You can change your address with USPS online, by mail, or in person — online is fastest and costs $1.10

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) runs a mail forwarding service that redirects your mail to a new address for up to 12 months. You submit a change of address form, pay a small fee, and USPS begins forwarding mail within three to five business days. The online method through USPS.com takes about 10 minutes and is the quickest route. If you prefer not to go online, you can fill out a paper form at any post office or request one by mail.

Mail forwarding does not change your official address with the Postal Service itself — it straightforward redirects what arrives. You will still need to notify banks, employers, subscriptions, and government agencies separately. Forwarding covers first-class mail, magazines, and packages, but some mail classes and marketing mail may not forward depending on how senders set up their mailings.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS mail forwarding costs $1.10 for a single address and takes three to five business days to start working after you submit the form.
  • Online submission through USPS.com is the fastest method and requires your name, old address, new address, and a valid payment method.
  • Mail forwarding lasts up to 12 months and can be renewed, but does not notify your banks, employers, or government agencies — you must contact them separately.
  • Some mail classes, including certain marketing mail and packages from some retailers, may not forward even after you submit a change of address.
  • If you do not have internet access, you can fill out form PS Form 3575 at any post office or request it by phone at 1-800-275-8777.

Changing your address online through USPS.com

Go to USPS.com and click "Mail & Shipping" in the top menu, then select "Change of Address" from the dropdown. You will land on a page that asks whether you are moving for yourself, your family, or a business. Choose the option that matches your situation.

Enter your current address exactly as it appears on your mail, your new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. USPS will ask whether you want to forward mail for yourself only or for other household members — you can add up to four additional people on one form. Provide a valid email address and phone number, then choose your payment method. USPS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers. The fee is $1.10 for a single address and $3.30 for a family (up to four people). After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Submitting a paper form at your local post office

Walk into any post office and ask for form PS Form 3575, the official change of address form. Fill in your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. Sign and date the form, then hand it to the postal clerk along with a valid photo ID and payment. The clerk will process it on the spot, and you will receive a receipt with a confirmation number.

This method takes longer than online submission because the post office must scan and send the form to the processing center, but it avoids the need for a computer or internet connection. Bring your ID even if you are changing the address for someone else in your household — the postal worker will verify your relationship or authority to make the change.

Requesting a form by mail or phone

Call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 and ask them to mail you form PS Form 3575. They will send it to your current address within five to seven business days. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it back to the address printed on the form along with your payment. This route is the slowest — the form takes a week to arrive, you fill it out and mail it back, and then USPS processes it, so the entire process can take three to four weeks before forwarding begins.

You can also request the form online through USPS.com by filling out a contact form, though calling is faster. If you choose to mail the form back, include a check or money order for $1.10 (single address) or $3.30 (family). Do not send cash through the mail.

What happens after you submit your change of address

USPS begins forwarding mail three to five business days after they receive and process your form. During this waiting period, mail sent to your old address will still arrive there. Once forwarding is active, mail carriers will redirect pieces to your new address. The forwarding lasts for 12 months, and you can renew it by submitting another change of address form before the 12 months end.

Not all mail will forward. First-class mail, magazines, and packages almost always forward. Some marketing mail, catalogs, and mail marked "do not forward" will return to the sender instead. If a sender has set up their mailing list to exclude forwarding, their mail will not reach you at your new address even after you have submitted a change of address.

Notifying other organizations about your move

USPS forwarding only redirects mail — it does not update your address with banks, insurance companies, employers, government agencies, or subscription services. You need to contact each organization separately. Start with the ones that send you important documents: your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and your employer's payroll department.

Then notify subscription services, utilities, and any organizations that bill you. Update your address with the IRS, Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, and your voter registration. Check your credit card and bank statements for any recurring charges or subscriptions you may have forgotten about. Many companies let you update your address online through their website or app; others require a phone call or a letter.

Changing your address for a business or commercial account

If you are moving a business or commercial mailing account, the process is different from a residential move. You will need to contact USPS directly or visit a post office to change a business address, because business accounts have different forwarding rules and may require additional documentation.

Call 1-800-275-8777 and ask for the business services line, or visit your local post office and explain that you are moving a business address. USPS may ask for a business license or tax ID to verify ownership. Some business mail classes do not forward at all, so ask the postal worker which types of mail will and will not be redirected under your business account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does mail forwarding last?

Mail forwarding lasts for 12 months from the date you submit your change of address. After 12 months, forwarding stops and mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender or held at the post office. You can renew your forwarding by submitting another change of address form before the 12 months end.

Can I change my address if I do not have a permanent new address yet?

Yes. You can use a temporary address — such as a friend's house, a hotel, or a mail forwarding service — as your new address on the form. Once you have a permanent address, you can submit another change of address form to forward mail from the temporary address to your final one.

What if I submitted the wrong address by mistake?

Contact USPS when ready at 1-800-275-8777 or visit your local post office with your confirmation number. If forwarding has not started yet, they can usually correct the address before it takes effect. If forwarding is already active, you may need to cancel the current change of address and submit a new one, which could result in a second $1.10 fee.

Will my packages from online retailers forward to my new address?

Most packages will forward, but it depends on how the retailer shipped them. Packages sent through USPS will forward automatically. Packages sent through UPS, FedEx, or other carriers will not forward through USPS — you need to contact those carriers separately or update your address with the retailer before your order ships.

Do I need to change my address with the post office if I am just moving within the same city?

Yes. Even a move within the same city requires a change of address form if you want mail forwarded. The post office does not automatically update your address based on where you live — you must submit the form to set up forwarding.