You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at any post office

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) lets you change your mailing address through three routes: online at usps.com, by filling out Form 3575 and mailing it to your local post office, or by walking into any post office and asking for the form in person. The online method is fastest — it takes about 24 hours to process — and costs $1.10. The mail-in and in-person routes are free but take 7 to 10 business days. You'll need your current address, new address, and a valid ID if you're doing it in person.

USPS will forward your mail to your new address for 12 months at no extra cost once the change is complete. After 12 months, forwarding stops automatically. If you need it longer, you can renew the forward before it expires by going back online or to the post office.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at usps.com costs $1.10 and processes in about 24 hours, making it the fastest option.
  • Mail-in and in-person changes are free but take 7 to 10 business days to take effect.
  • USPS automatically forwards your mail to your new address for 12 months once the change is active.
  • You'll need your current address, new address, and a valid ID to complete the change.
  • After 12 months, mail forwarding stops unless you renew it before the expiration date.

Changing your address online through USPS

Go to usps.com and click "Change of Address" in the top menu. You'll be taken to a form that asks for your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. You can choose to forward mail for just yourself, your whole household, or a business. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history — this is how USPS confirms you actually live at the address you're claiming.

After you answer the questions correctly, you'll pay $1.10 with a debit or credit card. The change takes effect within 24 hours. USPS will send you a confirmation email with a receipt number. Save this number in case you need to check on the status or make changes later.

Changing your address by mail with Form 3575

If you prefer not to go online or pay the fee, you can use Form 3575, the official USPS change-of-address form. You can get this form by visiting any post office and asking for it, or by downloading it from usps.com. Fill in your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form to your local post office. The address should be on the form itself, or you can ask the postal worker for it when you pick up the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the day the post office receives it. This method is free, but the delay means your mail could still arrive at your old address for a week or more after you move.

Changing your address in person at the post office

Walk into any post office with a valid ID and ask for Form 3575. The postal worker will give you the form and can answer questions while you fill it out. You'll provide your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to start. Some post offices will process the form on the spot; others will tell you it will take 7 to 10 business days.

This method is free and gives you a chance to ask the postal worker questions about what to expect. If you're moving soon and want to make sure everything is set up correctly, doing it in person can be worth the trip. Bring your ID and know both your old and new addresses before you go.

What happens to mail sent to your old address

Once your address change is active, USPS will forward mail addressed to your old address to your new one for 12 months. This includes first-class mail, magazines, and packages. The forwarding is automatic — you don't have to do anything after the change is processed.

Mail that arrives at your old address after the 12-month period ends will be returned to the sender or discarded, depending on what it is. Some senders mark mail "do not forward," which means it won't be forwarded even during the 12-month window — it will be returned to the sender instead. This is common with financial institutions and government agencies.

Renewing or canceling your address change

If you want mail forwarding to continue past 12 months, you can renew it before the expiration date. Log back into usps.com, go to "Change of Address," and select "Renew" instead of "New." You'll pay another $1.10 and the forwarding will extend for another 12 months. You can also renew in person at the post office for free.

If you want to stop forwarding before the 12 months are up, you can cancel the change online or at the post office. Canceling stops the forwarding immediately, so any mail sent to your old address after that point won't reach you.

Notifying other organizations about your move

USPS forwarding is helpful, but it doesn't reach everyone. Banks, insurance companies, employers, subscription services, and government agencies won't automatically know about your move. You'll need to contact them separately and provide your new address. Start with the organizations you use most often — your bank, insurance company, employer, and any government benefits you receive.

For online accounts, log in and update your address in your profile settings. For others, call the customer service number on your bill or statement and ask how to update your address. Having your USPS change processed first gives you a safety net while you're updating other places, since mail will still be forwarded for 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address before I actually move?

Yes. When you fill out the form, you choose the date you want the change to start. You can set it for a future date, up to 30 days away. This is useful if you know your move date in advance and want everything ready to go on moving day.

What if I move multiple times in a year?

You can set up a new address change each time you move. The previous forwarding will stop when the new one starts. If you move again before 12 months have passed, just submit a new change-of-address form with your latest address.

Will my packages be forwarded too?

Yes, packages sent through USPS will be forwarded to your new address for the full 12 months, just like regular mail. Packages from other carriers like UPS or FedEx won't be forwarded by USPS — you'll need to contact those companies separately if you want to update your address with them.

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

Yes. Even if you're staying in the same city, your zip code or delivery route may change, and USPS needs to know your new address to deliver mail correctly. The process is the same whether you're moving across town or across the country.

What if I don't have a valid ID for the in-person method?

You can use the online method instead, which verifies your identity through security questions. If you don't want to pay the $1.10 online fee, you can mail Form 3575 for free, though it takes longer to process.