Learn About Changing Your USPS Address

Understanding USPS Address Change Basics

The United States Postal Service (USPS) maintains a system that allows people to notify the post office when they move to a new location. This process, called a mail forwarding service or address change, redirects mail sent to your old address to your new one for a set period of time. According to USPS data, millions of Americans move each year, and approximately 40 million people change their addresses annually. Understanding how this system works helps ensure your mail reaches you without interruption.

An address change with USPS is a straightforward notification that tells postal workers to take mail intended for your previous address and forward it to your new location. This service runs for a standard period, after which your old address mail will no longer be forwarded. The forwarding service costs money—as of 2024, domestic address changes cost $1.10 for mail forwarding that lasts 12 months. This fee represents a one-time charge rather than a monthly subscription.

When you submit an address change, you're creating an official record in the USPS system. Postal carriers at both your old and new delivery routes receive notification of your move. Mail carriers at your former address will see the forwarding notice and place qualifying mail in the system for redirection. This system has been in place for decades and processes millions of address changes monthly across all 50 states and U.S. territories.

The USPS address change system differs from notifying individual companies or services about your move. While an address change tells the post office to forward your mail, you'll still need to contact banks, insurance companies, employers, and other organizations separately to update your information with them directly. The post office forwards mail but does not contact these entities on your behalf.

Practical Takeaway: Before moving, understand that an USPS address change is one step in a larger moving process. Plan to notify the post office while also creating a checklist of companies, subscriptions, and services that need your updated address information.

Methods for Submitting Your Address Change

USPS offers multiple methods to submit an address change, each with different procedures and timelines. The most common option is submitting a change of address (COA) request online through the official USPS website at usps.com. This method allows you to complete the process from your computer or mobile device at any time. The online system requires you to enter your current address, new address, effective date, and contact information. After submission, USPS processes the request and sends a confirmation notice to your old address within three to five business days.

You can also visit a local post office branch in person to submit an address change. At the post office, you'll complete Form 3575, which is the official USPS form for address changes. A postal clerk will review the form to ensure all information is correct before accepting it. This in-person method is useful if you prefer face-to-face interaction or have questions about the process. Many people choose this option when they're already at the post office for other services. The in-person submission typically processes faster than mail-in forms, with some postal branches able to confirm your change the same day.

A third option is mailing a completed Form 3575 directly to your local post office or the address listed on the form. You can pick up the form at any post office location or print it from the USPS website. This mail-in method takes longer than online or in-person submission—typically five to seven business days to process. However, it works for people without internet access or those who prefer traditional mail procedures. USPS recommends using certified mail with return receipt if you choose this method, so you have proof that the post office received your form.

Some USPS authorized retailers and package shipping stores also offer address change services. These businesses are certified to accept address change requests on behalf of USPS. However, they may charge additional fees beyond the standard USPS charge, so verify the total cost before proceeding. Processing times at these locations vary depending on how quickly they submit forms to USPS.

Practical Takeaway: The online method (usps.com) is usually fastest and most convenient for people with internet access. If you need the change processed quickly, submit your request online or visit a post office in person rather than mailing Form 3575.

Information Needed to Complete Your Address Change

Before you begin the address change process, gather specific information to ensure accurate submission. You'll need your current complete address, including street number, street name, city, state, and ZIP code exactly as it appears on mail you receive. You'll also need your new complete address in the same detailed format. Having both addresses written down before starting prevents errors during submission, as even small mistakes like misspelled street names can cause the forwarding to fail.

An effective date is required—this is the date when you want your forwarding to begin. Most people use their actual moving date or the first day mail should be forwarded. USPS allows you to set a future effective date if you know you're moving on a specific day but submitting your request early. For example, if you're moving on June 15th but submitting your request on June 1st, you can set June 15th as the effective date. This prevents mail from being forwarded to your new address before you've actually moved.

You'll need contact information, typically a phone number and email address. USPS uses this information to send you confirmation of your address change and to contact you if there are any issues with processing. A valid email address is particularly useful since you can receive digital confirmation of your submission. Some people use their mobile phone number since it remains constant even after moving.

If you're submitting online, you may need to answer security questions or provide a credit/debit card for the $1.10 fee. USPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If submitting in person or by mail, you can pay with cash, check, money order, or card depending on the post office's payment methods.

Practical Takeaway: Write down both your old and new addresses, your moving date, and your phone number and email before starting the address change process. Double-check spelling and ZIP codes, as errors can prevent proper mail forwarding.

How Long Address Forwarding Lasts and Service Duration

Standard USPS mail forwarding service runs for 12 months from the effective date you specify. After 12 months, the forwarding expires and mail sent to your old address will no longer be redirected. This 12-month period gives people time to update their address with most companies and services. However, some mail may still arrive at your old address after the 12 months ends, particularly from organizations you forgot to contact or businesses that update their records slowly.

USPS also offers a shorter forwarding period of six months for $0.80 instead of the standard $1.10 fee. Some people choose the six-month option if they're moving temporarily or if they're certain they've already updated their address with most important organizations. However, the six-month option is less common since the price difference is minimal.

During the forwarding period, most standard mail will be redirected to your new address. However, certain types of mail are not forwarded automatically. First-class mail, periodicals, and standard mail (bulk mail) are typically forwarded. Packages may or may not be forwarded depending on how they're addressed and marked. Certified mail and registered mail require special handling and may not be forwarded; senders must be notified of your new address to resend these items. Mail addressed to old business names or mail marked "do not forward" will be returned to the sender rather than forwarded.

You can renew your forwarding service before it expires by submitting a new address change request. For example, if your 12-month forwarding period is about to end and you still need it active, you can submit another request to extend it another 12 months. Many people do this when they realize they're still receiving mail at their old address or when they haven't fully updated their information with all necessary organizations.

Practical Takeaway: Set a calendar reminder for 11 months after your move to review whether you still need forwarding active. If you do, submit a renewal request before your current service expires to maintain uninterrupted mail forwarding.

Information About Mail Forwarding Confirmation and Tracking

After you submit your address change request, USPS sends a confirmation notice to your old address within