The fastest way to change your address online
The U.S. Postal Service lets you change your address online through their website at usps.com. You fill out a form, pay a small fee (currently $1.10 for online submission), and the change takes effect within a few days. This is the main step most people need — it tells the post office to forward your mail to your new address for up to 12 months.
Other services — banks, insurance companies, subscriptions, government agencies — do not automatically know you moved. You have to contact each one separately. The postal service change only handles mail delivery; it does not update your address with anyone else.
Key Takeaways
- The USPS online change of address at usps.com costs $1.10 and takes a few days to process, and it forwards mail only — it does not notify other organizations.
- You will need your new address, the date you want the change to start, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the USPS form online.
- Banks, insurance companies, employers, and government agencies require separate notification and will not receive your new address from the postal service automatically.
- Mail forwarding through USPS lasts up to 12 months, after which mail addressed to your old address will no longer be forwarded.
Step-by-step: changing your address with USPS online
Go to usps.com and look for the "Change of Address" tool in the main menu. Click on it and select "Start a Change of Address Online." You will be asked whether you are moving yourself, a family member, or a business. Choose the option that matches your situation.
Enter your current address exactly as it appears on your mail, then enter your new address. The form will ask you what date you want the forwarding to begin — this is usually the day you move or the day after. You can also choose whether you want mail forwarded for 6 months or 12 months; 12 months is the standard choice for most people.
The form will ask you to confirm your identity by providing a driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will then pay the $1.10 fee with a debit or credit card. After you submit, the USPS sends you a confirmation email. Mail forwarding usually starts within three to five business days.
What the postal service change does and does not do
The USPS change of address forwards mail that arrives at your old address to your new one. This includes letters, magazines, and packages. It does not change your address with anyone — the post office straightforward intercepts mail and sends it along.
This means your bank, insurance company, employer, utility company, and any subscription services still have your old address on file. They will continue to send bills and statements there. You need to contact each organization separately and give them your new address directly. Many companies let you update your address online through their website or app; others require a phone call.
Mail forwarding also expires. After 12 months (or 6 months if you chose the shorter period), the post office stops forwarding. Any mail that arrives at your old address after that date will be returned to the sender or discarded.
Updating your address with banks, insurance, and subscriptions
Most banks let you change your address through their online banking portal or mobile app. Log in, find the account settings or profile section, and look for an option to update your address. Some banks require you to call or visit a branch in person, especially if you are changing the address on a joint account.
Insurance companies — auto, home, health, or life — usually have an online portal where you can update your address. If you cannot find it on their website, call the customer service number on your policy. Changing your address with your insurance company is important because some policies are tied to your location, and an outdated address can delay claims.
Subscription services, streaming platforms, and online retailers typically let you change your address in your account settings. Utility companies often require a phone call or online form submission. If you are moving to a different state, some utilities may transfer your account; others may close it and require you to open a new one with the new provider in your area.
Notifying government agencies and employers
If you receive Social Security, Medicare, or other federal benefits, you can update your address through your account on ssa.gov or medicare.gov. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to report your move.
Your employer needs your new address for tax documents and payroll records. Contact your HR or payroll department and provide your new address. If you are self-employed or a contractor, update your address with the IRS through your online account at irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040.
If you have a driver's license or state ID, you will need to renew it or update it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states let you update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Check your state's DMV website for the process and any fees involved.
Creating a checklist for your move
Write down or print a list of every organization that has your address on file. Start with the obvious ones: post office, bank, insurance, employer, utilities. Then add others: credit card companies, loan servicers, subscription services, medical providers, your state's DMV, voter registration, and any professional licenses you hold.
Go through the list and update each one. Some will take five minutes online; others may require a phone call or a form in the mail. Doing this in the first week after you move prevents bills from going to the wrong address and reduces the chance that important documents get lost.
Keep a record of when you updated each address and who you spoke with, in case a company later claims they never received the change. A straightforward spreadsheet or handwritten list works fine — you just need proof that you notified them.
What to do if mail still arrives at your old address
If you receive mail at your new address that is addressed to the previous resident, write "Return to Sender — Person Does Not Live Here" on the envelope and put it back in the mail. Do not open it. The post office will return it to the sender.
If you receive mail addressed to yourself at your old address after your forwarding period ends, contact the sender directly and give them your new address. This usually means calling the company or using their online form. If the mail is from a government agency, call them to update your address in their system.
If you are still receiving mail at your old address months after you moved and after your forwarding period has ended, it means some organizations never received your change of address notification. Go back to your checklist and contact any company you may have missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if I am moving to a different country?
The USPS online change of address works only for moves within the United States. If you are moving internationally, you can still file a change of address online, but the post office will not forward mail outside the country. Contact your bank, insurance company, and other organizations directly to update your address abroad.
How much does it cost to change your address with USPS online?
The USPS charges $1.10 to file a change of address online. You can also file in person at a post office for free, though this takes longer. Some post offices offer free online filing during promotional periods — check usps.com for current offers.
What if I made a mistake on my USPS change of address form?
If you notice an error right after submitting, contact the USPS when ready at 1-800-275-8777 or visit a local post office. If the forwarding has already started, you can file a new change of address with the correct information. The post office will process the new form and update your forwarding.
Do I need to change my address with my credit card companies?
Yes. Credit card companies need your current address for billing statements and fraud prevention. You can usually update your address through your online account, mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. Updating promptly reduces the risk of your statements going to the wrong place.
How long does USPS mail forwarding last?
Mail forwarding lasts either 6 months or 12 months, depending on which option you chose when you filed. After that period ends, mail addressed to your old address will no longer be forwarded. You can renew your forwarding before it expires by filing another change of address.