This guide explains how to change your address with USPS, how to submit a USPS address change online or in person, what information you need, how mail forwarding works, what it costs, and what you should do after moving.
Quick Answer
You can change your address with USPS online or at a Post Office. USPS says a Change of Address request can be submitted up to 90 days before the effective move date and up to 30 days after the move date. Online requests require identity verification and currently have a $1.25 authentication fee. USPS recommends planning ahead and notifying important mailers of your new address as well.
USPS Change of Address at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my address online? | Yes. Online USPS Change of Address requests are available with identity verification. |
| Can I change my address in person? | Yes. You can submit the request at a Post Office. |
| Online authentication fee | $1.25 |
| How early can I submit it? | Up to 90 days before the effective move date. |
| How late can I submit it? | Up to 30 days after the move date. |
| Does USPS update every company automatically? | No. You still need to update important organizations directly. |
Official source: USPS Change of Address: The Basics.
How to Change Your Address with USPS
Option 1: Change Your Address Online
For most people, the online option is convenient and fast. Use the official USPS Change of Address service, enter your old and new addresses, select the appropriate move type, complete the required identity verification, and follow the instructions until the request is submitted.
USPS currently requires a $1.25 authentication fee for online Change of Address requests. The billing address on the card used for verification must match either the old or new address used in the request.
Use the official USPS Change of Address service
Option 2: Change Your Address at a Post Office
If you prefer to submit the request in person, visit a Post Office and request the Mover's Guide packet. The packet contains PS Form 3575. Complete the form and provide the identification required by USPS so your request can be processed.
If you cannot complete online identity verification, USPS may direct you to a Post Office to complete the process in person.
12 Steps to Change Your Address with USPS
Step 1: Plan Ahead
Do not wait until the last minute to handle your address change. USPS says a Change of Address request can be submitted up to 90 days before the effective date of your move and up to 30 days after the move.
USPS also recommends notifying organizations that send you mail of your new address and move date at least two weeks before moving. This gives banks, employers, insurance companies, government agencies, and other mailers time to update their records.
Best practice: Start your address-change checklist before moving day instead of relying only on mail forwarding.
Step 2: Choose How to Submit Your Request
You generally have two ways to submit a USPS Change of Address request: online or in person at a Post Office.
The online process requires identity verification and a $1.25 authentication fee. The in-person process uses USPS identification requirements and the Mover's Guide paperwork.
Avoid unofficial websites that imitate USPS or offer to submit the request for an additional fee. Use the official USPS website or visit a Post Office.
Step 3: Gather Your Information
Before starting your USPS address change, have the following information ready:
- Your current mailing address
- Your new mailing address
- Your move date
- Whether the move is temporary or permanent
- The people or household members included in the request
- Any identification or verification information requested by USPS
Double-check the old and new addresses before submitting the request. Make sure the house number, street name, apartment or suite number, city, state, and ZIP Code are correct.
Step 4: Submit Your USPS Change of Address Request
Once your information is ready, complete the USPS Change of Address process online or submit the required form at a Post Office.
For an online request, follow the official USPS instructions through identity verification and submission. For an in-person request, bring the required identification and complete PS Form 3575 from the Mover's Guide packet.
After submission, save your confirmation information. Your confirmation code can be important if you later need to manage the request.
Step 5: Allow Time for Mail Forwarding to Begin
USPS says mail forwarding may begin within 3 business days after a submitted request, but it is best to allow up to 2 weeks. Mail is forwarded piece by piece as it enters the postal system.
Because forwarding does not update every sender's records, do not wait for forwarded mail before updating your important accounts.
Step 6: Choose Temporary or Permanent Forwarding
Choose the forwarding type that matches your situation.
Temporary Change of Address
A temporary Change of Address is intended for people who are away from their normal address for a limited period. USPS currently allows temporary forwarding for a specific period, with an initial period of 15 to 185 days and a maximum total temporary forwarding period of 364 consecutive days when properly extended.
A temporary move may apply when you are:
- Staying somewhere temporarily
- Working in another location
- Living elsewhere during a renovation
- Away from home for an extended period
Permanent Change of Address
A permanent Change of Address is intended when you are relocating to another residence. USPS generally forwards eligible mail under its permanent forwarding rules for the first 12 months.
If you need additional forwarding time, USPS offers Extended Mail Forwarding for purchase. Extensions can be selected for 6, 12, or 18 additional months, subject to USPS rules and fees.
See current USPS mail forwarding options.
Step 7: Know What Mail Gets Forwarded
A USPS address change does not mean that every piece of mail will automatically follow you.
USPS says First-Class Mail and periodicals such as newsletters and magazines are forwarded under the applicable rules. Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage items may also be forwarded under USPS forwarding rules.
USPS Marketing Mail is generally not forwarded. Some other mail classes can have different forwarding or postage requirements.
The safest approach is to use USPS forwarding as a bridge while you update your address directly with the organizations that matter.
Step 8: Update Important Contacts
A USPS Change of Address only changes your mailing address with the Postal Service. It does not automatically change your address with every company, government agency, employer, or financial institution.
Update your address directly with organizations such as:
- Banks and credit unions
- Credit card companies
- Employers
- Insurance companies
- Healthcare providers
- Utility companies
- Internet and phone providers
- Subscription services
- Online shopping accounts
- Government agencies
- Financial institutions and loan providers
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to update your address with agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, your state's DMV, and voter registration authorities.
Step 9: Check What Happens to Packages
Packages can have different forwarding rules depending on the mail class and service used. USPS lists Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage items among services that are forwarded without an additional forwarding charge under its standard forwarding information.
