Free Guide to Changing Your Address With the Post Office

Understanding the USPS Address Change Process

The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles millions of address changes each year. According to USPS data, approximately 40 million people change their addresses annually in the United States. Whether you're moving across town or to a different state, understanding how the postal system processes address changes is an important first step.

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When you notify USPS of a new address, the postal service doesn't automatically forward mail from your old address to your new one. Instead, you must submit a specific request called a mail forwarding order. This order tells postal carriers at your old address to redirect mail to your new location for a set period of time, typically up to one year.

The USPS mail forwarding system works by creating a record in their national database. Postal workers at your old address scan pieces of mail and cross-reference them against this database. If your name and old address match a forwarding order, the mail gets sent to your new address instead of being returned to the sender.

It's important to note that mail forwarding is not permanent. After your forwarding period expires, mail sent to your old address will either be returned to the sender or held by the post office, depending on the sender's preferences. This is why many people update their address with banks, employers, and other organizations directly rather than relying solely on mail forwarding.

The postal service processes forwarding orders at local post offices. Each facility maintains its own records, and the system can take several business days to become fully active. Understanding these basic mechanics helps explain why timing matters when you move and why you may receive some mail at your old address even after submitting a forwarding request.

Practical Takeaway: Mail forwarding is a temporary service, not a permanent address change. Plan to update your address directly with important organizations like your bank, employer, insurance company, and government agencies rather than relying only on USPS forwarding.

Methods for Submitting Your Address Change

USPS offers several methods to submit an address change, and each has different timelines and requirements. The most common approach is visiting your local post office in person. When you go to the post office, you'll need to complete USPS Form 3575, which is the official Change of Address form. This form requests your current address, new address, and the date you want the forwarding to begin. You'll also need to provide identification to verify your identity.

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The USPS website (usps.com) offers online address change submission. The online process typically takes 10-15 minutes. You enter your current address, new address, forwarding start date, and the type of address change (individual, family, or business). The website guides you through each step and provides clear instructions. One advantage of the online method is that you can submit the request from home without waiting in line at the post office.

By mail, you can also request an address change form. You would write to your local post office and ask for Form 3575, complete it, and mail it back. However, this method takes considerably longer—often two to three weeks—because of mail delivery time and processing delays. This approach is rarely recommended for people with specific moving dates.

Some post offices offer mobile address change services during certain times of year, particularly around common moving seasons. These temporary locations are set up in high-traffic areas like shopping centers to help people with address changes.

The phone is not typically an option for submitting address changes directly. While USPS customer service can answer questions about the process, they generally cannot process an address change over the phone. However, you can call 1-800-ASK-USPS to confirm details about your local post office's hours or services.

Practical Takeaway: The online method through usps.com is often the fastest and most convenient option. The in-person method at your local post office works well if you need to change an address immediately or prefer face-to-face assistance. Plan ahead and submit your address change at least two weeks before your move date to allow processing time.

Costs and Timing Information

The USPS mail forwarding service is free for individuals changing their address. You do not pay any fee to set up mail forwarding, regardless of whether you submit the request online, in person, or by mail. This free service is one of the reasons many people use USPS forwarding as part of their moving process.

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However, timing is important. The postal service typically begins forwarding mail within three to five business days of processing your address change request. If you submit your request online, processing is often faster than in-person submissions because the system is automated. Some sources indicate that online submissions can start forwarding within 24 hours, though this is not guaranteed.

When you submit a forwarding request, you specify the length of time you want forwarding to continue. Standard options are typically 6 months, one year, or longer periods, depending on your needs. The costs vary by duration: a 6-month forward typically costs less than a 1-year forward if there are any fees involved for extended periods, though basic forwarding remains free.

Temporary forwarding is also possible if you're away for a short period. This option allows mail forwarding for as little as two weeks to a month. Temporary forwarding can be useful if you're traveling or staying somewhere else briefly while your permanent move is being arranged.

It's important to understand that forwarding does not continue indefinitely. When your forwarding period ends, mail addressed to your old address will no longer be sent to your new location. This is why updating your address with key organizations before your forwarding expires is important. Most people recommend updating addresses with banks and employers at least 30 days before the forwarding period ends.

Practical Takeaway: Request mail forwarding immediately upon deciding to move, aiming for at least two weeks before your move date. A one-year forwarding order costs the same as a six-month order in many cases, so choosing the longer period gives you more time to update your address with various organizations.

Information You'll Need to Provide

When submitting an address change to USPS, you'll be asked for specific information. The form requires your current mailing address exactly as it appears on your mail. This includes the street number, street name, apartment or suite number (if applicable), city, state, and ZIP code. Accuracy is essential because the postal system matches incoming mail against this information.

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Your new address is equally important. Again, you'll provide the complete new address with all necessary details. If you're moving to an apartment, include the unit number. If you're moving to a rural area and will have a mailbox at the end of a driveway, you'll note this information as well. Some people moving to new homes discover that their mailbox address differs from their street address, so this clarity matters.

You'll specify the date when you want forwarding to begin. This is typically the date of your move, though you can set it for a later date if needed. For example, if you're moving on March 15th but won't receive mail at your new address until March 20th, you can set the forwarding to start on March 20th.

Identification is required when you submit an address change in person. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The post office verifies your identity to prevent fraud and ensure that only the actual resident or business can change an address.

For online submissions, you'll typically verify your identity using information from your background, such as previous addresses or financial history. This verification process helps USPS confirm you are who you claim to be without requiring you to visit the post office.

If you're filing an address change for a business, you'll need to provide the business name, business address, and new business address. A person authorized to change the address should submit the request, and some post offices may ask for additional documentation like a business license.

Practical Takeaway: Gather your complete current address, complete new address, and a valid form of identification before starting the address change process. Double-check spelling and ZIP codes to ensure the postal system correctly matches your address to forwarding instructions.

Notifying Other Important Organizations

While USPS mail forwarding handles postal mail, it does not automatically notify other organizations of your address change. Banks, insurance companies, employers, subscription services, and government agencies all maintain their own records separate from USPS. This means you

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