You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at any post office

The fastest way to change your mailing address is through the USPS website at usps.com using their Informed Delivery service or the address change form. You can also fill out a paper form at your local post office or mail it in. The process takes a few minutes online and costs a small fee — currently around $1.10 for online changes, though this varies. Once submitted, your address change typically takes effect within three to five business days, though mail forwarding can take up to two weeks to fully set up.

Your address change applies to mail addressed to you personally. It does not automatically update your address with banks, employers, government agencies, or subscription services — you will need to contact those separately. The post office will forward mail sent to your old address to your new one for a limited time, usually 12 months, but it is better to update your address directly with the senders so nothing gets lost.

Key Takeaways

  • The USPS website (usps.com) is the fastest option and lets you change your address in a few minutes without leaving home.
  • You can also file a paper form (PS Form 3575) at any post office or request one by mail if you prefer not to go online.
  • The address change takes three to five business days to process, though mail forwarding can take up to two weeks to fully work.
  • You must notify your bank, employer, insurance company, and other organizations separately — the post office change does not reach them automatically.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months; after that, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender as undeliverable.

Changing your address online through USPS

Go to usps.com and look for the "Change of Address" option in the mail and shipping section. You will need to provide your current address, your new address, the date you want the change to take effect, and a valid email address. The USPS will send you a confirmation email, and you will need to click a link in that email within 24 hours to verify the change. This step prevents someone else from changing your address without your knowledge.

Payment is handled online using a debit or credit card. After you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email — you may need it if you have questions about the change later. The forwarding service begins on the date you specify, and you should see the change reflected in your mail delivery within three to five business days.

Filing a paper address change form at the post office

If you prefer to change your address in person, visit any post office and ask for PS Form 3575, the official address change form. Fill it out with your current address, new address, and the effective date. You will need to show a photo ID and sign the form in front of a postal worker. Payment is made at the counter, and you will receive a receipt.

This method takes longer than online — you have to travel to the post office and wait in line — but it works just as well. The postal worker can also answer questions about what happens to packages or subscriptions and can explain the 12-month forwarding window. Some people prefer this route because they have a record of the change on paper and can speak directly to someone if problems arise.

Mailing in your address change form

You can request PS Form 3575 by mail or read it from usps.com, fill it out, and mail it to your local post office. Include a check or money order for the fee. Write your current address on the envelope so the post office knows where to send the confirmation. Mail the form to your local post office address — you can find this on usps.com by entering your ZIP code.

This method is slower because the form has to travel through the mail and then be processed. It typically takes two to three weeks from the time you mail the form until the change takes effect. Use this option only if you do not have internet access and cannot visit a post office in person.

What happens to mail sent to your old address

Once your address change is active, the post office will forward mail sent to your old address to your new one at no extra cost. This forwarding lasts for 12 months from the date your change takes effect. After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "moved, left no address" or similar language.

Forwarding is not when ready — it can take up to two weeks for the system to fully set up, so some mail may arrive at your old address during that window. If you have a trusted neighbor or friend at your old address, ask them to forward any mail that arrives. For important accounts like banks and insurance, do not rely on forwarding — contact them directly and provide your new address.

Updating your address with banks, employers, and other organizations

The post office address change does not automatically notify your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, employer, or government agencies. You must contact each one separately and provide your new address. Start with the most important accounts: your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any government benefits you receive.

For each organization, look for an account settings or profile page on their website, call their customer service number, or visit a local branch. Have your account number ready. Ask them to confirm the address change in writing or take a screenshot of the confirmation. Keep these confirmations in case a bill or important document goes to the wrong address.

Updating subscriptions and recurring deliveries

Magazine subscriptions, online shopping accounts, and recurring deliveries (like meal kits or medication) will not automatically update when you change your address with the post office. Log into each account and update the address in your profile or account settings. For subscriptions you manage through a third party, contact that company directly.

If you have a package in transit when you change your address, it will likely be delivered to your old address because the shipping label was already printed. Contact the sender or shipping company with your new address, and they may be able to redirect it. After your address change is active, future shipments will go to your new location as long as you have updated your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you are changing your address in person, you will need to show a photo ID. If you do not have one, ask the postal worker what other documents they accept — some post offices will take a combination of documents like a utility bill and a Social Security card. For online changes, you do not need to show ID in person, but you will need a valid email address to confirm the change.

What if I change my address and then move again a few months later?

You can file a new address change at any time. The new change will override the old one. If you move before the 12-month forwarding period ends, the post office will forward mail from your first old address to your second new address, but only for the remaining time on the original forwarding order. It is simpler to file a fresh address change for your latest move.

Will my address change affect my voter registration or driver's license?

No. The post office address change is separate from your voter registration and driver's license. You must update those with your state's election office and Department of Motor Vehicles. Check your state's website for how to update your voter registration and when you need to renew your driver's license with a new address.

How long does mail forwarding last?

Mail forwarding lasts for 12 months from the date your address change takes effect. After that, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender. If you need forwarding to continue beyond 12 months, you can file a new address change before the first one expires.

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

Yes. Each person in your household needs their own address change. If you live with family members or roommates, each person should file a separate form with their own name. The post office will then forward mail addressed to each person individually to the new address.