Where to change your address with the Post Office

The United States Postal Service (USPS) runs the official address change system. You can file a change of address (COA) form online at usps.com, by mail, or in person at any post office. The online method is fastest — you fill out the form, pay a fee (currently $1.10 for a digital form or $1.10 for a paper form mailed to you), and the change takes effect within three to five business days.

When you file with USPS, mail addressed to your old address will be forwarded to your new one for 12 months. After that, mail stops forwarding and returns to the sender. If you need forwarding to last longer, you can renew it before the 12 months end by filing another COA.

You will need your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. If you are moving as a household, you can file one form that covers everyone at that address. If only one person is moving, file an individual form.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS processes address changes online at usps.com, by mail, or in person, with online changes taking effect in three to five business days.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months from your change date, then stops — you must renew before the 12 months end if you need it longer.
  • You must notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services separately; USPS forwarding does not reach them automatically.
  • File your USPS change before you move so forwarding starts on your move date, not after mail has already gone to the old address.
  • Keep a record of which companies you have notified, because some will send mail to your old address if you miss them.

What USPS forwarding does and does not cover

USPS forwarding catches mail from senders who use the postal system — letters, packages, magazines, and catalogs. It does not reach mail from banks, insurance companies, government agencies, employers, or subscription services, because those organizations maintain their own mailing lists and do not check with USPS when you move.

This is why changing your address with USPS alone is not enough. You will receive mail at your old address from any company that has your information in their system, and that mail will not forward unless you tell them directly.

Notifying banks, insurance, and government agencies

Contact your bank by phone, online banking, or in person at a branch. They need your new address for statements, cards, and fraud alerts. Most banks update your address within one business day.

Insurance companies — auto, home, health, or life — require address changes in writing or online through your policy account. Call the phone number on your policy or log into your account to find the address change option. Some insurers will not process claims or renew policies if your address on file does not match your current location.

Government agencies that need your new address include the IRS (file Form 8822 or update through your online account), your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (renew your driver's license or ID with your new address), and your state's tax authority if you file state income tax. The Social Security Administration does not require a separate address change if you have already updated your address with the IRS.

Updating employers, schools, and subscription services

Tell your employer's human resources or payroll department your new address so they can send W-2 forms, tax documents, and paychecks to the right place. If you receive direct deposit, your address change does not affect paychecks, but it matters for tax documents and benefits mail.

Schools and universities need your new address for transcripts, financial aid letters, and student loan documents. Contact the registrar's office or the financial aid office directly.

Subscription services — streaming, magazines, newspapers, software, or memberships — usually let you change your address through your online account. Log in, find account settings or billing information, and update the address there. Some services use your address to determine what content or pricing you see, so updating it matters even if they do not mail anything to you.

Notifying utilities, landlords, and service providers

Electric, gas, water, internet, and phone companies need your new address so they can send bills and service notices to the right place. Contact each company by phone or through their online account portal. Most utilities require at least three business days' notice before your move date.

If you are renting, give your landlord written notice of your new address for your security deposit return and any future correspondence. If you own your home, update your address with your mortgage lender and property tax assessor.

Cell phone carriers, internet providers, and streaming services can usually be updated online or by calling customer service. Some will send you a confirmation email or text to make sure the change went through.

Creating a checklist to track what you have changed

Write down or print a list of every company and agency you need to notify. Include banks, insurance companies, employers, utilities, subscription services, government agencies, and any other organization that has your address on file. As you contact each one, mark it off and note the date you made the change.

This prevents you from forgetting a company and discovering months later that mail is still going to your old address. It also gives you a record if a company claims you never notified them.

Keep this list for at least one year after you move, in case a company sends mail to your old address and you need to prove you told them about the change.

What to do if mail still arrives at your old address

If you receive mail at your old address after USPS forwarding has started, it means the sender did not use the postal system to look up your new address — they are using their own mailing list. Contact that company directly and ask them to update their records.

If you still live near your old address or have a friend or family member there, ask them to write "Return to Sender — Person no longer at this address" on the envelope and put it back in the mail. This signals to the sender that the address is wrong, and some companies will update their records when they receive returned mail.

After 12 months, USPS forwarding ends. Any mail that arrives at your old address after that will not reach you. If you need to extend forwarding, file a new COA form before the 12-month period ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

USPS processes online changes in three to five business days. Paper forms filed in person or by mail take seven to ten business days. Forwarding starts on the date you specify, so file before you move so it is active when mail arrives at your old address.

Do I have to pay to change my address with USPS?

Yes. An online change costs $1.10, and a paper form costs $1.10. You can pay by credit card online or by check or money order if you file by mail. Some post offices may accept cash in person, but calling ahead to confirm is wise.

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

Mail addressed to your old address will no longer be forwarded and will be returned to the sender or discarded, depending on the sender's return address. You can renew forwarding before the 12 months end by filing another COA form.

Can I change my address for only part of my household?

Yes. File an individual COA form with your name only instead of a household form. This forwards only mail addressed to you, not to other people at that address.

Do I need to notify the IRS separately if I change my address?

Yes. File Form 8822 with the IRS or update your address through your online IRS account. Changing your address with USPS does not automatically update the IRS, and they need your correct address for tax documents and correspondence.