Where to report your address change first

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the fastest place to start. You can file a change of address online at usps.com, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at any post office. Online filing takes about five minutes and costs $1.10. The change takes effect within three to five business days, though mail forwarding can take up to two weeks to fully process.

When you file with USPS, the post office forwards your mail to your new address for up to 12 months. After that period ends, mail addressed to your old location will return to the sender. If you move again within that year, you can file another change of address and the forwarding period resets.

Filing online is simpler than going to the post office if you have a credit or debit card. You will need your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. If you prefer not to use a card, you can print Form 3575 from usps.com, fill it out by hand, and mail it or drop it off at any post office location.

Key Takeaways

  • File your address change with USPS online at usps.com, by mail with Form 3575, or at a post office counter, and the change takes effect within three to five business days.
  • USPS forwards your mail for 12 months, then stops — if you move again, file a new change of address to reset the forwarding period.
  • Notify your bank, insurance company, employer, and any subscription services separately, because USPS does not forward packages or notify other organizations.
  • Update your address with the state DMV or your local equivalent if you have a driver's license or state ID, usually within 10 to 30 days of moving.
  • Change your voter registration address with your county election office or through your state's online portal to keep your registration active at your new location.

Updating your bank and financial accounts

Your bank, credit card company, and investment accounts need your new address on file. Contact each institution directly — call the number on the back of your card, log into your online account, or visit a branch in person. Most banks let you change your address through their website or mobile app in under a minute.

Updating your bank address is important because statements, tax documents, and fraud alerts are mailed to the address on file. If mail goes to your old address, you may miss notices about suspicious activity or changes to your account. Some banks also use your address to verify your identity when you call customer service.

Notifying your employer and tax documents

Tell your employer's human resources or payroll department about your move. They need your new address for your W-2 form, which is mailed in January. If you do not update it, your W-2 may go to your old address and arrive late or not at all.

If you are self-employed or expect a tax refund, update your address with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as well. You can do this by filing Form 8822 with the IRS, or by updating your address when you file your next tax return. The IRS uses your address to mail refund checks and tax notices.

Updating your driver's license and voter registration

Most states require you to update your driver's license or state ID within 10 to 30 days of moving. Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to find the process — some states let you update your address online, while others require you to visit an office in person or mail in a form. You will usually need your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Update your voter registration separately through your county election office or your state's online voter portal. Your registration is tied to your address, and voting at the wrong polling place or with outdated information can cause problems on election day. Most states let you re-register online or by mail.

Updating insurance and subscription services

Contact your auto insurance, home or renters insurance, and health insurance companies to update your address. Insurance companies use your address to calculate rates and to mail policy documents and renewal notices. Some insurers let you change your address online, while others require a phone call.

Go through your subscriptions and memberships — streaming services, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, and online shopping accounts all have your address on file. Update these through each service's account settings or by calling customer service. This prevents bills and packages from going to your old address.

Handling packages and online orders

USPS mail forwarding does not explore to packages from Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or other delivery services. If you have an order in transit when you move, contact the retailer or delivery company with your new address. Many retailers let you update the delivery address before the package ships.

Update your address in your Amazon account, eBay account, and any other online shopping profiles you use regularly. This ensures future orders ship to the correct location. If a package arrives at your old address after you move, contact the new resident or your old landlord and ask them to mark it "return to sender" or hold it for you to pick up.

What to do if you missed updating something

If mail arrives at your old address after you move, contact the sender directly and provide your new address. Most companies update their records within one to two business days. For time-sensitive documents like tax forms or insurance notices, call the organization rather than waiting for them to receive a returned letter.

If you discover you missed updating your voter registration or driver's license after the important date, update it as soon as possible. Most states allow you to register to vote or update your license at any time, even if you have already moved. There is no penalty for updating late.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does USPS mail forwarding last?

USPS forwards your mail for 12 months from the date your change of address takes effect. After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender. If you move again within that year, file a new change of address to extend forwarding for another 12 months.

Can I change my address online with USPS if I do not have a credit card?

No, USPS online filing requires a credit or debit card. You can file by mail using Form 3575 (available at usps.com) or visit a post office in person and pay with cash. Both methods take longer than online filing but do not require a card.

Do I have to update my address with the DMV if I am moving to another state?

Yes, you must update your driver's license or state ID with your new state's DMV. Most states require this within 10 to 30 days of moving. You will need to surrender your old license and get a new one with your new address and state.

What happens if mail arrives at my old address after I move?

If the mail is addressed to you, USPS will forward it to your new address during the 12-month forwarding period. If the forwarding period has ended or the mail is not addressed to you, the new resident or landlord can mark it "return to sender" or contact you to arrange pickup.

Do I need to update my address with the IRS?

You do not have to file a separate form unless you expect a tax refund or owe taxes. You can update your address when you file your next tax return. If you need to update it before then, file Form 8822 with the IRS.