Every move comes with a to-do list, and one of the first items should be updating your address with the United States Postal Service. The good news: USPS makes it straightforward to change your address online. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
Below, we walk through each step so you know exactly what to expect — no surprises.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Address with USPS?
If you change your address online at USPS.com/move, there is a $1.25 identity verification fee. This is charged to your credit or debit card to confirm you are who you say you are.
If you prefer to skip the fee, you can change your address in person at any Post Office for free — just bring a valid photo ID.
Watch out for scam websites. Third-party sites often appear at the top of search results and charge $40 or more for the same service. Always go directly to moversguide.usps.com — that’s the official USPS change of address page.
6 Steps to Change Your Address Online with USPS
Here’s what the process looks like, step by step.
Step 1: Choose Who’s Moving
USPS will ask whether this is an individual, family, or business move. If you have a spouse or children moving with you, select “family” — this ensures mail for everyone in the household gets forwarded to the new address.
You’ll need to provide:
- Full name (first, middle initial, last, suffix)
- Email address
- Phone number
- Your current (old) address
Step 2: Select Your Move Type
Choose between permanent or temporary:
- Permanent — You’re moving for good (or at least 6+ months). This is the most common choice.
- Temporary — You’ll be at the new address for less than 6 months, then returning. USPS will forward mail temporarily and then resume delivery to your original address.
Next, you’ll enter your new address and select the date you want mail forwarding to begin. You can set a future start date — helpful if your closing is a few weeks away and you don’t want mail forwarded too early.
Pro tip: Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery (free). It sends you daily email previews of incoming mail and package tracking — useful during a move when you’re between addresses.
Step 3: Review Your Information
Double-check everything before submitting. USPS will forward your mail exactly where you tell them to — typos in your new address mean mail going to the wrong place. Pay special attention to apartment or unit numbers if applicable.
Step 4: Verify Your Identity
Since this is an online process, USPS needs to confirm you’re the person authorized to change the address. You’ll be asked to provide a credit or debit card that is associated with your current (old) address.
If the card on file isn’t linked to your current address, there’s an option to enter a different address that matches the card’s billing address.
This identity verification step exists to prevent mail fraud — someone else changing your address without your knowledge.
Step 5: Pay the $1.25 Verification Fee
USPS charges a one-time $1.25 fee to your credit or debit card. This covers the identity verification, not the mail forwarding itself. Accepted payment methods:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
If you’d rather not pay, visit your local Post Office with a photo ID and fill out PS Form 3575 in person — that’s completely free.
Step 6: Confirmation Email and Welcome Kit
After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with:
- Your order details and forwarding start date
- A 16-character confirmation code (save this — you’ll need it to modify or cancel later)
If you selected a family move, the person who submitted the form receives a welcome kit in the mail. Other household members get individual confirmation letters.
USPS will forward your mail for 12 months for first-class mail and 60 days for periodicals and magazines. After that, unforwarded mail is returned to the sender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address with USPS for free?
Yes — if you do it in person at any Post Office with a valid photo ID, there is no fee. The $1.25 fee only applies to the online process and covers identity verification.
Do I need a credit card to change my address online?
Yes. USPS requires a credit or debit card linked to your current address for identity verification. If you don’t have one available, visit your local Post Office with a photo ID instead.
Can I change my address for just one person in my household?
Yes. Select “individual” in Step 1. This forwards only your mail — other household members’ mail continues to be delivered to the old address unless they submit their own change of address.
How far in advance can I set up mail forwarding?
You can schedule your forwarding start date up to 3 months in advance. This is useful if you’ve already secured your new home but haven’t moved in yet.
How do I update or cancel my change of address?
Use the 16-character confirmation code from your email to modify your request at USPS.com/move. You can update the forwarding date or cancel the request entirely.
What Else to Update When You Move
Changing your address with USPS only covers mail forwarding — it does not automatically update your address with other organizations. Here’s a checklist of what else you’ll want to update:
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration — Most states require this within 30 days of moving
- Voter registration — Update at your state or county elections office
- Banks and credit cards — Update billing addresses to avoid missed statements
- Insurance — Auto, health, homeowners/renters
- Employer and payroll — For tax documents (W-2s) and direct deposit
- Utilities — Electric, gas, water, internet, trash
- Subscriptions — Streaming services, magazines, meal kits, anything shipped to your door
- IRS — File Form 8822 for a change of address with the IRS
- Medical providers — Doctor, dentist, pharmacy, veterinarian
- Schools — If you have children, update enrollment records
The moving process has a lot of moving parts (no pun intended). If you’re selling your home and want to simplify the logistics, Offerpad lets you choose your own closing date — giving you time to handle all of these updates on your schedule. Many sellers also qualify for a complimentary local move (up to 50 miles), which is one less thing to coordinate.
