You can change your mailing address at the post office in person, by mail, or online through USPS.com

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers three ways to update your address: online at USPS.com (fastest, takes effect in three to five business days), in person at any post office (takes effect immediately or within one business day), or by mail using Form 3575 (takes seven to ten business days). The online method costs $1.10 and requires a valid credit or debit card. In-person changes are free. Mail-in changes are also free but slowest.

Your new address will not automatically update with banks, employers, government agencies, or subscription services. You must contact each organization separately. The post office only forwards mail to your new address for a set period — typically 12 months for residential moves and 18 months for business moves — after which undelivered mail is returned to the sender.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through USPS.com cost $1.10 and take effect within three to five business days.
  • In-person changes at your local post office are free and take effect immediately or within one business day.
  • Mail-in changes using Form 3575 are free but take seven to ten business days to process.
  • The post office forwards mail for 12 months (residential) or 18 months (business), but you must notify other organizations of your address change separately.
  • You will need a valid ID and proof of your new address for in-person changes.

Changing Your Address Online

Go to USPS.com and select "Change of Address" from the home page. You will enter your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. The system accepts moves that begin within 30 days or up to one year in the future. You will need a valid credit or debit card to pay the $1.10 fee.

After you submit your information, USPS sends a confirmation email. The address change takes effect within three to five business days. During this window, mail addressed to your old address may still arrive there — the post office does not instantly reroute everything. Once active, your mail will forward to the new address for the full forwarding period (12 or 18 months depending on move type).

The online method works well if you are moving within the United States and do not need the change to take effect immediately. If you are moving internationally or need same-day activation, you must go in person.

Changing Your Address in Person at the Post Office

Visit any post office branch and ask for a change of address form. Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The post office staff will complete the form with you and process it immediately.

In-person changes are free and take effect the same day or within one business day. This is the fastest method if you need your mail rerouted right away. It also allows you to ask the postal worker questions about your specific situation — for example, if you are moving to a rural area or a new building that may not yet be in the postal system.

You can change your address for yourself, a family member, or a business. If you are changing an address for someone else, bring that person's ID and proof of their new address, or bring a notarized letter authorizing you to make the change on their behalf.

Changing Your Address by Mail

Download or request Form 3575 (Change of Address Order) from USPS.com or your local post office. Fill in your current address, new address, and the effective date. Sign and date the form. Mail it to your local post office — you can find the address on USPS.com by entering your ZIP code.

Mail-in changes are free but take seven to ten business days to process. This method is useful if you prefer not to visit a post office or if you are moving far away and want to submit the form before you arrive at your new location. However, the delay means mail may pile up at your old address before forwarding begins.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. USPS does not send a confirmation, so if you need proof that you submitted a change of address, the copy you keep is your only documentation.

What Happens After You Change Your Address

Once your change takes effect, USPS will forward mail addressed to your old address to your new one for 12 months (if you are moving within the United States as a resident) or 18 months (if you are moving a business). After that period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "Moved, Left No Address" or similar language.

First-class mail, packages, and periodicals all forward automatically. However, some mail does not forward: government checks, tax documents, and mail marked "Do Not Forward" will be returned to the sender instead. This is why you must notify Social Security, the IRS, your bank, and your employer of your new address separately.

The post office does not forward mail to temporary addresses. If you are moving multiple times in a short period, you will need to submit a new change of address each time.

Notifying Other Organizations of Your Address Change

The post office forwards mail, but it does not update your address with any other organization. You must contact each one separately. Start with government agencies: the Social Security Administration, the IRS, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and your state's voter registration office. Then contact your bank, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services.

Create a checklist of every organization that has your address on file. This includes utilities, credit card companies, loan servicers, healthcare providers, schools, and any memberships or subscriptions. Many organizations now allow address changes online through their websites or apps. Others require a phone call or a letter.

Update your address with the post office first, then work through your list. This way, if an organization sends a confirmation letter to your old address, it will forward to your new one while the forwarding period is active.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I move and forget to change my address at the post office?

You can still submit a change of address at any time, even months after you move. The forwarding will begin from the date you submit it, not from your actual move date. Mail sent to your old address before you submit the change will not forward — it will be returned to the sender or held at the post office.

Can I change my address if I do not have a permanent home?

Yes. You can use a shelter address, a trusted friend's or family member's address, or a mail forwarding service address. You will still need to provide proof of that address (a letter from the shelter, a notarized statement, or a receipt from the mail service). Contact your local post office to discuss your situation.

Do I need to change my address at the post office if I am only moving temporarily?

If you are moving for less than a few months, you may not need to change your address. However, if you want mail sent to your temporary location, you can submit a change of address with an end date. USPS will stop forwarding after that date and return mail to the sender.

What if my new address is not recognized by the postal system?

New buildings, rural addresses, or recently annexed areas sometimes do not appear in USPS records yet. Visit your local post office in person with proof of your new address. The staff can manually add your address to the system or advise you on the correct format to use.

How much does it cost to change my address?

Online changes cost $1.10. In-person and mail-in changes are free. If you use a mail forwarding service instead of USPS, costs vary by provider and typically range from $10 to $30 per year.