📬 How to Change Your Address with USPS
A USPS Change of Address request forwards eligible mail from an old address to a new one. Submit it only through USPS Movers Guide or at a Post Office. Unaffiliated websites may charge much more and cannot replace USPS identity verification.
USPS says a request can generally be scheduled up to 90 days before the effective move date and up to 30 days after it. Online requests require identity verification and a small card charge; the paper form is available at a Post Office.
Forwarding is temporary for many mail classes. Separately notify banks, employers, insurers, government agencies, subscriptions, and anyone else that needs a permanent address update.
📋 Documents you'll need
- Complete old and new postal addresses, including unit numbers and ZIP Codes
- Move date and whether the move is temporary or permanent
- Individual, family, or business move selection
- Valid email address and mobile phone if requested for online verification
- Valid credit or debit card for the online identity-verification fee
- Photo ID and supporting address or authorization documents for in-person proofing when required
🪜 Step-by-step
- Decide whether the request is individual, family, or business and temporary or permanent.
- Open the official USPS Movers Guide or visit a local Post Office.
- Enter the old address, new address, names, and forwarding start date exactly.
- Complete USPS identity verification and pay the online authentication fee if filing online.
- Save the confirmation code and confirmation email or letter.
- Allow time for forwarding to begin and monitor both addresses during the transition.
- Update important organizations directly instead of relying only on forwarding.
| Estimated cost | $1.25 online identity-verification fee at the time of this guide; the in-person PS Form 3575 process is free. Confirm current USPS pricing. |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | USPS says mail commonly begins reaching the new address within about 7–10 postal business days of the start date. |
Frequently asked questions
Does USPS forward every piece of mail?
No. Forwarding rules vary by mail class and sender instructions. Update important senders directly.
Can one family request cover everyone?
A family request generally fits when everyone moving has the same last name and is going to the same address. Other situations may need individual requests.
What if I lose the confirmation code?
You may need to visit a Post Office with acceptable identification to manage the request.