The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) online, by mail, or in person at your local post office. The online method through USPS.com is the quickest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. If you go in person, bring a photo ID and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The post office will process it the same day.

When you file a change of address, USPS forwards your mail to your new location for up to 12 months. After that, mail addressed to your old address stops being forwarded. The forwarding starts within three to five business days of when you submit the request, so plan ahead if you're moving on a specific date.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS processes address changes online at USPS.com for $1.10, by mail with Form 3575, or in person at your local post office with a photo ID and proof of your new address.
  • Mail forwarding begins three to five business days after you submit your change of address and lasts for 12 months.
  • You need proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement.
  • If you're moving on a specific date, submit your change of address at least one week before to may support forwarding is active when mail arrives at your old address.

Changing your address online through USPS.com

Go to USPS.com and click "Mail & Packages" in the top menu, then select "Change of Address." You'll enter your current address, new address, and the date you want the forwarding to start. USPS will ask for your name, phone number, and email address. Payment is $1.10 by debit or credit card.

After you pay, USPS sends a confirmation email with a tracking number. You'll receive a postcard at your new address within 10 business days as final confirmation that the change went through. Keep that email confirmation in case you need to check the status of your request later.

Submitting a change of address form by mail

If you prefer not to go online, you can request Form 3575 (Change of Address Order) from your local post office or read it from USPS.com. Fill in your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. Sign and date the form, then mail it to your local post office or drop it in a mailbox.

Processing takes longer by mail — typically 10 to 14 business days from when the post office receives it. Include a check or money order for $1.10 made payable to the USPS. This method works if you're moving and won't have internet access right away, but it's slower than the other two options.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into your local post office with a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement — it must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. Tell the clerk you want to file a change of address.

The clerk will fill out the form with you, take your $1.10 payment in cash or card, and process it when ready. Your forwarding will start within three to five business days. This is the best option if you want to handle it face-to-face and get it done the same day.

What happens to mail after you change your address

Once your change of address is active, mail addressed to your old address gets forwarded to your new one for 12 months. After 12 months, the forwarding stops and mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "Moved, Left No Address" or held at the post office for a limited time.

Some mail won't be forwarded — this includes packages sent by UPS or FedEx (they don't use USPS forwarding), magazines and newspapers (many don't forward), and mail marked "Do Not Forward." You'll need to contact those senders directly to update your address. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies should be notified separately to avoid delays in important documents.

Updating your address with other organizations

A USPS change of address only affects mail handled by the postal service. You need to notify other organizations separately: your bank, insurance company, employer, subscription services, and any government agencies you deal with. This includes the IRS, Social Security Administration, your state's DMV, and your voter registration office.

Make a list of places that send you mail and update them within a week of moving. Many organizations let you change your address online through their website or customer portal. For those that don't, call their customer service line or send a written request with your old and new addresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address before I move?

Yes. You can submit your change of address up to 30 days before your move date. This gives USPS time to process it so forwarding is active when mail starts arriving at your old address. If you're moving on the 15th, you can file the change on the 15th of the previous month or later.

What if I made a mistake on my change of address form?

Contact your local post office right away with your confirmation number or tracking email. If the change hasn't been processed yet, they can correct it. If it's already active, you'll need to file a new change of address with the correct information. The post office can walk you through this.

Does USPS forward packages sent by other carriers?

No. UPS, FedEx, and other carriers don't use USPS forwarding. You need to contact those companies separately or update your address with the businesses that ship to you. Some retailers let you change your address in your account settings online.

How long does mail forwarding last?

USPS forwards your mail for 12 months from the date your change of address becomes active. After 12 months, forwarding stops. If you need it to continue, you'll have to file a new change of address before the 12 months end.

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

Yes. Each person in your household needs their own change of address if they want mail forwarded. If you're moving as a family, each adult should file a separate change of address with their own name. Children's mail typically doesn't need a separate filing if a parent is handling the household move.