Once you move, you’ll get caught up in unpacking and setting up your new home, forgetting to update your mailing address. However, skipping this step may mean missing important invoices, tax documents, or packages. Fortunately, changing your address with the US Postal Service (USPS) is quick, whether online or directly. There’s nothing to slip through the crack, whether it’s exactly how to do that and who else will inform you.
How to change your mailing address online
The easiest and most convenient way to change your mailing address is to do it online. Here’s the process of changing your address online when you move to a new home:
Address Changes to the USPS Website to go to select the appropriate form for personal, family, or business travel. Please check your identity using the code or link sent to your mobile phone. You will pay a confirmation fee. If the verification is successful, you will receive a verification code. This can be used to modify or cancel a request. If you are unable to verify your identity, you will receive instructions and a barcode. You will need to bring this to the post office location with a valid photo ID.
How to change your mailing address directly
This option is also available if your online options don’t work, or if you prefer to simply complete the process in a physical location. To change the address directly, simply:
Visit your local post office with acceptable photo ID and other necessary documents. Ask for a Mover’s Guide Packet that includes PS Form 3575. Fill in the form with your photo ID and submit it. Once your identity is verified, the address request changes will be processed.
Special cases requiring face-to-face changes:
For children under the age of 18: Bring a birth certificate with you. About business movements: Bring a notarized letter, a lawyer’s power, or a letter signed to the company’s letterhead. About US military movements: Both face-to-face and online options are available.
Timing and email forwarding details
You can schedule an address change up to 30 days before your trip.
USPS forwards most first-class emails for 12 months, while periodicals are forwarded for just 60 days.
Some packages, especially from private airlines such as UPS and FedEx, are not automatically transferred. You must update the address directly.
Who should I notify about the address change?
Once you have updated your address in USPS, you will need to ensure that emails, invoices and services are not interrupted to other organizations. Here are some important places to update your information after you move:
Government agencies:
Local election office of the Internal Revenue Agency (IRS) Automobile Division (DMV) Social Security Bureau
Financial institutions:
Investment Account Insurance Providers for Bank and Credit Card Company
Services and Subscriptions:
Utility (electric, water, gas, internet) streaming services and online shopping account magazines, newspapers, memberships
FAQ regarding changing mailing address
How much does it cost to change my mailing address?
Online changes require a fee of $1.25 to verify your identity. It is free to change directly at the post office.
Will changing my address via USPS automatically change it to other agents?
no. USPS only processes emails. Even if you update your information at the post office, you will still need to update your address at other agents, businesses, or subscriptions.
Is there a difference between forwarding emails and changing addresses?
“Change address” refers to requests made to USPS to change your mailing address. Email forwarding is an action taken by a postal service to meet the request.
Which emails can I forward?
Standard emails like advertisements and catalogs will not be forwarded unless requested by the mailer.
