The fastest way to change your address is through USPS.com, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10

The United States Postal Service runs the official address change system at USPS.com. You fill in your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. The system then forwards your mail to your new location for up to 12 months. This is the only method that tells mail carriers and postal facilities about your move — other services only redirect mail that arrives at your old address after you've already left.

You'll need a credit or debit card to pay the $1.10 fee. The change usually takes effect within three to five business days, though some mail may arrive at your old address during that window. USPS will send you a confirmation email with your order number, which you can use to check the status of your change.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS.com is the official postal service address change system and the only method that notifies mail carriers at both your old and new locations.
  • The process takes 10 minutes, costs $1.10, and requires a valid credit or debit card.
  • Your address change takes effect within three to five business days, but mail sent before that date may still arrive at your old address.
  • You can change your address for up to 12 months of mail forwarding, or you can set an end date if you're moving temporarily.
  • The USPS confirmation email contains your order number, which you need if you want to cancel or modify the change later.

What information you need before you start

Have your old address and new address ready, including ZIP codes. You'll also need to decide on an effective date — this is the date mail forwarding begins, not the date you submit the request. Most people use their move-in date or the date they give notice to their landlord.

You'll need a valid credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) to pay the fee. If you're changing the address for a business, you'll need the business name and the person authorized to make the change. USPS does not accept payment through PayPal, bank transfers, or checks.

Step-by-step: submitting your change online

Go to USPS.com and look for the "Change of Address" link, usually found under the "Mail & Shipping" section. Click "Start" to begin the process. You'll be asked whether you're moving yourself, on behalf of someone else, or for a business. Select the option that matches your situation.

Enter your current address exactly as it appears on mail you receive — including apartment number, suite number, or any other details. Then enter your new address with the same precision. Choose your effective date using the calendar tool. USPS allows you to set the change to begin when ready or up to 30 days in the future.

Review the summary page to confirm both addresses are correct. Mistakes here can cause mail to go to the wrong place. Click "Continue to Payment" and enter your card information. After payment processes, you'll receive an order confirmation number by email. Save this number — you'll need it if you want to cancel or check the status of your change.

How long mail forwarding lasts and what happens after

USPS forwards your mail for 12 months from your effective date. After 12 months, mail addressed to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "moved, left no address." You don't need to renew the change — it ends automatically.

If you're moving temporarily and plan to return to your old address, you can set an end date for forwarding instead of letting it run the full 12 months. This prevents mail from being returned to senders when you move back. You can also cancel the change at any time through USPS.com using your order number, though USPS charges $1.10 to process the cancellation.

What mail gets forwarded and what doesn't

USPS forwards most first-class mail, including letters and small packages. However, some mail is not forwarded: magazines and newspapers, packages marked "do not forward," mail sent to a PO Box, and mail addressed to "current resident" or "occupant." Certified mail and packages requiring a signature are also not forwarded — they're returned to the sender.

This is why you should notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and government agencies directly about your move. Don't rely on mail forwarding alone for important documents. Many organizations have their own address change systems online, and updating them directly ensures you don't miss time-sensitive mail.

Changing your address for someone else or a business

If you're changing the address for another person, you'll need their written consent. USPS may ask you to provide proof of authorization, especially if the change is for a business. You can submit a signed letter from the person authorizing the change, or use USPS Form 1583 (process for Delivery of Mail to a New Address), which you can read from USPS.com.

For a business address change, the person submitting the change must be authorized to do so — typically an owner, manager, or designated employee. USPS will ask for the business name, the person's title, and a phone number. The fee is still $1.10, and the process is the same as a personal address change.

What to do if your address change doesn't work

If mail continues to arrive at your old address after the effective date, contact your local post office with your order number. Mail carriers sometimes miss the forwarding notice, especially if the address is in a rural area or if the change was submitted close to the effective date. The post office can manually flag your old address in their system.

If you notice mail is being sent to the wrong new address, check that you entered the address correctly during submission. Common mistakes include transposed numbers, missing apartment numbers, or misspelled street names. You can cancel the incorrect change and submit a new one, though you'll pay another $1.10 fee. Keep your confirmation email so you have proof of what you submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I don't have a credit card?

USPS.com only accepts credit or debit cards for online changes. If you don't have a card, you can submit a paper change of address form at your local post office. You'll still pay $1.10, and you can pay with cash. The paper form takes longer to process — usually 7 to 10 business days instead of 3 to 5.

What if I'm moving to a new address that doesn't exist in the USPS system yet?

New addresses sometimes aren't in the USPS database when ready after construction or development. Try entering the address as it will appear on mail. If the system rejects it, submit a paper form at your local post office with the new address written out clearly. The post office can manually process the change and add the address to their system.

Can I change my address temporarily for a few months?

Yes. When you submit your change online, you can set an end date instead of using the full 12 months. For example, if you're moving for a job that ends in six months, set the forwarding to end on your return date. After that date, mail will stop being forwarded and will be returned to senders.

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

Yes. Even if you're moving a few blocks away, you need to submit an address change. Mail carriers deliver by address, not by neighborhood, so your mail won't reach you without an official change in the system.

What happens if someone else submits an address change for my address without permission?

Contact your local post office when ready with your order number or the suspected fraudulent change. USPS can cancel unauthorized changes and may investigate. You can also file a report with the Postal Inspection Service at postalinspectors.uspis.gov if you believe someone is committing mail fraud.