Start with the post office, then move to the places that send you bills

You need to change your address in two separate places. First, file a change of address with the United States Postal Service — this forwards your mail for up to 12 months and costs around $1.10 online at usps.com. Second, contact each organization that has your address on file: your bank, insurance company, employer, subscription services, and any government agencies that send you documents. The post office forwards mail, but it does not update your actual records anywhere else.

Start the post office change when ready, because mail forwarding takes a few days to set up. While that processes, make a list of every place that knows your address. Check your email for recent receipts, statements, and bills — these show you which companies have your information. You will find most of them faster this way than by trying to remember.

Key Takeaways

  • File a change of address with USPS at usps.com or at your local post office to forward mail for up to 12 months.
  • Contact your bank, insurance company, employer, and subscription services directly — mail forwarding does not update their records.
  • Check recent email receipts and statements to find all the organizations that have your address.
  • Update your address with your state's DMV if you have a driver's license or vehicle registration.
  • Government agencies like the IRS and Social Security need separate address updates if you receive documents from them.

How to file a postal service change of address

Go to usps.com and select "Mail & Packages" from the top menu, then click "Change of Address." You will need your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. You can also walk into any post office and fill out form 3575 in person. The online version is faster and costs $1.10; the in-person version is free but takes longer to process.

Mail forwarding starts a few days after you submit. During that gap, some mail may arrive at your old address. If you are moving out of an apartment or house, ask the new resident to mark it "return to sender" or bring it to the post office. USPS forwards first-class mail, packages, and magazines, but not magazines sent at bulk rates or mail addressed to "Resident" or "Occupant."

Banks, credit cards, and financial accounts

Log into your online banking portal and look for a "Profile" or "Account Settings" section — most banks let you change your address there without calling. If you cannot find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your account number ready. The bank will ask you to confirm your identity, usually by answering security questions or verifying a recent transaction amount.

If you have a safe deposit box, tell the bank in person or by phone so they can update their records. Credit unions often require you to visit a branch to change your address, so call ahead to confirm what they need. Update all credit card accounts separately, even if they are with the same bank — each card is a separate account in their system.

Insurance companies and vehicle registration

Contact your auto, home, or renters insurance company by phone or through their online portal. Insurance companies need your new address because it affects your rates and coverage — a different zip code can change your premium. Have your policy number ready when you call. Most companies update your address the same day.

If you own a vehicle, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to update your driver's license and vehicle registration. Some states let you do this online; others require you to visit in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address (usually a utility bill or lease), and your vehicle registration. The process takes a few minutes and costs nothing for an address change.

Employer, subscriptions, and online accounts

Tell your employer's human resources department about your address change. They need it for tax documents like W-2 forms and for direct deposit if your address appears on your paychecks. Log into any subscription services — streaming, meal kits, magazines, gym memberships — and update your billing address in the account settings. Most let you do this without calling.

Update your address on Amazon, Apple, Google, and any other account where you have saved payment information. These are usually in "Account Settings" or "Manage Your Account." If you use PayPal or a digital wallet, update those too. Check your email for any services you may have forgotten about — look at old receipts and statements to find accounts you do not use regularly.

Government agencies and tax documents

If you receive Social Security, disability, or veteran benefits, contact the relevant agency to update your address. For Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. For the IRS, file form 8822 if you expect a tax refund or need to receive tax documents at your new address. You can mail the form or file it online through the IRS website.

If you receive unemployment benefits, contact your state's unemployment office to update your address. If you are registered to vote, update your voter registration with your local election office or through your state's election website. Some states let you do this online; others require a form by mail. Updating your voter registration does not affect your ability to vote — it just makes sure you receive election information at the right address.

What to do if mail still arrives at your old address

Mail forwarding is not perfect. Some mail will still arrive at your old address, especially if it was sent before your change took effect or if the sender has outdated information. If you still have access to your old address, check it occasionally for the first few months. If you do not, ask the new resident to forward important mail or mark it "return to sender."

For mail that arrives after forwarding expires (after 12 months), contact the sender directly and provide your new address. Keep a record of which organizations you have updated — this helps you catch any that slip through. If you move again, you will need to file a new postal service change of address and update all these organizations again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to change my address with the post office?

The online change of address at usps.com costs $1.10. Changing your address in person at a post office is free but takes longer to process. Either way, the cost is minimal and one-time.

How long does mail forwarding take to start?

Mail forwarding usually starts within a few days of your submission, but it can take up to two weeks. File your change as soon as you know your move date. Some mail sent before the change takes effect will still arrive at your old address.

What happens to mail addressed to "Resident" or "Occupant"?

USPS does not forward mail addressed to "Resident," "Occupant," or other generic titles. This mail stays at your old address. If you receive important mail this way, contact the sender and provide your new address directly.

Can I change my address online with my bank?

Most banks let you change your address through their online portal under "Profile" or "Account Settings." If you cannot find it, call the customer service number on your card. Either way takes just a few minutes.

Do I need to update my address with the IRS?

If you expect a tax refund or need to receive tax documents, file form 8822 with the IRS. You can mail it or file it online through the IRS website. If you do not expect any IRS mail, you do not need to file the form.