mail after the 12-month forwarding period ends?

After 12 months, USPS stops forwarding mail to your new address. Mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender with a notice that you no longer live there. This is why it is important to update your address with banks, subscriptions, and other organizations before the forwarding period expires.

Can I change my address for someone else, like a family member?

Yes, but only if you are authorized to do so. When you start the Change of Address form, select "Move someone else" and enter their information. You will still need to pay the fee and provide proof of the new address. Some post offices may ask for additional documentation showing you have permission to change their address.

Is there a way to change my address without paying the $1.10 fee?

No. USPS charges $1.10 for online changes and the same amount at the post office. This is the standard fee for all address changes. There is no free option through USPS, though some moving companies or relocation services may offer it as part of a larger package.