You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at your local post office

The fastest way to change your mailing address is through USPS.com, where you can submit the change in about five minutes and pay a small fee online. You can also fill out a paper form at any post office, or request one by mail. The post office processes address changes within three to five business days, though mail sent to your old address may still arrive for a few weeks afterward — the post office forwards mail for up to 12 months, but not all mail carriers catch every piece.

You will need your current address, your new address, and a way to verify your identity. If you change your address online, you will need a credit or debit card to pay the fee. If you go in person, bring a photo ID and be prepared to pay cash or card.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS.com lets you change your address online in five minutes for a fee of about $1.10, and the change takes effect within three to five business days.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months, so mail sent to your old address will be redirected, but not every piece gets caught — notify important senders yourself.
  • You can also file a change of address form in person at any post office or request one by mail if you do not have internet access.
  • The post office does not change your address for packages, bank statements, or government mail — you must contact those senders separately.

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 and your new address, then choose whether the change is temporary or permanent. Temporary changes last up to four months; permanent changes last 12 months. Select your move date — this is the date mail forwarding should begin, not the date you submit the form.

Next, you will enter your name and date of birth to verify your identity. The post office will ask the last four digits of your Social Security number or your driver's license number. After you confirm the information, you will pay the fee by credit or debit card. The fee is currently around $1.10 for a permanent change and $0.55 for a temporary change, though prices may vary. You will receive a confirmation number by email.

The change takes effect within three to five business days. During that time, the post office updates its records and notifies mail carriers in both your old and new delivery areas. You can check the status of your change of address request on USPS.com using your confirmation number.

Filing a change of address form at the post office

Walk into any post office and ask for a "Change of Address" form, also called Form 3575. Fill it out at the counter or take it home and return it later. The form asks for your current address, new address, move date, and name. You will need to show a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Bring a credit card, debit card, or cash to pay the fee.

Hand the completed form and payment to the postal clerk. They will process it on the spot and give you a receipt with a confirmation number. The change takes effect within three to five business days, the same as online.

Filing in person is useful if you do not have internet access, prefer to pay in cash, or want to ask the clerk questions about your specific situation. Some post offices are busier than others, so go early in the morning or on a weekday if you want a shorter wait.

Requesting a form by mail if you cannot go in person

Call the USPS customer service line at 1-800-275-8777 and ask them to mail you a Change of Address form. They will send it to your current address within five to seven business days. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it back to your local post office. Include payment by check or money order — the post office does not accept cash by mail.

This method takes longer than the other two because of mail delivery time in both directions, plus processing time once the post office receives your form. Plan for two to three weeks total. Use this option only if you have no internet access and cannot visit a post office in person.

What the post office does and does not change

A change of address with USPS forwards mail from your old address to your new one for 12 months. This includes letters, magazines, and packages. However, the post office does not notify anyone that you have moved — it only redirects mail that arrives at your old address.

The post office does not change your address for bank statements, insurance documents, government benefits, tax returns, or medical records. You must contact those organizations separately and provide your new address. Start with your bank, insurance company, employer, and any government agencies you receive mail from. If you miss notifying someone, their mail will still be forwarded to you for the 12-month period, but after that it will be returned to them as undeliverable.

Some mail, such as certified letters and packages requiring a signature, may not be forwarded if the recipient requires delivery to the exact address on file. Contact important senders before you move and give them your new address directly.

How long mail forwarding lasts and what happens after

Mail forwarding lasts for 12 months from your move date. During this time, mail carriers will redirect pieces addressed to your old address to your new one. However, not every piece gets caught — some mail may slip through, especially if the address is written unclearly or if a mail carrier is unfamiliar with the forwarding order.

After 12 months, mail forwarding stops. Any mail sent to your old address after that date will be returned to the sender as undeliverable. If you need forwarding to continue beyond 12 months, you can file another change of address form before the first one expires.

To reduce the chance of missing important mail, contact your bank, insurance company, employer, subscription services, and any government agencies at least two weeks before you move. Give them your new address in writing and ask them to update their records. This is especially important for tax documents, medical records, and financial statements.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address

The most common mistake is assuming the post office will notify everyone you do business with. It will not. You must contact your bank, insurance company, employer, and other important senders yourself. If you do not, their mail will be forwarded for 12 months, but after that you will stop receiving it.

Another mistake is entering the wrong move date. The move date is the date you want forwarding to begin, not the date you submit the form. If you submit the form on March 1 but do not move until March 15, set the move date to March 15. Mail sent to your old address before March 15 will not be forwarded.

Do not assume that changing your address with USPS changes it everywhere else. Government agencies, banks, and subscription services all maintain their own address records. A change with the post office does not update your address with the IRS, Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, or your health insurance company. You must contact each one separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I do not have a photo ID?

The post office requires a photo ID to change your address in person. If you do not have one, you can change your address online at USPS.com using your Social Security number or driver's license number instead. You will not need to show ID in person.

What if mail keeps arriving at my old address after I move?

Mail forwarding is not perfect — some pieces slip through, especially if the address is written unclearly. Contact the sender directly and give them your new address. For recurring mail like subscriptions or bills, call the company and ask them to update their records. After 12 months, forwarding stops, so updating senders is important.

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

Yes. You can file a temporary change of address for up to four months, then file another change of address when you move back. Each change costs the same fee. Temporary forwarding is useful if you are moving for a job or school and plan to return to your original address.

Does changing my address with the post office update my voter registration?

No. Changing your address with USPS does not update your voter registration. You must contact your local election office or your state's motor vehicle department to update your voter registration separately. Many states let you update voter registration online through their election website.

What happens to mail sent to my old address after the 12-month forwarding period ends?

After 12 months, the post office stops forwarding mail. Any mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "undeliverable." If you need forwarding to continue, file another change of address form before the first one expires.