Where to report your address change first

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the main place to report a mailing address change. When you file a change of address with USPS, mail carriers will forward your letters and packages to your new location for a set period. You can do this online at usps.com, by phone, or in person at your local post office.

USPS forwards mail for 12 months if you file online or by phone, or 18 months if you file in person. After that period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender. This gives you time to notify other organizations, but you should not rely on forwarding alone—you need to update your address directly with banks, employers, government agencies, and subscription services.

Key Takeaways

  • File your address change with USPS first, either online at usps.com, by phone at 1-800-275-8777, or at your local post office.
  • USPS forwards mail for 12 months (online or phone) or 18 months (in person), but forwarding eventually stops, so update your address directly with each organization.
  • You will need your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect when you file with USPS.
  • Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance company, government agencies, and any subscription services within a few weeks of moving.

Filing your address change with USPS online

The fastest way to change your address is through the USPS website. Go to usps.com, click "Mail & Shipping," then select "Change of Address." You will need to enter your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. USPS will ask whether the change is for an individual, a business, or a family.

For an individual address change, USPS charges a one-time fee (currently around $1.10 for online filing). You will need to verify your identity by providing your driver's license or state ID number. The change takes effect within three business days, and mail forwarding begins on the date you specify. You will receive a confirmation email with your request number.

Changing your address by phone or in person

If you prefer not to file online, call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 to report your address change over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions: old address, new address, and effective date. You can pay the fee by credit card or debit card during the call. Processing takes about five business days.

You can also visit your local post office in person and fill out Form 3575 (process for a Domestic Change of Address). Bring a valid ID and be ready to pay the fee. In-person filings take effect within one business day, and mail forwarding lasts for 18 months instead of 12, giving you extra time to update other organizations.

Updating your address with banks and financial institutions

Contact your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions where you have accounts. Most banks let you update your address online through their website or mobile app—log in, go to account settings or profile, and change your mailing address. Some banks require you to call or visit a branch in person.

Update this within two weeks of moving. Banks use your mailing address to send statements, tax forms, and notices about account changes. If your address is outdated when the bank sends important documents, you may miss payment important date or fraud alerts. Keep a list of all your financial accounts so you do not forget any.

Notifying your employer, government agencies, and insurance companies

Contact your employer's human resources or payroll department to update your address for your W-2 form and any paychecks sent by mail. If you receive Social Security, Medicare, or other government benefits, update your address with the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. For tax purposes, notify the IRS by filing Form 8822 if you moved during the tax year.

Update your address with your car insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, and health insurance companies. Insurance companies send renewal notices and policy documents to your mailing address, and missing these can result in a lapsed policy. Contact your insurance agent or log into your policy account online to make the change. Also notify your state's Department of Motor Vehicles if you have a driver's license or vehicle registration.

Updating subscriptions, memberships, and online accounts

Go through your email inbox and look for statements, receipts, and newsletters from services you pay for or use regularly. This includes streaming services, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, utility companies, and online retailers where you have saved an address. Log into each account and update your mailing address in the profile or account settings section.

For utility companies (electric, gas, water), call them directly or update your account online. They need your correct address to send bills and shut-off notices. For online retailers like Amazon, update your address in your account settings so future orders ship to the right place. Set a reminder to check back in a few weeks—some organizations may still have your old address on file and will need a second update.

What to do if mail arrives at your old address

If you receive mail at your new address that is addressed to the previous resident, write "Return to Sender—Person Does Not Live Here" on the envelope and put it back in the mail. Do not open mail that is not addressed to you. The postal service will return it to the sender, who can then update their records.

If you discover that an important organization still has your old address after several weeks, contact them directly and ask them to update their system. Keep a record of when you reported the change and to whom. If you are concerned about missing mail, ask the new resident of your old address if they would be willing to forward any mail that arrives for you, or check with your post office about whether your forwarding order is still active.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you file online or by phone with USPS, the change takes effect within three to five business days. If you file in person at the post office, it takes effect within one business day. Mail forwarding begins on the date you specify, not the date you file.

Can I change my address if I do not have a driver's license?

Yes. USPS accepts other forms of ID, including a passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. If you file in person at the post office, bring whichever ID you have. Online filing requires a driver's license or state ID number, so in-person or phone filing may be your best option if you do not have one.

What happens to mail after the forwarding period ends?

After 12 or 18 months (depending on how you filed), USPS stops forwarding mail to your new address. Mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "Moved—Left No Address." This is why you should update your address directly with banks, employers, and government agencies rather than relying only on forwarding.

Do I need to file a separate address change for each family member?

No. USPS offers a family or household change of address option that covers everyone at your old address moving to the same new address. You can file one change of address for the whole household instead of paying a fee for each person.

Can I change my address before I move?

Yes. When you file your change of address with USPS, you specify the date you want it to take effect. You can file up to 30 days before your move date. This is helpful if you want mail forwarding to start on your moving day rather than waiting until after you arrive.