Change of Address US Postal Service: 2026 How to File

• 10 min read

Moving is a big job, packed with checklists and logistics. One of the most important tasks is making sure your mail moves with you. You can complete the official change of address us postal service process online for a small verification fee or for free by visiting a post office. Filing this request is the key to ensuring you don’t miss important letters, bills, or packages during the transition. For a quick checklist and common pitfalls, see our USPS address change guide. The United States Postal Service makes this process fairly simple, handling about 36 million address change requests in 2021 alone.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the change of address us postal service system, from the different ways to file your request to avoiding common scams.

How to Submit Your Change of Address: Online vs. In Person

You have two main options for notifying the USPS of your move: doing it online or visiting a post office in person. Both get the job done, but they have a few key differences.

The Online Method: Using USPS.com

The fastest and most convenient way to submit a change of address us postal service request is through the official website, USPS.com. The online portal is available 24/7.

Here’s what to expect:

  • The Process: You will fill out a digital form with your old address, your new address, your move date, and whether the move is for an individual, family, or business.
  • Verification Fee: To confirm your identity and prevent fraud, USPS charges a small verification fee of $1.10. This fee must be paid with a credit or debit card. For the verification to succeed, the billing address of the card you use must match either your old or new address.
  • Accepted Payments: USPS accepts all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. You cannot use PayPal, checks, or cash for the online fee.
  • Mobile Number: You will also need a valid mobile phone number to receive a one time verification code via text message, adding another layer of security.

The In Person Method: Visiting a Post Office

If you prefer to handle things face to face, or if you don’t have a credit card or mobile phone, you can visit any of the more than 33,000 post office locations across the country.

Here’s how the in person process works:

  • The Cost: This method is completely free.
  • The Form: At the post office, you’ll look for a “Mover’s Guide” packet. This packet contains PS Form 3575, which is the official paper form for a change of address us postal service request.
  • Submission: After you fill out the form, you submit it to a postal clerk at the counter. They will ask to see a valid photo ID to verify you are who you say you are.

Understanding the Forms and Verification

Whether you file online or in person, the goal is the same: to securely update your mailing address. This involves specific forms and a mandatory identity check.

What is PS Form 3575?

PS Form 3575 is the official paper document for submitting a change of address. You can only get this form from a Mover’s Guide packet at a physical post office. If you plan to mail change-of-address notices to landlords or service providers, you can buy stamps online to skip a trip to the counter. To combat fraud, USPS no longer allows this form to be downloaded or printed from the internet. When you fill it out, you’ll provide the same information as the online form: names, old and new addresses, and the move date.

Why USPS Requires Identity Verification

Identity verification is a critical step in the change of address us postal service process. It prevents fraud and protects you from identity thieves who might try to redirect your mail to steal personal information. USPS has strengthened these security measures to ensure only authorized individuals can make changes. Every request must be verified before mail forwarding begins.

For in person requests, this verification happens when a postal clerk checks your ID. Acceptable forms of primary photo ID include:

  • A valid state driver’s license or state ID card
  • A U.S. passport
  • A military or government employee ID
  • An Alien Registration Card (Green Card)

In some cases, a postal clerk might ask for a secondary form of ID to confirm your address, such as a utility bill, vehicle registration, or a bank statement.

Customizing Your Mail Forwarding Request

Your change of address request can be tailored to your specific situation. You’ll need to specify who is moving and for how long.

Individual, Family, or Business: Choosing the Right Move Type

You must select one of three options when you file:

  • Individual: Choose this if only one person is moving or if you are moving with roommates who have different last names. Each person with a different last name needs to file a separate individual request.
  • Family: This option is for when an entire household moves and everyone shares the same last name. One request will forward mail for everyone with that last name. Do not use this if a family member with the same last name is staying behind.
  • Business: Select this if you are moving a company or organization. This forwards mail addressed to the business name.

Permanent vs. Temporary Move: What’s the Difference?

You also need to specify the duration of your move.

  • Permanent: Choose this if you do not plan on returning to your old address. Standard mail forwarding for permanent moves lasts for 12 months for most First Class and Priority Mail. Magazines and newspapers are forwarded for 60 days.
  • Temporary: Select this if you plan to return to your old address. This is common for students, seasonal workers, or extended vacations. A temporary forward can be set for a minimum of 15 days and a maximum of six months. You can extend it for up to a total of one year. If you’re not moving but will be away briefly, you can place a USPS Hold Mail request instead.

