The fastest way to change your address with the post office

The United States Postal Service (USPS) lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at your local post office. The online method is fastest — you can do it in about 10 minutes on USPS.com, and mail forwarding starts within three to five business days. You will need a credit or debit card to pay the fee, which is $1.10 for a temporary change (up to 12 months) or $1.10 for a permanent change lasting 12 months.

If you go in person, bring a photo ID and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The post office will process it the same day. If you mail in the change, you will need to fill out Form 3575 and send it to your local post office; this takes longer because of mail delivery time.

The online method at USPS.com is the most common choice because you can do it from home and see exactly when your forwarding starts. You will create an account, enter your old and new addresses, choose how long you want mail forwarded, and pay by card.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS processes address changes online in three to five business days, in person the same day, and by mail within one to two weeks.
  • You need a photo ID and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) if you change your address in person.
  • Temporary forwarding lasts up to 12 months and costs the same as permanent forwarding, so choose based on how long you plan to stay at your new address.
  • Mail forwarding does not change your address with banks, insurance companies, or government agencies — you must contact them separately.
  • If you are moving out of state, your driver's license and vehicle registration will need separate address updates at your new state's DMV.

What happens to mail during the forwarding period

Once your forwarding starts, USPS will redirect mail addressed to your old address to your new one. This includes first-class mail, magazines, and packages. The forwarding lasts for the period you chose — typically 12 months — and then stops automatically.

Some mail will not forward: mail addressed to "Occupant" or "Current Resident" stays at your old address, and mail marked "Do Not Forward" goes back to the sender. If you are concerned about missing important mail, contact your banks, insurance companies, employers, and any government agencies before you move and give them your new address directly.

Updating your address with banks and other institutions

USPS forwarding does not notify your bank, credit card company, insurance provider, or employer that you have moved. You must contact each one separately. Most banks let you change your address online through their website or mobile app, or by calling customer service.

For insurance companies, log into your account or call your agent. For your employer, contact human resources or payroll. For government agencies like the IRS, Social Security, or your state's unemployment office, you may need to update your address on their websites or by mail — each agency has its own process.

Updating these addresses quickly matters because mail from banks and the IRS can contain time-sensitive information. If you miss a payment notice or tax document because mail went to your old address, you could face late fees or penalties.

Changing your address with the DMV and driver's license

Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate from USPS forwarding. You must update these with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states let you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of residency (usually the same document). Some states charge a small fee; others do not. Check your state's DMV website for the exact process and required documents, because rules vary by state.

If you are moving to a different state, you will need to get a new driver's license and register your vehicle in that state. Most states give you 30 to 60 days to do this after you move, but waiting longer can result in fines.

Notifying other services and subscriptions

Beyond banks and government agencies, you should update your address with any service that sends you mail or bills: utilities, internet providers, phone companies, streaming services, magazine subscriptions, and online retailers where you have saved an address.

Many of these services let you update your address in your online account. For others, you may need to call customer service. If you have a mortgage or rent through a property management company, contact them directly — they need your new address for lease documents and notices.

Updating these addresses prevents mail from piling up at your old address, reduces the risk of identity theft if mail with personal information goes to the wrong place, and ensures you receive bills and important notices on time.

What to do if mail still arrives at your old address

Even with forwarding active, some mail may still reach your old address. If you still have access to the old place, you can collect it and forward it yourself. If you do not, ask the new resident or property manager to write "Return to Sender — Person Does Not Live Here" on the envelope and put it back in the mail.

If important mail keeps arriving at your old address after you have notified the sender, contact that organization again with your new address and ask them to update their records. Keep a record of when you notified them in case there is a dispute later.

If you are concerned that mail with sensitive information is going to your old address, you can place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by visiting annualcreditreport.com. This does not stop mail forwarding, but it adds a layer of protection against identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does USPS address forwarding take to start?

Online changes start within three to five business days. In-person changes at the post office are processed the same day. Changes by mail take one to two weeks because the form has to reach your local post office first.

Can I change my address temporarily and then change it back?

Yes. You can set up forwarding for a specific period — up to 12 months — and it will stop automatically. If you need to move again before that period ends, you can set up a new forwarding address at any time.

What if I move and forget to change my address with my bank?

USPS will forward bank mail to your new address for the duration of your forwarding period. After that, mail will stop being forwarded and may go back to the sender or stay at your old address. Contact your bank as soon as you move to avoid missing statements or notices.

Do I need to change my address with my employer?

Yes. Your employer needs your current address for tax forms (W-2, 1099), paychecks if they are mailed, and any benefits or legal documents. Contact your human resources or payroll department with your new address.

Is there a fee to change my address with USPS?

Yes. USPS charges $1.10 for address changes, whether temporary or permanent. This fee applies whether you change your address online, in person, or by mail. Some post offices may accept cash or check in person, but online changes require a credit or debit card.