How to Change Your Address at the Post Office

What you need to do to change your address

You can change your address with the U.S. Postal Service in person at your local post office, online at USPS.com, or by mail. The fastest route is online — you fill out a form, pay a fee (currently $1.10 for a temporary change or $1.10 for a permanent one, though prices vary by service), and the change takes effect within a few days. If you go in person, bring a photo ID and proof of your new address, and the postal worker will process it on the spot. By mail, you send a signed form to your local post office, which takes longer.

The change applies to mail addressed to you by name. It does not forward mail addressed to "Resident" or "Occupant," and it does not change your address with banks, employers, or government agencies — you have to contact those separately. The Postal Service will hold mail for up to 30 days after your move if you request it, but forwarding is the more reliable option because it catches pieces that arrive after the hold expires.

Key Takeaways

Online change of address through USPS.com is the fastest method and takes effect within a few days for a fee of $1.10.
In-person changes at your local post office require a photo ID and proof of your new address and are processed when ready.
Mail forwarding applies only to pieces addressed to you by name, not to "Resident" or "Occupant" mail.
You must notify your bank, employer, insurance company, and other organizations separately — the post office change does not reach them.
A mail hold keeps your mail at the post office for up to 30 days, but forwarding is more reliable for mail that arrives later.

Changing your address online

Go to USPS.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You will need your current address, your new address, and the date you want the change to start. The form asks whether you want to forward mail for yourself, a family member, or a business. You can choose a temporary forward (up to 6 months) or a permanent one.

After you fill in the form, you pay the fee by credit card or debit card. The Postal Service sends a confirmation email, and the change takes effect within a few days. You can track the status of your request on the same website. If you need to cancel or modify the forward later, you can do that online as well, though you may have to pay another fee.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into your local post office with a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a piece of mail or utility bill showing your new address. Tell the postal worker you want to change your address. They will hand you a form called PS Form 3575 (Change of Address Order) or fill it out with you on a computer terminal.

You will provide your current address, new address, and the date the change should start. The worker will ask whether you want to forward mail for yourself, a family member, or a business. Pay the fee at the counter, and the change takes effect when ready — your mail will start forwarding within one to three days. You do not need to make an appointment.

Changing your address by mail

If you cannot visit the post office or use the website, you can mail a signed form to your local post office. read PS Form 3575 from USPS.com, fill it out by hand, sign and date it, and mail it to the address office listed on the form (usually your local post office). Include a copy of your ID and a piece of mail showing your new address.

Processing by mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because the form has to arrive, be opened, and be entered into the system. You still pay the fee, which you can include as a check or money order. This method is useful if you are moving before you have internet access or if you prefer not to use a credit card online.

What mail will and will not forward

Mail addressed to you by your name will forward to your new address. This includes personal letters, bills, and packages. Mail addressed to "Resident," "Occupant," "Current Resident," or any other generic term will not forward — it will be returned to the sender or discarded. Magazines and newspapers sometimes use these generic addresses, so you may need to contact the publisher directly to update your subscription.

First-class mail, priority mail, and packages all forward. Standard mail (bulk mail, advertisements) may or may not forward depending on how the sender addressed it. If you are expecting important mail and you are not sure whether it will forward, contact the sender and ask them to use your name on the label.

Notifying other organizations of your move

The post office change does not reach your bank, insurance company, employer, government agencies, or subscription services. You have to contact each one separately. Start with your bank and credit card companies, because they need your new address for statements and fraud alerts. Then contact your employer's HR department, your insurance agent, and any government agencies that send you mail (Social Security, the IRS, your state's unemployment office).

For subscriptions, log into each account online or call the customer service number on your bill. For utilities and services at your old address, contact the provider to close the account or transfer it. Keep a list of who you have notified so you do not miss anyone. This usually takes a few hours spread over a few days, but it prevents mail from going to the wrong place and keeps your records current.

Using a mail hold instead of forwarding

If you are moving temporarily or you want to pick up your mail in person rather than have it forwarded, you can request a mail hold. The post office will hold your mail at your local branch for up to 30 days. After 30 days, unclaimed mail is returned to the sender. You can request a hold online at USPS.com, in person at the post office, or by phone at 1-800-275-8777.

A hold is useful if you are between addresses or if you want to review your mail before it goes to a new location. However, forwarding is more reliable for long-term moves because it catches mail that arrives after the 30-day hold expires. You can combine both — set up forwarding and also request a hold for the first month to make sure nothing slips through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for mail forwarding to start?

Online and in-person changes take effect within one to three days. Mail-in forms take two to three weeks because they have to be processed manually. If you are moving soon, the online method is fastest.

Can I change my address for just one person in my household?

Yes. Each person needs their own change of address form. If you are moving with family members, each adult should submit a separate form with their own name. Children's mail can be included on a parent's form.

What if I move again before my forwarding expires?

You can update your address online or in person at any time. Submit a new change of address form with your latest address, and the Postal Service will update the forward. You will pay the fee again.

Will my mail forward if I move to a different state?

Yes. Mail forwarding works across state lines. The process is the same whether you are moving across town or across the country.

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

In person, you need a photo ID. Online, you need to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing other information. If you do not have a photo ID, call 1-800-275-8777 to ask about other ways to verify your identity.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.