File your change of address online, by mail, or in person at your local post office

The United States Postal Service (USPS) lets you file a change of address through three routes: their website at usps.com, a paper form at your post office, or in person at the counter. The online method is fastest and costs $1.10; the paper form is free but takes longer to process. Either way, you will need your current address, your new address, and a valid ID. The change takes effect within three to five business days of approval.

Your mail will forward to your new address for up to 12 months. After that, mail addressed to your old location will return to the sender marked "moved, left no address." If you think you will move again within a year, you can file another change of address before the first one expires.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS processes online changes within three to five business days and costs $1.10 per address change.
  • You will need your current address, new address, and a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID).
  • Mail forwards for 12 months; after that, undeliverable mail returns to the sender.
  • File your change at usps.com, by mail using Form 3575, or at your local post office counter.
  • If you rent an apartment or mailbox, you may need to notify your landlord or mailbox provider separately.

File online at USPS.com

Go to usps.com and click "Mail & Packages" in the top menu, then select "Change of Address." You will be asked to enter your current address and confirm it matches USPS records. The system will then ask for your new address and the date you want the change to take effect.

Next, enter your name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. You will need to provide a valid ID number—either your driver's license, state ID, or military ID. USPS uses this to verify your identity and prevent fraud. At the end, you will pay $1.10 by credit card or debit card. The change takes effect within three to five business days.

You will receive a confirmation email with a receipt number. Save this number in case you need to check the status of your change or contact USPS later. If you do not receive a confirmation email within a few hours, check your spam folder or log back into usps.com and look for your change under "Manage My USPS Account."

File by mail using Form 3575

Pick up USPS Form 3575 (Change of Address Order) at your local post office, or read it from usps.com. Fill in your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address printed on the form itself.

Processing by mail takes longer than online—usually two to three weeks after USPS receives it. There is no fee. Include a phone number or email address on the form so USPS can contact you if there are any problems. Mail the form early enough that you do not miss important documents during the waiting period.

File in person at your post office

Walk into your local post office with a valid ID and ask to file a change of address. The clerk will give you Form 3575 to fill out, or some locations let you file online at a kiosk in the lobby. If you file in person, the change usually takes effect within one business day, which is faster than mailing the form.

Bring your driver's license, passport, or military ID. If you do not have one of these, ask the clerk what other forms of ID they will accept. There is no fee to file in person using the paper form, but if you use the post office kiosk to file online, you will still pay the $1.10 fee.

What happens to mail sent to your old address

Once your change takes effect, USPS will forward mail sent to your old address to your new one for 12 months. This includes first-class mail, magazines, and packages. Some types of mail—like certified mail or mail requiring a signature—may not forward automatically; the sender may need to file their own change of address request.

After 12 months, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "moved, left no address." If you need the forwarding period extended, you can file another change of address before the first one expires. USPS will add another 12 months to your forwarding service.

Notify other organizations of your move

USPS forwards mail, but it does not notify banks, insurance companies, government agencies, or subscription services. You will need to contact them separately. Start with the most important: your bank, insurance company, employer, and any government benefits you receive.

For subscriptions and memberships, log into your account online and update your address in the settings, or call customer service. If you rent an apartment, notify your landlord or property manager. If you use a private mailbox service, contact them to update your address on file. The post office change does not affect these accounts.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not file a change of address for someone else unless you have power of attorney or legal guardianship. USPS will ask for the person's ID and will verify their identity. Filing fraudulently is a federal crime.

Do not assume your change of address covers mail sent to your workplace, a PO box, or a mailbox you rent from a private service. Each of these is a separate address and needs its own change filed. If you are moving out of an apartment, the landlord or next tenant may also need to file a change for mail left behind.

Do not wait until the day you move to file. USPS takes three to five business days to process online changes, so file at least a week before your move date. If you file too late, some mail may arrive at your old address before the forwarding starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to file a change of address?

Filing online at usps.com costs $1.10 per address change. Filing by mail using Form 3575 or in person at the post office is free. The $1.10 fee is a one-time charge, not a monthly fee.

Can I file a change of address for someone else?

No, unless you have legal power of attorney or guardianship. USPS requires the person whose mail is being forwarded to verify their identity with a valid ID. Filing for someone else without permission is fraud.

What if I move again before my 12 months of forwarding ends?

File a new change of address with your second new address. USPS will update your forwarding to the second address. You will pay another $1.10 if you file online, or file for free by mail or in person.

Will my change of address forward mail sent to my workplace or PO box?

No. A change of address only covers the specific address you file for. If you are moving your workplace, PO box, or mailbox location, you need to file a separate change for each one.

How do I check if my change of address went through?

Log into usps.com and go to "Manage My USPS Account." You can see the status of your change and the date it takes effect. If you filed by mail or in person, call your local post office with your receipt number or name and address.