You can change your address with USPS online, by mail, or in person at a post office

The fastest way is the USPS website at usps.com. You fill out a form called the Mover's Guide, pay a fee (currently $1.10 for online, $1.10 for a temporary change), and the change takes effect within a few days. If you prefer not to go online, you can walk into any post office with ID and complete the same form in person, or mail a paper form to your local post office. The post office will then forward your mail to your new address for a set period — either temporarily (usually six months) or permanently.

Your mail forwarding starts on the date you request it, not the date you move. If you move on the 15th but submit your change on the 20th, mail sent to your old address starting the 20th will be forwarded, but anything that arrived between the 15th and 19th stays at your old address. This matters because some mail takes time to reach the post office, so you should submit your change as soon as you know your new address.

Key Takeaways

  • Online changes at usps.com cost $1.10 and take effect within a few days; in-person changes at a post office cost the same and happen immediately.
  • You must choose between a temporary forward (usually six months) and a permanent change; temporary forwards can be renewed.
  • Mail forwarding begins on the date you submit the change, not the date you move, so submit early if possible.
  • You need a valid ID and your new address; if you are moving with a family member, each person needs their own change.
  • The post office forwards mail for six months (temporary) or indefinitely (permanent), but packages and some mail types may not forward.

What you need before you start

Have your current address, new address, and a valid ID ready. USPS accepts a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID. If you are changing the address for someone else — such as a spouse or dependent — you will need their ID as well, and they will need to authorize the change. You cannot change someone else's mail without their permission.

If you are moving with a family member and want to forward both of your mail to the same new address, you each need to submit a separate change. USPS does not combine household changes into one form. This means if you and your spouse are both moving, you will each pay the fee and each submit a form.

Changing your address online

Go to usps.com and look for the "Mail & Packages" section. Click on "Change of Address" and select whether you are moving yourself, a business, or someone else. You will enter your current address, new address, and the date you want the forward to start. Then you choose temporary (six months) or permanent.

USPS will ask for a valid email address and phone number. They use these to send you a confirmation and to contact you if there are questions. After you pay $1.10 by debit card or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down — you may need it if you want to cancel or extend the forward later. The change usually takes effect within three business days.

One limitation: USPS online does not let you change an address if the form shows a recent change at that address already in the system. If you submitted a change less than 30 days ago, you will need to go to a post office in person or call USPS to modify it.

Changing your address in person at a post office

Bring your ID and your new address to any post office. Ask for a Mover's Guide form (PS Form 3575) or a Change of Address form. The clerk will help you fill it out. You will pay $1.10 for a permanent change or $1.10 for a temporary change. The change takes effect immediately, though mail forwarding may not start for one or two business days.

Going in person is useful if you do not have internet access, prefer to speak with someone, or need to change an address that was recently changed. The post office can also tell you on the spot whether there are any holds or issues with your account. If you are changing the address for a business or a dependent, bring their ID as well.

Temporary versus permanent forwards

A temporary forward lasts six months from the date you submit it. After six months, mail stops forwarding and returns to your old address or is marked "addressee unknown." You can renew a temporary forward before it expires by submitting a new change request. A permanent forward continues indefinitely until you cancel it or submit a new change.

Most people choose temporary if they are not sure how long they will stay at the new address. If you know you are staying permanently, a permanent forward means you do not have to remember to renew. You can change a temporary forward to permanent, or vice versa, by submitting a new change at any time.

What mail does and does not forward

USPS forwards most first-class mail, including letters and bills. Packages from USPS, UPS, and FedEx may or may not forward depending on how they are addressed and what service was used. Magazines and newspapers usually do not forward. Certified mail and mail marked "Do Not Forward" will be returned to the sender instead of forwarded.

This is why you should notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services of your new address directly. Do not rely only on USPS forwarding. Government mail, tax documents, and financial statements often do not forward, and missing them can have serious consequences. Update your address with each organization as soon as you know it.

Canceling or changing a forward after you submit it

If you submitted your change online, you can cancel it through usps.com if you act within one day. After that, you must go to a post office in person with your confirmation number and ID. The post office can cancel the forward immediately, though it may take a few days for the system to stop forwarding mail.

If you need to change the end date of a temporary forward or switch to a permanent forward, submit a new change request. You will pay the fee again. USPS does not refund the original fee if you cancel early, so think carefully before you submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for a mail forward?

Yes. USPS charges $1.10 for both temporary and permanent forwards, whether you submit online or in person. This is a one-time fee per address change. Military members on active duty may be exempt; ask at your post office.

What happens to mail sent to my old address after I move?

If you have a forward in place, USPS will deliver it to your new address. If you do not have a forward, mail stays at your old address or is returned to the sender as undeliverable. Mail sent before your forward date will not be forwarded.

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

You can use a temporary address — such as a friend's house, a hotel, or a PO Box — as your new address. However, some mail may not forward to a PO Box. If you do not have a permanent address, consider using a mail forwarding service or asking a trusted contact if you can use their address temporarily.

How long does it take for a mail forward to start?

Online changes take effect within three business days. In-person changes take effect within one or two business days. Mail forwarding may lag by a few days after that, so some mail may still arrive at your old address in the first week.

What if I move again before my temporary forward expires?

Submit a new change of address for your second move. USPS will forward mail from your first address to your second address, then from your second address to your third address. However, this chain only works for the duration of each forward, so submit your second change as soon as you know your next address.