The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your USPS delivery address online through USPS.com using the Postal Service's official address change tool, or by filling out Form 3575 at your local post office. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You will need a credit or debit card to pay, and USPS will send you a confirmation email within one business day. The address change takes effect within three to five business days.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it in person, you can walk into any post office with Form 3575 (also called "Mover's Guide"), fill it out at the counter, and pay the same fee in cash or card. Some post offices will process it when ready; others may take a day or two to enter it into the system.

Do not rely on telling your mail carrier or leaving a note on your mailbox. These are not official records and will not forward your mail. USPS requires the form or the online submission to create a binding change of address.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at USPS.com is the fastest method and takes effect in three to five business days.
  • You can also fill out Form 3575 in person at any post office for the same $1.10 fee.
  • Address changes do not forward packages sent through other carriers like UPS or FedEx — you must contact those companies separately.
  • USPS will send mail to your old address to your new one for up to 12 months, but some senders may not use the forwarding service.
  • If you are moving out of state or country, you will need to specify the new state or country code during the change process.

Changing your address online at USPS.com

Go to USPS.com and click "Change of Address" in the top navigation menu. You will land on a page that says "Manage Your Mail Online" — click the button that says "Start" under the address change option. You will be asked to enter your current address, the date you want the change to take effect, and your new address.

USPS will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions based on your credit history or by providing your driver's license number. This step usually takes two to three minutes. Once verified, you will pay $1.10 with a credit or debit card and receive a confirmation number. Save this number — you will need it if you contact USPS later about the change.

You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. The mail forwarding service activates within three to five business days. During that waiting period, mail sent to your old address will still arrive there; once the change is live, USPS will forward it to your new address.

Submitting Form 3575 at the post office

Walk into any post office and ask for Form 3575 or the "Mover's Guide." The form is one page and takes about five minutes to complete. You will fill in your current address, new address, the date the change should take effect, and your signature. You can bring the form already filled out or fill it at the counter.

Hand the form and $1.10 (cash or card) to the postal clerk. They will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. The change usually takes effect within one to three business days when submitted in person, though some post offices may take longer to process it into the system.

If you are moving and do not know the exact date yet, you can submit the form with a future date — for example, if you are moving on the 15th but submitting the form on the 10th, write the 15th as your effective date.

What happens to mail after you change your address

Once your address change is active, USPS will forward mail sent to your old address to your new one for up to 12 months. This forwarding is free and automatic — you do not need to do anything else. After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender or discarded.

Not all mail will be forwarded. First-class mail (regular letters) will forward. Standard mail (bulk mail, advertisements) may or may not forward depending on whether the sender paid for forwarding service. Packages sent through USPS Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express will forward. However, mail addressed to "Occupant" or "Current Resident" will not forward — it will stay at your old address.

Important: address changes do not affect packages sent through UPS, FedEx, or other carriers. You must contact those companies separately and update your address in their systems if you want future shipments redirected.

Changing your address for specific mail only

If you want to forward mail for only one person at your address rather than everyone, you can submit an individual address change. This is useful if you are moving but a family member is staying behind, or if you share a mailbox with others. Fill out Form 3575 with only your name and the address change, and USPS will forward only mail addressed to you.

You can also set up a temporary address change if you are moving for a short time — for example, if you are relocating for work for six months. During the form submission, you can specify an end date for the forwarding service. After that date, mail will no longer be forwarded and will return to your old address.

Updating your address with banks, employers, and subscriptions

Changing your USPS address does not automatically update your address with your bank, insurance company, employer, subscription services, or government agencies. You must contact each organization separately and provide your new address. This is especially important for financial institutions, tax documents, and healthcare providers.

Make a list of every company that sends you mail — your bank, credit card issuer, insurance companies, utilities, subscriptions, and any government agencies you deal with. Contact each one and ask them to update your address in their system. Many allow you to do this online through your account; others require a phone call or a form.

Do not assume USPS forwarding will catch everything. Some mail, such as certified letters or legal documents, may not be forwarded if the sender did not pay for that service. Updating your address directly with each sender ensures you do not miss important mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online address changes take three to five business days to set up. In-person submissions at the post office usually take one to three business days, though some locations may take longer. During the waiting period, mail sent to your old address will still arrive there.

Can I change my address if I do not have a credit card?

Yes. You can pay the $1.10 fee in cash at any post office when you submit Form 3575 in person. You do not need a credit card for the in-person method. Online submissions require a debit or credit card.

What if I made a mistake on my address change?

Contact USPS when ready at 1-800-275-8777 with your confirmation number. If the change has not yet taken effect, USPS can correct it before it goes live. If it is already active, you will need to submit a new address change form with the correct information.

Will my address change forward mail from my bank and insurance company?

It depends on whether those companies paid for forwarding service when they mailed to you. First-class mail (most bills and statements) will forward. Standard mail and bulk mail may not. Contact your bank and insurance company directly and update your address in their systems to be certain.

Can I change my address temporarily while I am traveling?

Yes. When you submit your address change, you can specify an end date. After that date, mail will no longer be forwarded and will return to your original address. This is useful if you are away for a few months but plan to return.