Change Your Address Online: Your Step-by-Step Guide with USPS

Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter, but it also comes with a checklist of important tasks. Among these, ensuring your mail reaches you at your new address is crucial. Fortunately, the United States Postal Service (USPS) makes it easy to manage your mail forwarding, and the most convenient method is to change your address online. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using the USPS online service to update your address, ensuring a smooth transition for your mail delivery.

Planning ahead is key. While mail forwarding can start within 3 business days of your online request, it’s recommended to allow up to two weeks to be safe. Mail will be forwarded piece by piece as it arrives for your old address.

Understanding What Mail Gets Forwarded

It’s important to know what types of mail are eligible for forwarding when you submit a Change Of Address Online or through other methods. USPS offers forwarding for various mail classes:

First-Class Mail and Periodicals: This includes your letters, postcards, and magazines. These are forwarded for free during the forwarding period.
Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage: These expedited and ground services are also forwarded at no additional charge.
Media Mail: Items sent via Media Mail, like books and CDs, are forwarded. However, you will need to pay the shipping cost from your local post office to your new address.
USPS Marketing Mail: Be aware that Marketing Mail is not forwarded. This type of mail is typically discarded.

It’s vital to remember that a USPS change of address online only updates your mailing address with the Post Office. You still need to notify other important entities directly, such as government agencies (for benefits, driver’s license, voter registration), banks, insurance companies, online retailers, and subscription services.

Alt text: A blue USPS mailbox standing on a sidewalk, symbolizing mail delivery and change of address services.

Changing Your Address Online: A Simple Process

The quickest and easiest way to change your address online is through the official USPS website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Visit the Official USPS Change of Address Website: Go to Official USPS Change of Address®. Always ensure you are on the official USPS website to protect your personal information.
Select Your Move Type: Choose whether you are moving as an “Individual,” “Family” (everyone with the same last name), or “Business.” Then, complete the online form with your old and new address information, and the date you want forwarding to begin.
Verify Your Identity: For security purposes, USPS requires identity verification. You can opt to receive a verification code or link on your mobile phone. This is a standard step to prevent unauthorized address changes.
Pay the Identity Verification Fee: There is a small identity verification fee of $1.10 when you change your address online. Ensure the billing address on your credit or debit card matches either your old or new address for successful verification.
Confirmation and Notifications:
- Successful Online Verification: If your online identity verification is successful, USPS will email you a confirmation code. Keep this code safe as you will need it if you want to modify or cancel your request later.
  - You will receive a Move Validation Letter at your old address to confirm the change.
  - Approximately 5 business days before your change of address start date, a Customer Notification Letter (containing your confirmation code) will arrive at your new address. This letter often includes a welcome kit with coupons from USPS partners.
  - Mail forwarding will begin on your specified start date, and mail will be rerouted to your new address gradually.
- Unsuccessful Online Verification: If you are unable to verify your identity online, USPS will send you an email with instructions and a barcode. You will need to take this email, along with an acceptable photo ID, to your local Post Office to complete the process in person.

Change Your Address

Changing Your Address at a Post Office Location

While changing your address online is convenient, there are situations where you may need to visit a Post Office in person. This is required if:

You are moving outside of the United States.
You are submitting a change of address request as an “Authorized Agent” for someone else.
You are unable to verify your identity online.

To change your address at a Post Office:

Visit Your Local Post Office: Locate your nearest Post Office using the USPS Find a Location tool. Bring an acceptable photo ID with you.
Request a Mover’s Guide Packet: Ask a retail associate for a free Mover’s Guide packet.
Complete PS Form 3575: Inside the packet, you will find PS Form 3575, the official Change of Address form. Fill it out completely and accurately.
Submit Your Form: Give the completed form to the retail associate. They will verify your identity using your photo ID and process your change of address request.

Alt text: The exterior of a USPS Post Office building, representing in-person change of address service and mail management.

Special Situations for Change of Address

USPS accommodates various special circumstances when it comes to changing your address:

Authorized Agent Submissions: If you are submitting a change of address for someone else, you must do so in person at a Post Office. You will need to provide your ID and additional documentation depending on who you are representing:
- For a child under 18: Their birth certificate.
- For someone unable to act for themselves: Power of Attorney documents.
Deceased Individuals: To manage mail for a deceased person, you must visit a Post Office with documentation proving you are the executor or administrator of their estate. A death certificate alone is not sufficient.
International Moves: If you are moving outside the U.S., you must visit a Post Office to verify your identity and submit your change of address request before you leave the country. Changing your address online is not possible for international moves.
Business Moves: For businesses changing addresses in person, you need to provide documentation proving you are an “Authorized Agent,” such as a notarized letter, power of attorney, or a letter on company letterhead signed by a leader.
U.S. Military Moves: Military personnel should first consult with their command regarding mail relocation. If a USPS change of address is still needed, it can be done online or in person. For online requests from a military address, your email must end in .gov, .mil, or .edu. Note that in-person verification for military moves is only available within the 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Related USPS Mail Services

Beyond basic mail forwarding, USPS offers additional services that might be helpful during your move:

USPS Hold Mail Service: If you will be away temporarily (3–30 days) and don’t want mail accumulating, use USPS Hold Mail service to pause delivery to your address. Your mail will be held at your local Post Office until you return.
Extended Mail Forwarding: Standard forwarding lasts for 12 months. You can extend this period for an additional fee for 6, 12, or 18 months. You can add this extension when you initially change your address online or edit an existing request.
Premium Forwarding Service: For more comprehensive mail management, consider Premium Forwarding Service. For a fee, your mail can be repackaged and sent to you weekly via Priority Mail (for residential customers) or daily, weekly, or monthly via Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express (for businesses).

Conclusion

Changing your address online with USPS is the most efficient way to ensure your mail follows you to your new residence. By following these steps and understanding the options available, you can manage your mail forwarding smoothly and focus on settling into your new home. Remember to visit the official USPS website to initiate your change of address online and take advantage of this convenient service.