The Ultimate Change of Address Guide
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: The first step to change your address is to contact the USPS (United States Postal Service). You can change your address at your local post office or online. You also need to update your address with financial institutions, utility providers, subscription services, and government agencies.
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Step-by-step guide: How to change your address with the USPS
Here are the steps you need to take to change your address. Whether you prefer to do it in person, online, or by mail, you have options.
Option 1: Change your address online
- Visit the official USPS Movers Guide: moversguide.usps.com
- Fill out the form: Enter your old and new address, move date, and select whether it’s temporary or permanent.
- Provide your email: You’ll get a confirmation email with your Change of Address (COA) number.
- Pay the $1.10 fee: Use a credit or debit card that matches your old address for identity verification.
Option 2: Change your address in person
If you prefer face-to-face help or don’t have a credit card, you can handle your address change at a USPS branch.
- Visit any post office: Ask for PS Form 3575 (“Change of Address” form).
- Fill it out on-site: Turn it in at the counter. No fee is required for in-person submissions.
- Confirmation by mail: You’ll get a letter at your new address in about a week.
Note: PS Form 3575 is only available at the post office, not online.
Option 3: Change your address by mail
If you can’t go online or visit in person, you can write to your local postmaster with your request. This is the slowest option, so we don’t really recommend it.
How to confirm your USPS change of address
- Online: You’ll get an instant email and a letter at your new address.
- In person or by mail: Look for a confirmation letter at your new address within 7–10 business days.
- Keep your COA number: You’ll need it if you want to check status or make changes.
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Scam alert: Don’t get fooled by fake address change services
- Official USPS address change page: https://moversguide.usps.com/
- Watch for high “service fees,” web addresses that aren’t USPS, or sites asking for extra personal details.
- If you’re unsure, go to your local post office or call USPS directly.
How mail forwarding works (and what to expect)
Here’s what you can expect for different types of mail when you set mail forwarding.
- First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Express Mail: Forwarded for 12 months
- Periodicals (magazines, newspapers): Forwarded for 60 days
- Packages, Standard Mail, Bulk Mail: Not forwarded, returned to sender
- Control your forwarding: You can extend or cancel forwarding online if you need to.
Mail forwarding buys you time, but it doesn’t replace updating your address everywhere. Use each forwarded letter as a nudge to notify the sender directly.
Legal requirements: Government agencies & documents
Here are a few helpful resources for legally changing your address with the government.
DMV/State ID
- Deadline: Most states require updates within 30–60 days of moving.
- Penalties: Late changes can result in fines or a suspended license.
- How to update: Visit your state’s DMV website for forms and instructions. A lot of DMVs let you update your address completely online.
IRS
- Submit IRS Form 8822: Download the form here.
- Why it matters: Ensures you don’t miss tax refunds or audit notices.
USCIS/Immigration
- Use the AR-11 form: Complete online or by mail.
- Consequence for missing the deadline: Failure to update can affect your immigration status.
Updating your voter registration
To stay eligible to vote, you need to update your voter registration every time you move, even within the same state. Here’s how to handle it:
- Register online, by mail, or at the DMV: Many states offer all three options.
- National resources: vote.org/register-to-vote
- Check deadlines: Find your state’s requirements at usa.gov/change-voter-registration
What counts as proof of address
Most agencies and services require documentation to verify your new address. Here are the most commonly accepted documents:
- Utility bill: Gas, electric, water, or internet bill from the last 30–60 days.
- Lease or mortgage statement: Must be current and valid.
- Bank or credit card statement: Must show your new address.
- Insurance policy or bill: Auto, renters, homeowners, or health insurance.
- Government correspondence: Tax bill, Social Security, or DMV mail.
Check requirements: Each agency may have its own rules. Confirm their requirements before you go.
Comprehensive change of address checklist
Here’s a master checklist of every organization and service you might need to notify. Use this list to stay organized and avoid missing anything important:
- USPS (mail forwarding)
- DMV / State ID office
- IRS (Form 8822)
- USCIS (non-citizens, AR-11 form)
- Voter registration office
- Banks and credit unions
- Credit card companies
- Insurance providers
- Healthcare providers
- Pharmacies
- Employers and payroll
- Schools and alumni associations
- Utilities
- Subscription services
- Online retailers
- Professional licensing boards
- Clubs and organizations
- Friends and family
Should you change your address online or in person?
Not sure how to file your change of address? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Fast, convenient, instant confirmation | Requires credit/debit card, not available to all | Most people, last-minute planners |
| In person | No fee, can ask questions, help on the spot | Requires a trip to the post office, longer wait | Anyone without a card or who prefers personal help |
| By mail | No need to leave home | Slowest, no instant confirmation, risk of lost mail | People with limited mobility or no internet |
Timeline: When to change your address
To avoid lost mail or lapsed services, it’s important to time your change of address right. Follow this timeline to stay on track:
- 2 months before moving: Track incoming mail and list recurring senders.
- 1 month before: Remove yourself from junk mail lists and cancel unwanted subscriptions.
- 2 weeks before: File your USPS change of address and start updating banks, utilities, and government agencies.
- Immediately after moving: Update remaining accounts like DMV and voter registration.
- Up to 12 months after: Use forwarded mail to catch any accounts you missed.
Want a full moving timeline? Check out our complete moving checklist to handle your relocation like a pro.
Practical tips for a smooth address change
Being organized will help you stay ahead of the paper trail. These tips can make a big difference:
- Keep a binder or digital list: Track every account you update.
- Use forwarded mail as a checklist: Each item is a reminder.
- Unsubscribe from mailing lists: Cut down on junk.
- Cancel old subscriptions: Avoid waste and missed deliveries.
- Ask your mover for documentation: Delivery letters or receipts from moving companies can serve as proof of address.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does USPS mail forwarding last?
First-Class Mail is forwarded for 12 months. Magazines and periodicals for 60 days. Packages and bulk mail are not forwarded.
Is there a fee to change my address?
Online changes with USPS cost $1.10 for identity verification and processing. If you change your address in person, you won’t have to pay a fee.
What if I move again soon?
If you move again soon after changing your address, all you have to do is file another change of address with the new details. There’s no limit.
Will USPS update my address everywhere?
No. USPS only forwards mail. You must notify each entity you get mail from separately.
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