You can change your address online through USPS.com in about five minutes

The U.S. Postal Service lets you change your mailing address online without visiting a post office. You go to USPS.com, find the "Change of Address" tool, enter your old and new addresses, and pay a fee. The whole process takes a few minutes, and your mail starts forwarding on the date you choose. This works whether you're moving across town or across the country.

The online method is faster than going in person, and you get a confirmation number right away. You'll need a credit or debit card to pay the fee, which varies depending on how long you want mail forwarded.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit USPS.com and click "Change of Address" to start the process online without leaving home.
  • You'll need your old address, new address, and a valid credit or debit card to complete the change.
  • Mail forwarding typically begins within three to five business days of your request.
  • The fee depends on how long you want mail forwarded: temporary forwarding costs less than permanent address changes.
  • Keep your confirmation number for your records in case you need to contact the Post Office later.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to USPS.com: your current address exactly as it appears on your mail, your new address, and a valid credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). You'll also need to know the date you want the forwarding to start—this can be today or any date up to 30 days in the future.

If you're moving with a spouse or partner and want both names on the change, you can add them during the process. The system will ask whether you want to forward mail for just yourself or for multiple people at the same address.

Step-by-step: changing your address online

Go to USPS.com and look for the "Change of Address" link, usually found under "Mail & Shipping" or in the main menu. Click it to open the change-of-address tool. The system will ask whether you're moving permanently, temporarily, or both (some people forward mail temporarily while keeping their old address active for certain accounts).

Enter your current address in the first field exactly as it appears on your mail, including apartment or unit numbers. Then enter your new address. The system will verify both addresses—if either one doesn't match USPS records, you'll get an error and need to adjust the spelling or format.

Next, choose your forwarding start date and how long you want mail forwarded. Temporary forwarding lasts up to one year; permanent forwarding continues indefinitely. Select how many people this change covers and enter their names. Review the fee (it will display before you pay), enter your payment information, and submit.

You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and via email. Mail forwarding usually begins within three to five business days, though the Post Office recommends allowing up to two weeks for all mail carriers to update their records.

Forwarding costs and how long it lasts

The fee for a permanent address change is a flat rate set by USPS. Temporary forwarding (up to one year) costs less than permanent forwarding. Both are one-time payments—you don't pay monthly or per piece of mail. The exact amount appears on the USPS website before you complete payment, so you'll know the cost before you commit.

If you choose temporary forwarding and later decide you want it to continue, you can extend it through USPS.com or at your local post office. If you want to cancel a change of address before it takes effect, you can do that online as well, though the fee is usually not refundable.

What happens after you submit your change

Once your change is processed, mail carriers in your old delivery area will forward any mail addressed to you to your new address. This includes regular mail, magazines, and packages. However, some mail won't forward automatically: government documents, court notices, and mail marked "Do Not Forward" will be returned to the sender instead.

You should notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services of your new address directly rather than relying on forwarding. This ensures your important mail reaches you without delay and prevents mail from being returned to senders who don't accept forwarded mail.

If the online tool doesn't work for you

If you can't complete the change online—for example, if your address won't verify or you don't have a credit card—you can file a change of address in person at any post office. Bring a photo ID and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The in-person process takes a few minutes and costs the same as online.

You can also mail a completed PS Form 3575 to your local post office, though this method takes longer and you won't get a confirmation number when ready. The form is available at USPS.com or at any post office.

Common issues and how to fix them

Address won't verify: The USPS database may not recognize your address if it's formatted differently than their records. Try removing apartment numbers, using abbreviations (St. instead of Street), or checking that the ZIP code matches. If you're moving to a very new address, the Post Office may not have it in their system yet—in that case, file in person with proof of your new address.

Confirmation email didn't arrive: Check your spam folder. If it's not there, log back into USPS.com and look for your change under "Manage Change of Address"—you can view your confirmation number there. If you need to contact the Post Office about your change, have this number ready.

Mail still going to old address: Forwarding takes three to five business days to set up, and some mail carriers may need up to two weeks. If mail is still going to your old address after two weeks, contact your local post office with your confirmation number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I'm moving to a PO box?

Yes. Enter your PO box number as your new address. The system will recognize it and process the change. Mail will forward to your PO box starting on the date you choose.

What if I'm moving and don't know my exact new address yet?

You can file a temporary change of address now and update it later once you know your permanent address. You can also wait until you have your new address confirmed before filing online.

Do I need to change my address with the Post Office if I'm just moving within the same city?

Yes. Even a move across town requires a change of address so mail carriers know where to deliver your mail. The process is the same regardless of distance.

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

Yes. The online tool lets you select which household members the change applies to. You can forward mail for yourself while leaving your spouse's address unchanged, or vice versa.

What if my mail carrier is already delivering to my new address before my change takes effect?

This sometimes happens if you move before your forwarding date. Contact your local post office and they can backdate your change or manually update your delivery address to avoid mail being returned to senders.