The Post Office is the main place to change your mailing address

The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles address changes for mail delivery. You can file a change of address form in three ways: online at usps.com, in person at any post office, or by mail using the paper form PS 3575.

The online method is fastest. You go to usps.com, click "Mail & Shipping," then "Change of Address," and fill in your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. USPS charges a small fee for online filing—currently around $1.10 for a temporary change or $1.10 for a permanent one, though prices vary. You can pay by credit card or debit card right there.

If you prefer to do it in person, walk into any post office with a photo ID and ask for form PS 3575. A postal worker will help you fill it out. You pay the same fee at the counter. This takes about 10 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS handles residential mail forwarding through form PS 3575, which you can file online, in person, or by mail.
  • The online method at usps.com is the fastest route and requires only your old address, new address, and an effective date.
  • In-person filing at any post office requires a photo ID and takes about 10 minutes.
  • Mail forwarding typically begins within three to five business days of filing, though USPS recommends allowing up to two weeks.
  • Your change of address is valid for 12 months if permanent, or you can set an end date if the move is temporary.

Filing the form by mail if you cannot go online or to the post office

You can request form PS 3575 by mail if neither online nor in-person filing works for you. Call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 and ask them to mail you the form. It arrives in about a week. Fill it out, include payment (a check or money order), and mail it back to your local post office.

This method is slower than the other two—expect the form to arrive, you to fill it out, mail it back, and USPS to process it over the course of two to three weeks. Use this only if you have time before you need the forwarding to start.

What information you need to have ready

Before you file, gather your current address, your new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. Have a photo ID available if you are filing in person. If you are filing online, you will also need a credit or debit card for the fee.

If you are moving for a business or managing mail for a company, you will need to file a separate form—USPS form PS 3576 for business addresses. The process is similar, but the fee and rules differ slightly. Ask at the post office or check usps.com for business-specific instructions.

How long forwarding takes and how long it lasts

Mail forwarding usually starts within three to five business days after USPS processes your form. However, USPS recommends allowing up to two weeks for the system to update fully. Some mail carriers may still deliver to your old address during this window, so notify important senders (banks, employers, insurance companies) of your new address directly rather than relying only on forwarding.

Your forwarding order lasts for 12 months if you file it as permanent. If your move is temporary, you can set an end date when you file—for example, if you are moving for six months, tell USPS to stop forwarding after six months. When the order expires, mail sent to your old address will no longer be forwarded.

Other places that may need a separate address change

USPS forwarding covers mail only. Other organizations do not automatically know about your move. You will need to contact them separately to update your address:

  • Your employer and payroll department
  • Banks and credit card companies
  • Insurance companies (auto, home, health, life)
  • Utility companies (electric, gas, water, internet)
  • Subscription services and online retailers
  • Government agencies (IRS, Social Security, DMV)
  • Healthcare providers and pharmacies
  • Schools and student loan servicers

For government agencies, contact them directly. The IRS has its own address change process on irs.gov. Your state's DMV handles driver's license and vehicle registration address changes. Social Security requires you to visit a local office or call 1-800-772-1213. These do not rely on USPS forwarding.

What happens if you file the form incorrectly

If you make a mistake on the form—wrong address, wrong date, or wrong spelling—USPS may process it as filed. If you catch the error before the forwarding starts, contact USPS when ready at 1-800-275-8777 or go to your local post office to file a correction. If forwarding has already begun, you can file a new change of address form with the correct information.

If mail is being forwarded to the wrong address because of an error on your form, USPS will not retrieve it. You will need to contact the sender directly and ask them to resend mail to your correct address.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, the online method requires a credit or debit card for payment. Use the in-person method at a post office instead—you can pay cash, check, or card at the counter. Alternatively, request the paper form by phone and mail it back with a check or money order.

What if I move again before my forwarding expires?

File a new change of address form with your new address. USPS will update your forwarding order. You do not need to cancel the old one first—the new form overrides it. If you file online, you pay the fee again.

Does USPS forwarding work for packages?

Yes, packages forwarded by USPS will be sent to your new address. However, some shipping carriers (UPS, FedEx) do not use USPS forwarding. Contact them separately to update your address if you receive packages from them regularly.

How much does a change of address cost?

USPS charges around $1.10 for online filing and the same amount in person, though prices may vary. The paper form mailed to you is free to request, but you still pay the processing fee when you mail it back. Check usps.com for current pricing.

Can someone else file a change of address for me?

For online filing, only the person whose name is on the mail can file. In person, you can authorize someone else to file on your behalf if you provide a signed letter and your photo ID. Call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 to ask about the specific requirements for your situation.