How to Complete a Postal Change of Address

A key step in moving: a USPS change of address 

There are multiple important steps on a moving checklist, and one of them is updating your address with the United States Postal Service® (USPS). 

To avoid missing mail while settling in at your new home, you’ll need to complete PS Form 3575 in the USPS Mover’s Guide Packet to change your address and forward mail in the interim. Fortunately, the process is simple and can be completed in person or online.

How to change your U.S. postal mailing address for free

You can update your address at no cost by filling out PS Form 3575 in the Mover’s Guide Packet at any official USPS location. This form is available for permanently or temporarily changing the address of a business, a family or an individual. 

You will have to verify your identity with an official photo ID (Passport, Military ID, Driver’s License or state-issued photo ID).

Change your United States Postal Service address online

You can access the Mover’s Guide through the USPS website and complete PS Form 3575 online, but there will be a small fee to verify your identity. 

Here’s what you have to do:

1. Indicate if you also wish to add a voter registration update and exclusive offers.

2. Select Individual, Family or Business. 

3. Enter the moving party's name, email address and phone number. Make sure the email address is one you check regularly, since you will receive a confirmation link. 

4. Indicate if the move is permanent or temporary. 

5. Enter the start date for the mail forwarding (and the end date for temporary moves). 

6. Enter the old (current) address.

7. Enter the address for the new place. If you chose to get a PO box in a new city, enter the box number in the street address field. 

8. Confirm your information. 

9. Verify your identity with a credit or debit card and pay the $1.25 validation fee (current for 2026, but fees are subject to change).  

10. Submit the form. 

Note: Before paying a validation charge, make sure you’re on the official USPS website. The USPS does not accept international address changes online or honor requests from third-party businesses. 

FAQS about changing your address with USPS

Changing your address with USPS is a great first step. But there are additional things to know. Review these FAQs for more information:

When should I submit a change of address?

USPS recommends submitting your change of address request about 2 weeks before your move. However, you can submit the request up to 90 days before the move or 30 days after (may risk missed mail).

Not sure of your new address yet? Learn about moving without a forwarding address.

How much does it cost to forward my mail?

Mail forwarding is free at any official USPS location. There is a $1.25 fee to verify your identity when completing the forwarding process online.

Does updating my USPS address change it everywhere?

No. Using PS Form 3575 in person or online will set up your address for mail forwarding. You must also update your address with banks, credit card companies, other government agencies, utility companies and other mail senders.

Does one form change the address for everyone in the household?

A Family Move application will forward mail for everyone in the household with the same last name to one new address.

If anyone in the household has a different last name or is moving to a separate new address, each family member should fill out a separate change of address form. If someone receives mail under more than one name (like a maiden name), fill out a change of address for that name as well.

How long does mail forwarding last?

Mail forwarding lasts 12 months for First-Class Mail®, Priority Mail Express® and Media Mail®. Periodical forwarding lasts 60 days, and USPS Marketing Mail® will only be forwarded if the mailer specifies.

Can I forward my mail for longer than 12 months?

Extended mail forwarding is available. The current fees in 2026 are $24.50 for 6 months, $36.50 for 12 months and $48.50 for 18 months. Fees are subject to change.

What types of mail won’t be forwarded?

Most marketing or junk mail will be discarded or recycled rather than forwarded. Some financial statements or sensitive documents marked “Do not forward” will be returned to the sender.

USPS packages will be forwarded, but any packages arriving through other carriers, like Amazon delivery, FedEx® or UPS®, are not affected by USPS forwarding. You’ll need to update your address with any expected deliveries.

What happens after my mail forwarding expires?

First-class mail will be returned to the sender with a label containing your new address for 6 months after your mail forwarding expires. After 6 months, first-class mail will be returned to the sender with a sticker indicating that it could not be forwarded.

Try one of these tips to let friends and family know you’re moving.

Still planning your move?

If you’re still planning your out-of-state move, U-Pack® can help. We’re a self-moving service where you take care of packing, loading, and unloading, and we handle transporting your belongings.

You can get a free quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. If you have questions about changing your address or how U-Pack works, let us know in the comments. 

Suggested reading: What to do after moving to another state.