The fastest route: USPS online or at your local post office

The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles mail forwarding, and you can start the process three different ways. The quickest is online at usps.com/moveservice — you fill out the form there, pay a fee (currently $1.10 for online submission), and your forwarding starts within three to five business days. You'll need a credit or debit card and a valid email address.

If you prefer to do it in person, walk into any post office with a photo ID and proof of your new address — a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement all work. Staff will hand you form PS 3575, the official change of address card. You fill it out there, pay the same fee in cash or card, and the forwarding takes effect the same way. If you mail the form instead, it takes longer to process, so the post office or online method is better.

The form itself is straightforward: your old address, new address, the date you want forwarding to start, and your signature. USPS will forward mail for 12 months, and you can renew it if you need to stay longer.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS online change of address at usps.com/moveservice costs $1.10 and starts forwarding within three to five business days.
  • You can also fill out form PS 3575 in person at any post office with a photo ID and proof of your new address.
  • Your employer, bank, insurance company, and subscription services need separate address changes — the post office only forwards mail.
  • Forwarding lasts 12 months and can be renewed if you stay in your new place longer.
  • If you're moving for work or military duty, some employers and branches have their own address-change systems that work alongside USPS forwarding.

What the post office does and doesn't forward

USPS forwarding covers regular mail and packages sent to your old address. It does not forward mail marked "Do Not Forward," which includes some government documents, tax forms, and certified mail. Those pieces return to the sender instead.

Magazines and newspapers sometimes don't forward either, depending on the subscription. First-class mail (regular letters) forwards reliably. Periodicals and marketing mail forward too, but with a slight delay. If you have subscriptions you care about, contact the publisher directly and give them your new address — don't rely on USPS alone.

Changing your address with banks, employers, and government agencies

The post office forwards mail, but it doesn't tell your bank, employer, insurance company, or the IRS that you've moved. You need to contact each one separately. Start with your bank and any financial accounts — call the number on the back of your card or log into your online account to update your address there.

Your employer's human resources or payroll department needs your new address for tax forms and paychecks. If you receive Social Security, Medicare, or other federal benefits, update your address through the relevant agency's website or by calling. The IRS gets your new address through your tax return, but you can also file Form 8822 if you need to update it before then.

Insurance companies (auto, home, health) require address changes to keep your policy active and may support bills reach you. Contact your agent or log into your policy account. Subscription services, utilities, and credit card companies all need updates too — each one has its own process, usually through their website or a customer service phone line.

Changing your address for government documents and licenses

Your driver's license and state ID are handled by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not the post office. Most states let you update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Some charge a small fee; others don't. Check your state's DMV website for the exact process and what documents you'll need.

Voter registration is state-specific too. Some states update your registration automatically when you change your driver's license address. Others require a separate form. Search "[your state] voter registration change of address" to find your state election office's process. Passport address changes go through the State Department — you can update it by mail with form DS-11 or DS-82, depending on your passport's age and condition.

What to do if mail still arrives at your old address

USPS forwarding sometimes misses pieces, especially if the sender's address is slightly wrong or if the mail is from a company that doesn't update its mailing list. If you still own or rent the old place, ask the new occupant to write "Return to Sender — Person No Longer at This Address" on any mail that arrives for you and put it back in the mailbox. The post office will reroute it.

If you no longer have access to the old address, contact the sender directly — your bank, insurance company, or subscription service — and ask them to update their records. Keep a list of places you've notified so you can follow up if bills or important documents don't arrive within a few weeks.

Changing your address when you move for work or military service

If your employer is relocating you, ask your HR department whether they handle address changes through their own system or whether you still need to file with USPS separately. Some large employers coordinate with the post office; others don't. Do both to be safe — USPS forwarding and your employer's internal system are not the same thing.

Military members and their families use the military's own address-change system through their branch's personnel office or online portal, in addition to USPS forwarding. The military system updates your official records; USPS forwarding handles your mail. Both are necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a USPS change of address cost?

Online submission through usps.com/moveservice costs $1.10. In-person at a post office costs the same. Mailing the form is free, but it takes longer to process — usually 7 to 10 days instead of 3 to 5.

Can I change my address before I move?

Yes. USPS lets you submit a change of address up to 30 days before your move date. You pick the date you want forwarding to start, and it takes effect on that day. This is useful if you want everything in place before you arrive at your new place.

What happens if I forget to update my address with my bank?

Mail from your bank will forward through USPS for 12 months, so you'll still receive statements and notices. However, the bank's records will show your old address, which can cause problems if you need to update your account or if fraud occurs. Update your address with the bank as soon as you move.

Do I need to change my address with my insurance company?

Yes. Insurance companies use your address to calculate rates (especially auto insurance, which varies by location) and to send bills and policy documents. If you don't update it, your policy may be cancelled or your coverage may be affected. Contact your agent or log into your account within a few days of moving.

Can someone else file a change of address for me?

Online, no — USPS requires you to submit it yourself with your email address. In person at the post office, a family member can submit it if they bring your photo ID and proof of your new address, though you'll still need to sign the form.