Media Mail can also be forwarded, but USPS says the customer must pay the shipping cost from the local Post Office to the new address. Other services can have different rules.
If you are expecting an important package during your move, check the applicable USPS service rules rather than assuming every package will automatically be forwarded.
Step 10: Already Moved? Submit the Request Anyway
Ideally, submit your Change of Address before moving. However, USPS allows a request to be submitted up to 30 days after the move date.
If you already moved and forgot to submit the request, do it as soon as possible. Then update your address directly with important senders, especially banks, government agencies, employers, insurance providers, and anyone sending time-sensitive documents.
Step 11: Need to Change or Cancel Your USPS Request?
Moving plans can change. Your closing date may move, your new home may not be ready, or you may decide not to relocate.
Keep the confirmation information you received after submitting your Change of Address. USPS provides tools for managing an existing request, and the confirmation code can be needed to view, modify, cancel, or extend certain requests.
For current instructions, use the official USPS Manage My Move service.
Step 12: Complete Your Address-Change Checklist
Submitting the USPS request is only one part of changing your address. Before considering the move complete, make sure you have also updated your important accounts and records.
- Submit your USPS Change of Address request.
- Save your confirmation information.
- Confirm your move date and forwarding type.
- Update banks and credit card companies.
- Update employers and insurance providers.
- Update government agencies when required.
- Update utilities, internet, and phone services.
- Update online shopping and subscription accounts.
- Check important package deliveries during the transition.
- Keep your old and new address information organized until the move is complete.
How Much Does USPS Change of Address Cost?
USPS states that a Change of Address request made online has a $1.25 authentication fee. The fee is associated with the identity-verification process.
The official USPS information also states that submitting a Change of Address in person at a Post Office is available without the online authentication fee.
Because fees and verification procedures can change, check the official USPS Change of Address page before submitting your request.
How Long Does USPS Forward Mail?
For a permanent Change of Address, USPS generally forwards eligible mail for 12 months. Extended Mail Forwarding can be purchased for additional periods of 6, 12, or 18 months, subject to USPS terms and pricing.
Temporary Change of Address forwarding can be used for a defined period and may be extended within USPS limits. Current USPS rules allow temporary forwarding for up to 364 consecutive days when the required second temporary order is submitted.
Forwarding periods vary by mail type, so do not assume that every letter, magazine, advertisement, or package will be forwarded for the same length of time.
What Mail Does USPS Forward?
USPS forwarding depends on the mail class and the type of Change of Address request. First-Class Mail and periodicals are generally covered by forwarding rules. Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage items may also be forwarded under USPS's current standard forwarding rules.
USPS Marketing Mail is generally not forwarded. Other services, including Media Mail, can have additional requirements or postage rules.
For the most accurate information, check the current USPS Standard Forward Mail and Change of Address information.
Does USPS Automatically Update Your Address with Banks?
No. A USPS Change of Address changes your mailing address with the Postal Service. It does not replace direct address updates with banks, employers, government agencies, insurance companies, healthcare providers, utilities, online stores, or other organizations.
Think of USPS forwarding as a temporary safety net while you update your records everywhere else.
What If You Cannot Verify Your Identity?
USPS requires identity verification for Change of Address requests. If you cannot complete the online verification process, USPS may instruct you to visit a Post Office with acceptable identification.
If you cannot complete the identity-verification process in person either, USPS says you will not be able to complete a Change of Address through the Postal Service. In that situation, you should directly notify everyone who sends you mail of your new address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address with USPS online?
Yes. USPS offers an online Change of Address process through its official website. Online requests require identity verification and currently have a $1.25 authentication fee.
Can I change my address at any Post Office?
Yes. USPS provides an in-person Change of Address option at Post Offices. You will need to follow USPS identification and form requirements.
Is USPS Change of Address free?
The online Change of Address process currently includes a $1.25 authentication fee. USPS also provides an in-person option at a Post Office without that online authentication fee.
How early can I change my address with USPS?
USPS says a Change of Address request can be submitted up to 90 days before the effective move date.
How late can I change my address with USPS?
USPS says a Change of Address request can be submitted up to 30 days after the date of the move.
How long does USPS mail forwarding last?
Permanent Change of Address forwarding generally lasts 12 months for eligible mail. Extended Mail Forwarding can be purchased for additional periods. Temporary forwarding has separate time limits.
Can I change or cancel a USPS Change of Address request?
USPS provides ways to manage certain Change of Address requests. Keep your confirmation code or other confirmation information because it may be required to access or modify the request.
Does USPS automatically change my address with banks?
No. You must contact banks, credit card companies, employers, insurers, government agencies, and other important organizations directly.
Does USPS forward packages?
Some package services are forwarded under USPS rules, while others can have different requirements or postage charges. Check the mail class and current USPS forwarding rules for an important package.
What if I already moved?
You can still submit a Change of Address request. USPS currently allows a request up to 30 days after the move date. You should also update important senders directly.
Final Thoughts
Changing your address with USPS is an important part of moving, but it should not be the only address update you make. The best approach is to submit your USPS Change of Address request early, keep your confirmation information, understand what mail is covered by forwarding, and update your most important accounts directly.
If you are moving soon, start with the official USPS Change of Address service and then work through your bank, employer, insurance, government, utility, and subscription accounts one by one. That combination gives you a much better chance of avoiding missed bills, statements, packages, and other important mail.
Official USPS Resources
Editorial note: USPS rules, fees, forwarding periods, and identity-verification procedures can change. This guide was reviewed against current official USPS information. Check the official USPS pages above for the latest requirements before submitting a request.
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