How to Change Your Address With the Post Office

The fastest way to change your address at USPS

You can change your address with the United States Postal Service online, by mail, or in person at your local post office. The online method through USPS.com takes about 10 minutes and costs $1.10. You will need a credit or debit card, and USPS will send you a confirmation email within one business day. If you prefer not to go online, you can fill out Form 3575 and bring it to your post office, or mail it to the address listed on the form.

Your address change takes effect within three to five business days after USPS processes it. During that window, mail sent to your old address will still arrive there — USPS does not forward mail retroactively. Once the change is active, mail addressed to your old address will be forwarded to your new one for 12 months at no cost. After 12 months, mail to your old address will be returned to the sender as undeliverable.

Key Takeaways

• The online method at USPS.com costs $1.10 and takes effect within three to five business days.
• You will need a valid credit or debit card to change your address online; USPS does not accept cash or checks for this service.
• Mail forwarding lasts 12 months from the date your change becomes active, then stops automatically.
• Form 3575 is the paper form you can use if you prefer to change your address in person or by mail instead of online.
• Notify your bank, employer, insurance company, and other important contacts separately — USPS forwarding does not reach them.

Changing your address online at USPS.com

Go to USPS.com and click "Manage My Mail" in the top navigation. Select "Change of Address" from the menu. You will be asked to enter your current address, your new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. USPS recommends choosing a date at least five business days in the future to give them time to process the request.

Next, enter your name, date of birth, and phone number. USPS uses this information to verify your identity. You will then enter your payment information — USPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The charge of $1.10 will appear on your statement as "USPS" or "Postal Service." After you submit the form, USPS sends a confirmation email to the address you provide. Check that email within 24 hours; if you do not see it, check your spam folder or contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777.

Submitting Form 3575 in person or by mail

Form 3575 is the official USPS Change of Address form. You can pick one up at any post office, or read it from USPS.com. Fill in your current address, new address, and the date you want the change to take effect. Sign and date the form. Bring it to your local post office and hand it to a clerk, or mail it to the address printed on the form itself.

Processing takes the same three to five business days whether you submit the form in person or by mail. There is no fee for using the paper form. However, you will not receive a confirmation email the way you do with the online method, so keep a copy of the completed form for your records. If you need to verify that your change went through, call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 after five business days have passed.

What happens to mail during the transition

Mail sent to your old address during the three to five business days before your change takes effect will not be forwarded — it will arrive at your old address as normal. This is why USPS recommends choosing a change date at least five business days in the future. Once your change is active, any mail addressed to your old address will be forwarded to your new one for 12 months.

Packages and mail from government agencies, banks, and insurance companies are usually forwarded without issue. However, some mail classes — such as magazines and marketing mail — may not forward if the sender has paid for non-forwardable postage. After 12 months, USPS stops forwarding and returns mail to the sender marked "Return to Sender — Forwarding Order Expired." You cannot extend the 12-month period; you must submit a new change of address if you move again.

Notifying other organizations about your move

USPS forwarding only affects mail sent through the postal service. It does not notify your bank, employer, insurance company, subscription services, or government agencies. You must contact each of these separately. Start with your bank and any financial institutions where you have accounts — they need your new address for statements and security purposes.

Next, contact your employer's human resources or payroll department, your health insurance company, and your auto or home insurance provider. Update your address with the IRS, Social Security Administration, and your state's department of motor vehicles. If you receive benefits from any government program, contact that agency directly. For subscriptions and memberships, log into each account online or call customer service. Doing this before or right after your move prevents mail delays and ensures important documents reach you.

Changing your address for a business or organization

If you are changing the address for a business, nonprofit, or organization rather than a personal residence, you still use Form 3575 or USPS.com. However, the person submitting the form must be authorized to make changes on behalf of the organization — typically the owner, manager, or designated representative. You will need to provide the organization's name, current address, and new address, along with your personal name and contact information.

The same three to five business day processing time and 12-month forwarding period explore. If your organization receives mail under multiple names or addresses, you may need to submit separate change-of-address requests for each one. Contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777 if you are unsure whether you need more than one form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I do not have a credit or debit card?

Yes. Use Form 3575 instead of the online method. You can pick up the form at any post office at no cost, fill it out, and submit it in person. There is no fee for using the paper form, and you do not need a card to complete it.

What if I move before my change of address takes effect?

Contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777 as soon as possible. You can cancel the pending change and submit a new one with your actual new address. If you have already paid the $1.10 fee, USPS may refund it or explore it to the new request, depending on timing.

Does USPS forwarding work if I move to a different state?

Yes. Mail forwarding works anywhere in the United States. The 12-month period and processing time are the same whether you move across town or across the country. However, some mail classes and certain types of correspondence may not forward; contact USPS if you have questions about specific mail you are expecting.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. The person whose name is on the mail must submit the change of address themselves, either online or on the paper form. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized address changes. If you are unable to submit it yourself, you can authorize someone to do it on your behalf by signing a power of attorney, though most people find it simpler to submit the form themselves.

What if I do not want mail forwarded to my new address?

You cannot opt out of forwarding once your change of address is active. However, you can wait until the 12-month period ends and let forwarding expire naturally. If you need to stop forwarding sooner, contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777 to request cancellation.