The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your address with USPS online at usps.com/move, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your local post office. The online method is fastest — it takes about five minutes and costs $1.10. USPS will forward your mail to your new address for up to 12 months (or 18 months if you pay extra). The change takes effect within three to five business days of submission.

Mail forwarding does not automatically update your address with banks, employers, subscriptions, or government agencies. USPS only redirects mail sent to your old address; you must notify those organizations separately to prevent mail loss after the forwarding period ends.

Key Takeaways

  • The USPS online change-of-address tool at usps.com/move costs $1.10 and takes effect in three to five business days.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months by default, or 18 months if you pay an additional fee at the time of submission.
  • USPS forwarding only redirects mail sent to your old address — you must contact banks, employers, and government agencies separately to update your address with them.
  • If you do not have internet access, you can file Form 3575 at your local post office or request it by mail.
  • A temporary forwarding order lasts 30 days and costs nothing, useful if you are moving before your permanent address is finalized.

Changing your address online at USPS.com/Move

Go to usps.com/move and select "Start" under the mail forwarding option. You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the $1.10 fee. The site will ask for your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin.

After you submit, USPS sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. The forwarding order takes effect three to five business days later. You can check the status of your request by logging back into usps.com/move with the email and password you created.

If you want mail forwarding to last 18 months instead of 12, you can pay an additional fee during the online process. This option is useful if you think you might move again within the year or want extra time to update your address elsewhere.

Filing Form 3575 in person or by mail

If you do not have internet access or prefer to file in person, visit your local post office with a valid photo ID and complete Form 3575 (process for a Delivery Stop). The form is free and takes about five minutes to fill out. You will still pay $1.10 at the counter, and the change takes effect the same way as the online method.

You can also request Form 3575 by mail. Call 1-800-275-8777 and ask for the form to be mailed to you, then complete it and return it with a check or money order for $1.10. This method takes longer because of mail delivery time, so use it only if you cannot visit a post office or use the online tool.

Temporary forwarding for short moves

A temporary forwarding order lasts 30 days and costs nothing. Use this if you are moving to a temporary location before your permanent address is ready, or if you need to test a new address before committing to a full forwarding order.

You can file a temporary order online at usps.com/move, on Form 3575 at the post office, or by phone at 1-800-275-8777. After 30 days, the temporary order expires and mail stops forwarding unless you file a permanent order.

What USPS forwarding does and does not cover

USPS forwarding redirects mail addressed to your old address and sent by the postal service. This includes personal letters, bills, and packages. However, forwarding does not explore to mail marked "Do Not Forward" — typically government documents, legal notices, and some financial statements. Those pieces return to the sender instead.

Magazines and newspapers sometimes do not forward because the sender has not paid for forwarding service. If a publication stops arriving after you move, contact the publisher directly to update your address with them.

USPS forwarding also does not change your address in any organization's records. Your bank, employer, insurance company, and government agencies all keep separate address files. You must contact each one separately to prevent mail loss after your forwarding period ends.

Updating your address with banks, employers, and government agencies

After you file a change of address with USPS, make a list of organizations that send you mail: your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, employer, state and federal tax agencies, and any subscriptions. Contact each one to update your address in their system.

Most banks and credit card companies let you update your address online through your account portal or by calling the number on your statement. For government agencies, visit their websites — the IRS has a form to update your address, and your state's tax agency has a similar process. Employers usually handle address changes through human resources or payroll.

Do this within a week of moving if possible. Mail forwarding lasts 12 months, but relying on it for the full period leaves you vulnerable to mail loss if the sender stops using your old address or if you forget to renew the forwarding order.

Renewing or canceling your forwarding order

Your USPS forwarding order expires after 12 or 18 months, depending on which option you chose. If you are still at your new address, you can renew the order online at usps.com/move or at your local post office. Renewal costs the same as the original order ($1.10 for 12 months).

If you move again before your forwarding order expires, file a new change of address for your next move. USPS will forward mail from your old address to your new address, and the original forwarding order will be canceled automatically.

To cancel a forwarding order before it expires, visit usps.com/move, log in, and select the option to cancel. You can also cancel in person at your local post office or by calling 1-800-275-8777. Cancellation takes effect within three to five business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number to file online. If you have neither, visit your local post office in person with a valid photo ID and file Form 3575. The post office can process the form without a Social Security number or ITIN.

What happens to mail marked "Do Not Forward"?

Mail marked "Do Not Forward" returns to the sender instead of being forwarded to your new address. This includes many government documents, legal notices, and some financial statements. Contact those organizations directly to update your address so they send mail to the correct location from the start.

Can I change my address for only part of my household?

USPS forwarding applies to all mail addressed to your name at your old address. If you live with others, each person must file a separate change of address for their own mail. File one order per person to may support each person's mail forwards correctly.

How much does it cost to extend forwarding from 12 months to 18 months?

The total cost for 18 months of forwarding is higher than 12 months, but the exact additional fee varies. You can see the price difference when you file online at usps.com/move before you pay. The option to extend is available only at the time you file your original order, not later.

What if I move before my forwarding order takes effect?

If you move before the three- to five-day processing period ends, contact USPS when ready at 1-800-275-8777 or visit your local post office. Provide your new address and ask them to update your forwarding order. USPS can usually adjust the order before it takes effect, but calling right away gives you the best chance.