Where to start: the post office first, then everything else

A change of address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is the foundation, but it is not the only step. The post office will forward your mail for a set period, but banks, employers, insurance companies, and subscription services need your new address directly from you. The fastest approach is to file with USPS first, then work through a checklist of places that have your current address on file.

USPS forwarding typically lasts for 12 months for residential moves and 6 months for business moves. After that period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender. This gives you time to update everyone, but it is not permanent—you need to notify each organization separately to make sure they have your correct address in their system.

The order matters: start with USPS so mail begins forwarding when ready, then tackle the organizations that matter most to you—banks, insurance, and government agencies—before moving to retailers and subscriptions.

Key Takeaways

  • File a change of address with USPS online at usps.com, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your local post office; the online method is fastest and costs $1.10.
  • USPS forwarding lasts 12 months for residential moves, so you must notify banks, insurance, and employers directly during that window.
  • Prioritize updating your address with your bank, insurance company, employer, and the IRS before updating retailers and subscriptions.
  • Some organizations require a phone call or in-person visit to change your address, so check their website or call before assuming online updates work.

Filing with USPS: online, by mail, or in person

The fastest way to file a change of address is through the USPS website at usps.com. Click "Mail & Packages" in the top menu, then select "Change of Address." You will enter your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. The fee is $1.10 if you pay online with a debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation email, and forwarding typically starts within three to five business days.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can fill out Form 3575 (process for a Domestic Change of Address) at your local post office and pay in person. The fee is the same. You can also mail the completed form to your local post office, though this takes longer because the post office must process it manually.

Do not rely on telling your mail carrier verbally. The post office requires a formal submission—either online, by form, or in person—to set up forwarding. A casual mention to your carrier will not create an official record.

Banks, insurance, and government: update these first

Your bank needs your new address because statements, cards, and fraud alerts are sent by mail. Log into your online banking portal and look for "Account Settings" or "Profile." Most banks let you change your address online in minutes. If you cannot find the option, call the number on the back of your card and ask to speak with someone in customer service who can update it.

Insurance companies—home, auto, health, or life—also require your current address. Check your policy documents for a customer service number or log into your insurer's website. Some insurers will not let you change your address online and require a phone call. Have your policy number ready when you call.

The IRS needs your new address if you are expecting a refund or if you filed taxes at your old address. You can update your address online through your IRS account at irs.gov, or file Form 8822 (Change of Address) and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form. If you are expecting a refund, update this as soon as possible—mail sent to your old address will be returned, and the IRS may hold your refund while they investigate.

Your employer also needs your new address for W-2 forms and payroll records. Contact your HR or payroll department and provide your new address in writing or through your employee portal if one exists.

Utilities, subscriptions, and online accounts

Contact your electric, gas, water, and internet providers at least two weeks before you move. Most utilities let you update your address online or by phone. Some require you to set up a new account at your new address and close the old one, so ask whether you need to do both or if a straightforward address change will work.

Subscriptions—streaming services, magazines, meal kits, gym memberships—usually let you change your address in your account settings. Log in, find "Account" or "Profile," and update your address. If a subscription charges you a membership fee or ships physical items, update it before your move so nothing is sent to your old address.

Online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy store your address in your account. Update these so future purchases ship to the correct place. You do not need to do this when ready, but it prevents mistakes on orders placed after you move.

Government agencies and voter registration

If you have a driver's license or state ID, you must update your address with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states let you do this online, by mail, or in person. Check your state's DMV website for the process. Some states charge a small fee; others do not. You typically have 10 to 30 days after moving to update your license, depending on your state.

Voter registration also needs your new address. You can update this through your state's election office website or by filling out a new voter registration form. Some states let you update online; others require a mailed form. Visit vote411.org or your state election office website to find the process for your state.

If you receive Social Security benefits, Medicare, or other government benefits, contact the relevant agency to update your address. For Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. For Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE.

What to do if mail arrives at your old address

Even with USPS forwarding in place, some mail will still arrive at your old address—usually because the sender has outdated information or because the forwarding order was not processed in time. If you still have access to your old address (because you own the home or are still in contact with the new occupant), you can write "Return to Sender—No Longer at This Address" on the envelope and put it back in the mail.

If you no longer have access to your old address, contact the sender directly. Call the organization, explain that you have moved, and ask them to update their records. Bring your confirmation email from USPS if they ask for proof that you filed a change of address.

For important mail like tax documents or legal notices, do not wait for it to arrive at your old address. Proactively contact the sender and provide your new address in writing.

Timing: when to file before you move

File your USPS change of address at least one week before your move date. This gives the post office time to process it and ensures forwarding starts on or near your move date. If you file too early—more than 30 days before your move—USPS may reject the request and ask you to resubmit closer to your move date.

Update your bank, insurance, and employer address at the same time you file with USPS, or within a few days after. These organizations need time to update their systems, and you want the changes in place before important mail starts arriving at your new address.

For utilities and subscriptions, update your address one to two weeks before your move. This prevents bills and packages from being sent to your old address and gives you time to catch any mistakes before the move happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a change of address before I know my exact move date?

Yes. When you file with USPS, you specify the date forwarding should begin. You can file weeks in advance and set the start date for whenever you are moving. However, USPS will not process a request more than 30 days before the start date, so if you are moving more than a month away, wait to file until closer to your move date.

What happens if I move and forget to file a change of address?

Mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "No Longer at This Address." You will miss important mail like bank statements, tax documents, and bills. File a change of address as soon as you realize the mistake, and contact organizations directly to provide your new address.

Do I need to file a separate change of address for each person in my household?

No. One change of address covers everyone at your old address and forwards all mail to your new address. However, if you are moving to a different household than someone else who lived with you, they will need to file their own separate change of address.

How long does USPS forwarding last, and what happens when it expires?

Residential forwarding lasts 12 months. After that, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender. You must update your address directly with each organization before the 12 months ends, or you will stop receiving their mail.

Can I change my address by phone instead of online?

USPS does not accept change of address requests by phone. You must file online at usps.com, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your local post office. However, most banks, insurance companies, and other organizations do accept address changes by phone.