The fastest way to change your address with USPS

You can change your USPS address online at usps.com using the "Change of Address" tool, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. The online method is the quickest — your address change takes effect within one business day. You can also file a change of address form in person at any post office, or by mail using Form 3575, though both take longer to process.

USPS does not automatically notify your mail carriers or update your address across all mail services when you change it. You will need to contact banks, subscriptions, employers, and government agencies separately. The USPS change of address only redirects mail sent to your old address to your new one for a limited time — typically 12 months for residential moves.

Key Takeaways

  • The online change of address at usps.com is the fastest method and takes effect within one business day for a $1.10 fee.
  • You will need your old address, new address, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to file online.
  • Mail forwarding lasts 12 months for residential moves and 18 months for military moves, then stops automatically.
  • USPS will not notify your banks, employers, or subscriptions — you must contact them separately to update your address.
  • If you file in person or by mail, processing takes 7 to 10 business days instead of one.

Filing your change of address online

Go to usps.com/manage and click "Change of Address." You will need to enter your old address, new address, and the date you want the forwarding to start. USPS will ask whether this is a residential move, a business move, or a temporary change. Choose the one that matches your situation — residential forwarding lasts 12 months, while temporary forwarding lasts up to six months.

Next, provide a phone number and email address. USPS uses these to send you a confirmation and to contact you if there are problems with your request. You will then pay $1.10 using a debit or credit card. USPS will send you a confirmation email within minutes. Your forwarding begins the next business day.

Keep your confirmation number. If mail does not start forwarding within two business days, you can use it to check the status of your request or contact USPS customer service.

Changing your address in person at a post office

Walk into any post office with a valid photo ID and ask for Form 3575 (Change of Address). Fill in your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. You can pay the $1.10 fee with cash, a debit card, or a credit card. The postal clerk will process your form on the spot and give you a receipt.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days when you file in person, compared to one business day online. If you are moving soon and need forwarding to start quickly, file online instead. In-person filing is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone directly.

Filing by mail using Form 3575

You can request Form 3575 by calling USPS at 1-800-275-8777 or read it from usps.com. Fill out the form with your old address, new address, and move date. Include a check or money order for $1.10 made out to "USPS." Mail the form to your local post office — the address will be on the form itself.

Mail-in filing takes 7 to 10 business days to process after USPS receives your form, plus the time for your envelope to arrive. This is the slowest method and should only be used if you cannot file online or visit a post office in person.

How long mail forwarding lasts and what happens after

For a residential move, USPS forwards your mail for 12 months from the date you specify. For a military move, forwarding lasts 18 months. After that period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "Not at this address" or will be treated as undeliverable.

Forwarding is not permanent. If you need it to continue beyond 12 months, you must file a new change of address before the first one expires. USPS will send you a reminder email about 30 days before your forwarding ends, so watch for that notice.

Some mail will not forward — packages from certain retailers, government documents, and first-class mail from some senders may not be included in forwarding. This is why updating your address directly with banks, employers, and subscription services is critical.

Updating your address with banks, employers, and other organizations

USPS forwarding only redirects mail sent to your old address. It does not change your address on file with your bank, insurance company, employer, government agencies, or subscription services. You must contact each organization separately to update your address.

Start with your bank and credit card companies — they need your current address for statements and fraud alerts. Then contact your employer's payroll department, your insurance providers, and any subscriptions you pay for. For government benefits or tax documents, contact the specific agency: the IRS, Social Security, your state's unemployment office, or your local health department.

Create a checklist of every organization that has your address on file. This includes utilities, streaming services, online retailers where you have saved an address, and any medical providers. Updating these now prevents missed bills, lost tax documents, and delivery problems later.

What to do if you need to cancel or change a forwarding order

If you filed your change of address online, you can cancel it through your USPS account at usps.com/manage before the forwarding begins. Once forwarding has started, you cannot cancel it online — you must visit a post office in person or call USPS at 1-800-275-8777.

To cancel in person, bring your confirmation number and photo ID to any post office. The clerk will file a cancellation form. To cancel by phone, have your confirmation number ready when you call. Cancellations take 7 to 10 business days to process.

If you need to change your forwarding address (for example, you filed for one address but are now moving to a different one), you must cancel the original order and file a new change of address. You will pay the $1.10 fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address before I move?

Yes. When you file your change of address, you specify the date you want forwarding to begin. You can file weeks in advance and set the start date for whenever you move. This is actually recommended — filing early gives you time to update your address with banks and other organizations before mail starts forwarding.

What if I move multiple times in one year?

Each change of address is separate. When your first forwarding period ends (12 months after the start date), mail sent to that old address will no longer forward. If you move again before the 12 months are up, you can file a new change of address for your second move. The new forwarding will override the old one.

Does USPS charge to file a change of address?

Yes, the fee is $1.10 whether you file online, in person, or by mail. This is a one-time fee per address change, not a monthly charge. Military members and their families may be exempt from the fee — ask at your post office if you are filing a military move.

Will my mail forwarding work if I move out of state?

Yes. USPS forwards mail across state lines the same way it forwards mail within a state. The 12-month forwarding period and the process are identical. You do not need to do anything different when moving out of state.

What happens to mail that arrives after my forwarding ends?

Mail sent to your old address after your 12-month forwarding period ends will be returned to the sender marked "Not at this address" or treated as undeliverable. The sender may attempt to contact you, or the mail may be discarded. This is why updating your address with banks and other organizations is important — they should be sending mail to your new address, not your old one.