Managing Your Change of Address Request

After you’ve submitted your request, you have ways to track and manage it. You’ll also want to understand the timing involved.

Your USPS Confirmation Code: What It Is and How to Use It

Once your request is processed, USPS will send you a confirmation code. This 16 digit alphanumeric code is your key to managing your request online. It will be in the confirmation email you receive (for online requests) and in a confirmation letter mailed to your new address.

You can use this code on the USPS website to view, edit, or cancel your change of address us postal service order. This is helpful if your moving date changes or if you made a mistake on the form.

Mail Forwarding Timelines: When Does It Start and End?

You can schedule your mail forwarding to start up to 90 days in the future or as far as 30 days in the past.

Keep in mind that it typically takes 7 to 10 business days from your selected start date for the first pieces of forwarded mail to arrive at your new home. Holiday closures can add a day or two. Check the USPS holidays before you plan time-sensitive deliveries. There can be a short lag as the system updates, so it’s a good idea to check your old mailbox one last time after you move.

Moving can also change your shipping costs for sending packages. A new zip code might mean different carrier rates. Once you’re settled, it’s smart to compare shipping rates from your new address to find the cheapest options for sending packages with USPS, UPS, and FedEx, then schedule a free USPS pickup right from your doorstep.

Advanced Options and Important Services

Beyond the basic request, USPS offers other services that are helpful for anyone who is moving.

USPS Informed Delivery: A Digital Peek at Your Mail

Informed Delivery is a free service that sends you a daily email with black and white images of the letters arriving in your mailbox. Over 67 million people use it for the convenience and security of knowing what mail to expect.

When you submit a change of address us postal service request, USPS may temporarily suspend your Informed Delivery service as a security precaution. After you’ve moved, you can easily reactivate it for your new address by logging into your USPS account. While Informed Delivery helps you track what you’re receiving, a tool like the Online Shipping Calculator can help you manage what you’re sending by finding the best rates. If you’re mailing from a new address, review your shipping label to avoid misdeliveries.

Need More Time? USPS Extended Mail Forwarding

If you think you’ll need mail forwarded for more than the standard 12 months, you can purchase Extended Mail Forwarding. This paid service is only for permanent moves and lets you extend forwarding in increments of 6, 12, or 18 months. The service became a permanent nationwide offering in July 2022 after more than two million customers used it during a two year trial period.

Current prices are:

  • $24.50 for 6 additional months
  • $36.50 for 12 additional months
  • $48.50 for 18 additional months

A Critical Warning: Avoiding Change of Address Scams

Unfortunately, some third party websites try to trick people into paying high fees for a change of address us postal service request. These sites may charge $40 or more for a service that is free in person and only $1.10 online. Worse, some of these sites take your money and never actually submit the request to USPS.

To stay safe, always file your request directly through the official USPS website (the URL will end in usps.com) or in person at a Post Office. Be wary of search engine ads that mimic the official site. The only fee you should ever pay is the small identity verification charge on the real USPS website.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Change of Address US Postal Service

1. How much does a change of address us postal service request cost?
It is free if you file in person at a Post Office. If you file online at USPS.com, there is a $1.10 identity verification fee. Any website charging more is not the official USPS site.

2. What happens if I lose my confirmation code?
If you lose your code, you can still make changes to your request by visiting a post office and showing your photo ID.

3. Does USPS forward all of my mail?
USPS forwards most First Class Mail, Priority Mail, and periodicals. However, standard marketing mail (often called junk mail) is usually not forwarded. Some packages may also require additional postage to be forwarded.

4. Why hasn’t my forwarded mail arrived yet?
It can take 7 to 10 business days from your forwarding start date for mail to begin arriving. If it has been more than two weeks, contact your local post office to confirm your change of address us postal service request was processed correctly.

5. What is the difference between mail forwarding and updating my address?
Mail forwarding is a temporary bridge. You should still directly notify banks, employers, subscription services, and government agencies (like the IRS and DMV) of your new address to ensure a permanent update. If you’ll be mailing notice letters, follow our guide on how to address an envelope so they arrive without delays.