How to Change Your Mailing Address When Moving
To change your mailing address when moving, file a change of address with USPS — either free in person at any Post Office using Form 3575, or online for a $1.25 identity-verification fee. USPS forwards most mail for 12 months, but you'll also need to separately update your bank, employer, DMV, and any subscriptions, since USPS forwarding doesn't update those records for you.
Changing your address is one of those moving tasks that's easy to forget until a bill or a package goes missing. The good news: the core process takes about 10 minutes, whether you do it online or in person. Here's exactly how it works, plus the full list of places USPS forwarding won't reach.
Step 1: File a Change of Address With USPS
You have two ways to do this, and both accomplish the same thing.
Online (fastest, small fee)
- Go to USPS's official Change of Address tool
- Select Individual, Family, or Business
- Enter your name, email, and phone number
- Choose whether the move is permanent or temporary (temporary moves let you set an end date)
- Enter your current address and your new address
- Confirm the details
- Verify your identity with a credit or debit card (this is what the fee covers — it's not a forwarding charge)
- Submit and save your confirmation
The identity-verification fee is $1.25 as of 2026 and exists specifically to confirm you're the one requesting the change, not a fraud-prevention afterthought — USPS added it after address-change scams targeted the free online form in prior years.
In Person (free)
Visit any Post Office and ask for Form 3575 from the Mover's Guide packet, or fill it out at the counter. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID). This method is completely free — the online fee only applies to the self-service digital option.
Step 2: Know What Gets Forwarded, and for How Long
Not all mail forwards for the same length of time:
Mail TypeForwarding DurationFirst-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express12 monthsPeriodicals (magazines, newspapers)60 daysMarketing Mail / standard mailOnly if the sender specifically requests forwarding
If you need forwarding to continue past 12 months, USPS offers Extended Forwarding as a paid add-on: roughly $24.50 for 6 additional months, $36.50 for 12 months, or $48.50 for 18 months (confirm current pricing at your local Post Office, as rates adjust periodically).
Step 3: Update the Accounts USPS Forwarding Doesn't Touch
This is the step people skip — and the one that actually prevents missed bills, lapsed insurance, or delayed tax documents. USPS forwarding is a temporary bridge, not a permanent fix, so update your address directly with:
- Financial accounts — banks, credit cards, loan servicers, investment and retirement accounts
- Government agencies — DMV/vehicle registration, voter registration, IRS and state tax agencies, Social Security Administration
- Insurance providers — auto, health, home or renters, life
- Employer and payroll — for W-2s and direct deposit records
- Utilities and subscriptions — electric, water, internet, streaming services, memberships
- Healthcare providers — doctors, dentists, pharmacies for records and prescription mailings
A useful rule of thumb: if losing that mail for even one cycle would cost you money or cause a problem, update it directly rather than relying on forwarding.
When Should You File the Change of Address?
USPS recommends submitting your change of address about 2 weeks before your move date. You can schedule the forwarding to start on a future date, so your old address stays active until moving day and forwarding kicks in right on schedule — you don't need to wait until you've actually moved to file.
Moving Day and Storage: One Less Thing to Juggle
If your move involves a gap between homes, a downsize, or more boxes than your new place can hold on day one, sorting out where your belongings go is just as important as sorting out your mail. Amarillo Self Storage, located at 700 N. Houston St., Amarillo, TX 79107, offers month-to-month units with no long-term contract — so you're not locked in any more than your move requires. Call (806) 699-1719 or rent online to reserve a unit before your move date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my address with USPS when I move?
File a change of address either online at USPS's official site for a small identity-verification fee, or in person at any Post Office using Form 3575, which is free. Both options forward most mail types to your new address, typically starting within a few business days of your requested start date.
How much does it cost to change your address with USPS?
Filing in person with Form 3575 is free. Filing online costs $1.25 as of 2026, which covers identity verification rather than the forwarding service itself. The fee was introduced to reduce address-change fraud on the self-service digital form.
How long does USPS mail forwarding take to start?
Forwarding typically begins within a few business days of your requested start date, though USPS recommends filing about two weeks before your move so there's no gap in mail delivery.
How long does USPS forward my mail after I move?
First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express forward for 12 months. Periodicals forward for 60 days. Marketing mail only forwards if the sender specifically requests it. You can purchase Extended Forwarding to continue coverage past 12 months.
Do I need to update my address anywhere besides USPS?
Yes. USPS forwarding is temporary and doesn't update your records with banks, employers, the DMV, insurance providers, or subscription services. You'll need to update each of those directly to avoid missed bills, lapsed coverage, or delayed official mail.
Can I file a change of address before I actually move?
Yes — USPS lets you schedule a future start date when you file, so you can submit the form up to a few weeks ahead and have forwarding begin exactly on your move date rather than waiting until after you've relocated.
What if I only need a temporary change of address?
USPS supports temporary forwarding with a defined end date, which is useful for a short-term relocation, a seasonal move, or an extended stay elsewhere. Select "temporary" when filing and enter both a start and end date for the forwarding period.
