File a Change of Address Form With USPS

The USPS Change of Address form (Form 3575) is the official way to tell the Post Office you are moving. You can file it online at usps.com, by mail, or in person at your local post office. Online filing takes about five minutes and costs $1.10. The form goes into effect within three to five business days, though some mailers may take longer to update their records.

When you file, you provide your old address, new address, and the date you want mail forwarding to start. You can choose to forward mail for just yourself, or for everyone at your old address. The Post Office will forward most mail to your new address for 12 months. After that, mail addressed to your old address goes back to the sender marked "moved, left no address" — so you will need to update your address with banks, employers, and other senders before the 12 months end.

If you file online, you will need a credit or debit card to pay the $1.10 fee. If you file by mail or in person, you can pay by card, check, or cash. Filing in person is useful if you want to ask questions or if you have mail already piling up at your old address that you want to retrieve.

Key Takeaways

  • File Form 3575 online at usps.com, by mail, or at your post office — online is fastest and costs $1.10.
  • Mail forwarding starts within three to five business days and lasts for 12 months.
  • You must update your address directly with banks, insurance companies, employers, and government agencies — the Post Office does not notify them.
  • After 12 months, mail to your old address is returned to senders, so plan to update critical accounts before the forwarding period ends.
  • If you are moving to a new state, check whether you need to update your driver's license or vehicle registration separately.

What Happens to Mail During the Forwarding Period

Once your change of address takes effect, the Post Office sorts mail addressed to your old address and forwards it to your new one. This works for most mail — letters, packages, magazines, and catalogs. However, some mail does not forward automatically. First-class mail, periodicals, and standard mail all forward, but some government mail (like tax documents) and mail marked "do not forward" will go back to the sender instead.

Mail forwarding is not instant. Pieces can take an extra week to reach you because they go to your old post office first, then to your new one. During the first few weeks after you move, you may receive some mail at your old address if senders have not yet processed your change. Ask the new residents or the property manager to mark undeliverable mail "return to sender" so it goes back to the sender's address.

If you are moving temporarily — for example, for a job that lasts six months — you can set an end date for forwarding. Once that date passes, mail stops forwarding and goes back to senders. This is useful if you plan to return to your old address.

Update Your Address With Banks, Insurance, and Government Agencies

The Post Office forwards mail, but it does not notify your bank, insurance company, employer, or government agencies that you have moved. You must contact them directly. This is critical for accounts where missing mail could cost you money — mortgage or rent statements, insurance bills, tax documents, and bank statements.

Start with the accounts that matter most: your bank, credit card companies, mortgage lender or landlord, insurance providers, and employer. Call or log into their websites to update your address. Many banks and credit card companies let you change your address online in minutes. For government agencies, the process varies — the IRS has a form, Social Security requires a visit or phone call, and your state's DMV has its own process.

Check any subscriptions or memberships you have: utilities, streaming services, gym memberships, and professional organizations. These do not always forward mail, and you want to make sure bills reach you. Keep a list as you go so you do not forget anyone.

Handle Mail That Arrives at Your Old Address

Even with forwarding in place, some mail will still arrive at your old address. If you own the property, you can retrieve it yourself. If you are renting or have moved out, you will need to ask the new residents or property manager to handle it. Leave them a note asking them to mark mail "return to sender" or to hold it for you to pick up.

For sensitive mail — bank statements, tax documents, medical records — do not leave it for strangers to handle. Contact the sender directly and ask them to stop mailing to your old address. You can also file a mail hold at your old post office for up to 30 days if you need time to retrieve mail before it is forwarded or returned.

If you receive mail addressed to someone else at your new address, write "not at this address" on the envelope and put it back in the mail. Do not open it or throw it away. The Post Office will return it to the sender or attempt to forward it to the correct address.

Update Your Driver's License and Vehicle Registration

Changing your address with the Post Office does not change your driver's license or vehicle registration. You must update these separately with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most states require you to update your license within 30 to 60 days of moving, though the deadline varies.

You can usually update your address online through your state's DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Some states charge a small fee for a replacement license with your new address; others do not. Check your state's DMV website to see what documents you need to bring and whether you can do it online.

If you own a vehicle, you also need to update your registration. This often happens at the same time as your license update. Some states require you to re-register your vehicle in the new state if you move there, which involves emissions testing and new plates.

Update Your Voter Registration and Other Government Records

Your voter registration is tied to your address. When you move, you need to register to vote at your new address. You can usually do this online through your state's election website, by mail, or when you renew your driver's license. Some states allow you to register on Election Day; others have deadlines weeks before. Check your state's election office website for deadlines and instructions.

If you receive benefits from government programs — unemployment, food assistance, housing support, or Medicaid — contact the agency to update your address. Mail delays could cause you to miss important notices or deadlines. Social Security, Medicare, and the IRS all need your current address on file.

If you are registered with your state's sex offender registry or have other legal obligations tied to your address, contact the relevant agency immediately. These have strict rules about notification, and failing to update can have serious consequences.

Protect Yourself From Mail Theft and Identity Theft

During a move, your mail is in transit and vulnerable. Thieves watch for change-of-address forms or intercept mail at old or new addresses. Protect yourself by collecting mail from your old address regularly, asking a trusted neighbor to collect it, or filing a mail hold at your old post office while you transition.

At your new address, do not leave mail in an unsecured mailbox for long periods. Collect it daily, especially bills and statements. If you are moving to an apartment, ask whether the building has a secure mailroom or if mail is delivered to individual units. Some apartment buildings have problems with mail theft — ask the landlord or current residents about it.

Consider signing up for paperless billing with your bank, credit card company, and utilities. This reduces the amount of mail you receive and lowers the risk of sensitive information being stolen. You can still receive statements by email and check them online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for mail forwarding to start?

Mail forwarding usually starts within three to five business days after you file your change of address form. However, some mailers may take longer to update their records, so you might receive some mail at your old address for a few weeks. It is best to update your address directly with important senders rather than relying only on forwarding.

Can I change my address online, and how much does it cost?

Yes, you can file your change of address online at usps.com for $1.10. You will need a credit or debit card to pay. You can also file by mail or in person at your post office for the same fee. Online filing is the fastest option and takes about five minutes.

What happens to my mail after the 12-month forwarding period ends?

After 12 months, the Post Office stops forwarding your mail. Mail addressed to your old address is returned to the sender marked "moved, left no address." This is why you need to update your address with banks, insurance companies, and other important senders before the 12 months end.

Do I need to file a change of address if I am moving within the same city?

Yes, you should file a change of address even if you are moving within the same city. Different addresses may be served by different post offices or mail carriers, and filing ensures your mail reaches you. The process is the same whether you are moving across town or across the country.

What should I do if I receive mail for the previous resident at my new address?

Write "not at this address" on the envelope and put it back in the mail. Do not open it or throw it away. The Post Office will return it to the sender or attempt to forward it to the correct address. If you receive a lot of mail for the previous resident, you can contact the sender directly and ask them to update their records.