The USPS Change of Address form is the fastest way to redirect your mail

The United States Postal Service (USPS) runs the official mail forwarding system. You fill out a Change of Address (COA) form, pay a small fee, and the post office redirects your mail to your new address for a set period. This works for mail addressed to you by name — not for mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant," which continues to the address on the envelope.

You can submit the form online at usps.com, in person at any post office, or by mail. Online is fastest: the form takes about five minutes, costs $1.10, and starts working within three to five business days. In-person submission at a post office costs $1.10 and also takes three to five business days to set up. By mail, you send the paper form to your local post office, which takes longer.

The forwarding period lasts 12 months for residential moves and 18 months for business moves. After that period ends, mail stops being forwarded and returns to the sender marked "No Forwarding Address on File."

Key Takeaways

  • USPS Change of Address forms cost $1.10 and can be submitted online, in person, or by mail.
  • Online submission at usps.com is fastest and takes three to five business days to set up.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months for residential moves, then stops unless you renew.
  • You need your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start.
  • Some mail — like government benefits, tax documents, and bank statements — may not forward if the sender requires current address verification.

What you need before you start

Gather your old address, your new address, and the date you want the forwarding to begin. The USPS lets you start forwarding up to 30 days before your move, which is useful if you want mail redirected before you arrive at the new place.

You will also need a valid form of identification if you submit in person — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Online submission does not require ID, but USPS will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history.

How to submit online at usps.com

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. Select "Move" (not "Seasonal" or "Business"), then enter your old address and new address. Choose the date you want forwarding to start — this can be today or up to 30 days in the future.

USPS will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history, such as "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these is your mortgage lender?" Answer based on your actual history. If you answer incorrectly, the form will reject and you will need to try again or submit in person.

Once verified, you will pay $1.10 by debit card or credit card. USPS sends a confirmation email with a receipt number. Forwarding starts within three to five business days — you can check the status using your receipt number on the USPS website.

Submitting in person at a post office

Bring a valid ID and go to any post office. Ask for a Change of Address form (Form 3575) or ask the clerk to help you fill one out. Write your old address, new address, and the start date. You can start forwarding up to 30 days before your move.

Pay $1.10 at the counter. The clerk will give you a receipt. Forwarding starts within three to five business days. Some post offices let you check the status online using your receipt number, though not all locations offer this.

Mail that may not forward automatically

Government benefits, tax refunds, Social Security statements, and court documents often do not forward because the sender requires a current address on file. Contact these senders directly to update your address:

  • Social Security Administration: ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213
  • IRS: irs.gov or call 1-800-829-1040
  • Your state's unemployment office (if you receive benefits)
  • Your bank and credit card companies
  • Insurance companies (auto, home, health)
  • Employer (for paychecks and tax forms)
  • Student loan servicers

Updating these directly takes a few minutes per organization but prevents mail from being returned to sender or delayed. Many allow address changes online through their websites or apps.

What happens if you move before the forwarding starts

If you move before the three- to five-day set up period is over, mail sent to your old address will still be forwarded to your new address once the forwarding becomes active. You do not need to do anything — the system catches up automatically.

However, if you need mail to reach you when ready at your new address, contact the sender directly and give them your new address. This is especially important for paychecks, bills, and time-sensitive documents.

Renewing or canceling your forwarding

Forwarding lasts 12 months for residential moves. About a month before it expires, USPS sends a notice to your new address asking if you want to renew. You can renew online at usps.com or in person at a post office for another $1.10.

If you want to cancel forwarding before the 12 months are up, go to usps.com, enter your receipt number, and select "Cancel." You can also cancel in person at a post office. Once canceled, mail stops being forwarded and returns to the sender.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The Change of Address form is for one person only. If multiple people in your household are moving, each person needs their own form. Spouses can submit one form together if they share the same old and new addresses, but children or roommates need separate forms.

What if I submit the form and then move again before the 12 months are up?

You can submit a new Change of Address form at any time. The new form overrides the old one, and forwarding starts from your new address. You pay $1.10 for each form. The original 12-month period does not extend — it runs from the date of your first form.

Does USPS forward packages and magazines?

Yes, packages and magazines forward the same way as regular mail. However, some senders — particularly online retailers — may not use USPS for delivery. If a package arrives via UPS, FedEx, or Amazon's own carrier, it will not be forwarded by USPS. Contact the sender if a package does not arrive.

What if I do not have a credit card to pay online?

Submit the form in person at a post office. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card at the counter. The cost is the same: $1.10.

Can I forward mail to a PO Box?

Yes. Enter your PO Box number as your new address when you submit the form. Forwarding works the same way, and the $1.10 fee applies.