The fastest way to change your address at USPS

You can change your mailing address with the United States Postal Service in person at any post office, by mail using Form 3575, or online through USPS.com. The online method is fastest — it takes about five minutes, costs $1.10, and your change takes effect within three to five business days. If you go in person, bring a photo ID and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement work). The post office will charge the same $1.10 fee.

The mail-in option using Form 3575 is slower and requires you to have the form first, so it is rarely the best choice unless you cannot access the internet or a post office. Either way, USPS will forward mail sent to your old address to your new one for up to 12 months at no extra cost — but only if you have filed the change officially. Without it, mail straightforward stops arriving.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS.com is the fastest method: you pay $1.10 online and the change takes effect in three to five business days.
  • In-person changes at any post office also cost $1.10 and require a photo ID plus proof of your new address.
  • USPS automatically forwards mail to your new address for 12 months once your change is filed, but only if you file it officially.
  • Form 3575 by mail is the slowest option and should only be used if you cannot access the internet or visit a post office.
  • Your change applies to all mail addressed to you at your old address — you do not need to notify individual senders.

Changing your address online through USPS.com

Go to USPS.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You will be asked to enter your current address, your new address, and the date you want the change to start. USPS will ask whether you want to forward mail for an individual, a family, or a business. For a household move, choose "Individual" or "Family" depending on whether you live alone or with others whose mail also needs to forward.

After you enter your addresses, USPS will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history — questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these is your mortgage lender?" You do not need to know the exact answers; USPS accepts close matches. Once you pass verification, you pay $1.10 by debit or credit card, and your change is submitted. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number.

The change takes effect within three to five business days. During that time, mail sent to your old address will still arrive there — the forwarding does not begin until the change is active. After it is active, mail forwarded by USPS will have a yellow sticker on it saying "Forwarded Service Requested."

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into any post office with your 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 showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days — older documents will not be accepted.

Tell the clerk you want to file a change of address. They will hand you Form 3575 or fill it out with you. You will provide your current address, new address, and the date you want the forwarding to start. The clerk will process it on the spot, charge you $1.10, and give you a receipt. Your change takes effect within three to five business days, the same as online.

If you do not have proof of your new address with you, you can still file the change, but the post office may call you to verify it before processing. Bring the proof with you to avoid this delay.

Changing your address by mail using Form 3575

You can request Form 3575 from any post office, read it from USPS.com, or have one mailed to you. Fill out the form with your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. Include a check or money order for $1.10 made out to "USPS." Do not send cash.

Mail the completed form to your local post office. The address will be on the form itself. Processing takes longer this way — typically two to three weeks from the time the post office receives it, plus mail delivery time. This method is useful only if you cannot access the internet or visit a post office in person.

What happens to mail after you file a change of address

Once your change is active, USPS will forward mail sent to your old address to your new one for 12 months. After 12 months, 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 15 days before being returned.

Forwarding is automatic — you do not need to contact individual banks, employers, or subscription services, though it is a good idea to update them anyway so they have your correct address on file. Some mail, like packages from certain retailers or certified mail, may not forward automatically, so updating your address with important senders prevents delays.

If you move again within the 12-month forwarding period, you can file a new change of address. Your new change will override the old one, and forwarding will continue from your second new address.

Changing your address for a business or organization

If you are moving a business or organization, the process is the same, but you will select "Business" instead of "Individual" or "Family" when filing online or on the form. You will need to provide the business name, current business address, and new business address. The $1.10 fee still applies.

For a business, you may want to file the change a few days before your actual move date so that forwarding is active on day one. This prevents mail from piling up at your old location or being returned to senders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

Yes, you can file the change online or in person without proof, but the post office may contact you to verify your new address before processing. If you are moving soon, file the change as soon as you have proof — a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. This avoids delays.

What if I move again before the 12-month forwarding period ends?

File a new change of address with your second new address. The new change overrides the old one, and USPS will forward mail from your first old address to your second new address. The 12-month clock resets from the date of your second change.

Will my change of address forward packages and certified mail?

Most packages forward automatically, but some do not — it depends on the carrier and the shipping method. Certified mail and signature-required packages may not forward. Update your address with important senders like banks, employers, and insurance companies to may support they have your correct address on file.

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

Online and in-person changes take effect within three to five business days. Mail-in changes using Form 3575 take two to three weeks from the time the post office receives the form, plus mail delivery time. During the waiting period, mail sent to your old address will not yet forward.

Do I need to tell my neighbors or the building management about my address change?

No. Your USPS change of address only affects mail delivery. If you are moving out of an apartment or house, notify your landlord or building management separately about your move-out date and forwarding address for security deposits or other matters. These are separate from your postal change.