You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at any Post Office location

The United States Postal Service (USPS) runs a system called USPS Change of Address that forwards your mail to a new address for a set period. You do not have to visit a Post Office — you can start the process online at usps.com, by phone, or by filling out a paper form at your local branch. The online method is fastest and costs money; the paper form is free but takes longer to process.

The address change takes effect within three to five business days if you do it online, or up to two weeks if you submit a paper form. During that waiting period, mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new one. After the forwarding period ends (you choose 6 months or 12 months when you set it up), mail stops being forwarded and returns to the sender.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes at usps.com cost $1.10 and take effect in three to five business days; paper forms are free but take up to two weeks.
  • You will need your old address, new address, and the date you want the change to start.
  • Mail forwarding lasts either six months or one year, depending on which option you choose when you set it up.
  • If you change your address at the Post Office in person, bring a photo ID and proof of your new address, such as a lease or utility bill.
  • Forwarding does not cover packages from retailers like Amazon; you must update your address directly with each company.

Online address change through USPS.com

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You will enter your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. The system will ask whether you want the change to last six months or one year. You will then pay $1.10 by debit card or credit card. USPS will send you a confirmation email with a tracking number.

The change takes effect within three to five business days. During that time, mail addressed to your old location will be forwarded to your new one. You can check the status of your request by returning to usps.com and entering your confirmation number.

One limitation: online address changes work only for mail addressed to you by name. If mail arrives addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant" at your old address, it will not be forwarded. Those pieces will stay at your old address or be returned to the sender.

Paper form at your local Post Office

You can fill out Form 3575 (the official USPS Change of Address form) at any Post Office location or download it from usps.com and bring it in completed. The form asks for your old address, new address, the date you want the change to start, and how long you want forwarding to last (six months or one year). There is no fee for submitting a paper form.

Processing takes up to two weeks. The Post Office will mail you a confirmation card to your new address. Until that card arrives, you will not know for certain whether the change has been processed. If you need the change to take effect quickly, the online method is faster and more reliable.

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) when you submit the form in person. Some Post Offices also ask for proof of your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement. Call your local Post Office before you go to confirm what documents they need.

Phone-based address changes

You can call USPS Customer Service at 1-800-275-8777 to request an address change. A representative will take your old address, new address, and forwarding duration over the phone. They will charge $1.10 to your debit card or credit card, the same as the online method.

Processing time by phone is the same as online: three to five business days. You will receive a confirmation number during the call. Write it down or ask the representative to email it to you so you can track your request later on usps.com.

What happens after you submit your address change

Mail carriers at your old address will begin forwarding pieces to your new location within three to five business days (online or phone) or up to two weeks (paper form). Forwarded mail will have a sticker or stamp showing it was redirected. Delivery may take a few extra days because of the forwarding step.

Your forwarding period lasts either six months or one year, depending on what you chose. When that period ends, mail sent to your old address will no longer be forwarded — it will be returned to the sender or kept at the Post Office. If you need forwarding to continue, you can set up a new address change before the first one expires.

Address changes through USPS do not automatically update your information with banks, insurance companies, government agencies, employers, or online retailers. You must contact each organization separately and provide your new address. This is especially important for mail containing financial statements, tax documents, and legal notices.

Updating your address with other organizations

USPS forwarding covers only mail sent by the Post Office. Packages from Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and other carriers do not go through USPS and will not be forwarded. You must update your address directly with each retailer and shipping company.

Financial institutions, insurance companies, and government agencies (Social Security, IRS, state motor vehicle department) require separate address updates. Many offer online account portals where you can change your address yourself. Others require a phone call or a written request. Check each organization's website for their process.

If you are receiving benefits from a government program — unemployment, housing assistance, food stamps, or disability — contact the administering agency to update your address. Failing to do so can result in missed notices, delayed payments, or loss of benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I do not have a photo ID?

If you are submitting a paper form in person, most Post Offices require a photo ID. If you do not have one, call your local Post Office to ask whether they will accept an alternative form of identification. The online and phone methods do not require you to show ID in person, but you will need to provide payment information.

What if mail arrives at my old address after I move?

Mail addressed to you by name will be forwarded to your new address for the duration you selected (six months or one year). Mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant" will not be forwarded. After your forwarding period ends, any mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender or kept at the Post Office.

Do I need to change my address with USPS if I am moving within the same city?

Yes. Even if you are moving a few blocks away, you should set up address forwarding with USPS. Mail carriers follow specific delivery routes, and your new address may be on a different route. Without a forwarding order, mail sent to your old address will not reach you.

Can I change my address for only part of my household?

No. An address change applies to all mail addressed to that location. If you need to forward mail for only one person in a household, you can set up a separate forwarding order using that person's name and the household address. Contact USPS to discuss options for your situation.

How much does address forwarding cost?

Online and phone address changes cost $1.10. Paper forms submitted in person are free. The cost covers forwarding for either six months or one year, depending on which option you choose. If you need to extend forwarding after that period, you will need to set up a new address change and pay the fee again.