USPS Change of Address | Guide

About USPS Change of Address

A USPS Change of Address occurs when an individual, family or business moves location. After a person or business moves, they need to notify the United States Postal Service (USPS) about their move and update their new mailing address. This process is normally referred to as a USPS Change of Address.

What is a USPS Change of Address?

When people, families and businesses move location, their mailing address changes, and it needs to be updated in the USPS system so mail forwarding can begin.

This process of updating a new mailing address is often called a USPS Change of Address.

When I move, do I have to notify the Post Office about my change of address?

No, you don’t technically have to notify the Post Office with a change of address request. But if you choose not to notify the USPS and update your mailing address information, your mail will keep being mailed to your old address.

Once you update your address, the USPS will stop delivering mail to your old address, and start sending it to your new mailing address.

What happens if I don’t update my new address?

If you don’t do anything, and you choose not to update your address, the post office will not know that you have moved, and they will keep delivering mail to your old address.

If you want to receive mail at your new address, you do have to update your information and your new address on the USPS website.

How do I change my address with the USPS?

You can change your address on the USPS website.

Step 1 – Select Who is Moving

You can select from the following 3 Options:

• Individual – If only one person is moving, you will select this option
• Family – If a whole family is moving, and you want to change the address for everyone in the household by Last Name, you will select this option
• Business – If a Business entity is moving, you will select this option

Step 2 – Fill in your Contact Information

Next, you’ll fill in your contact information like First Name, Last Name, Address, Email Address, and Phone Number.

Step 3 – Select if your Address Change is Temporary or Permanent

Some people are moving for a short period of time, while others are moving to a new home permanently. So, the USPS gives you the option to make that distinction.

If you are planning on returning to your old address in 6 months or less, then your move is a ‘Temporary’ move.

If you are not planning on returning to your old address, then your move is deemed ‘Permanent’.

Step 4 – Select the Date you want your mail to be forwarded to your new address

The date you enter must not be more than 30 days prior to today, or more than 3 months from today. Mail should arrive at your new address 7-10 postal business days after your move effective date OR your file date, whichever date is later.

USPS Movers Guide

Step 5 – Enter your Old Address and your New Address

Next, you’ll enter your old mailing address and the new mailing address, where you want your mail to be sent.

Step 6 – Pay Online

The last step is to make a small payment of $1.10 for each address you change. You can pay online with any major credit card or debit card, and make a note of your confirmation code. You’ll need this change of address confirmation number, so be sure to keep it somewhere safe, in case you need to make changes to your request at a later date.

And that’s it !

How much does it cost to request a permanent Change of Address?

It costs $1.10 to order one change of address.

Can your company help me with an Official USPS change of address?

No, sorry. This has to be done with the USPS, either online or by filling out a form at your local United States Post Office.

What’s the quickest way to notify the USPS of my change of address?

Go to USPS.com/move to change your address online.

If I’m moving temporarily, how do I setup mail forwarding?

If you are planning a temporary move, and you plan to move back to your old address in less than six months, you will need to indicate the date when you want the postal service to stop forwarding mail to the temporary new address. You can request the mail forwarding service for your mail to your temporary address for a maximum of six months and a minimum of two weeks. Double-check the end date, when submitting your request online.

You can also request extended mail forwarding and premium forwarding service here: https://managemymove.usps.com/mgoc/home

How long does it take to start receiving mail to my new address, after an address change?

After you’ve utilized the change of address service, it takes about 7-10 business days. So, if you want to start receiving mail to your new address as soon as you move in, you can notify them about a week before you move.

Can I make changes to my change of address request after I submit it?

Yes! You can make changes to your USPS mail forwarding and temporary change of address requests online here : https://managemymove.usps.com/mgoc/home

But be ready to go throuhg an identity verification process and pay a nominal verification fee for this service.

Why do some companies charge $40 to do this?

Be careful! Unfortunately, there are some scammers and fraudulent companies out there that offer this service, but they charge you $40. The USPS warns against using any other company or website. The only place you should submit your change of address, is with the Post Office, online or in person.

Can I change my address in person?

Yes! If you don’t have access to the internet, or you prefer to do things in person, you can change your address by filling out a USPS change of address Form (PS Form 3575) at your local post office.

Related Topics

• Consumer Mailing Lists
• Business Mailing Lists
• New Mover Mailing Lists
• New Homeowner Mailing Lists
• Mailing Lists by Zip Code

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USPS Change of Address FAQs

Can I change my address with other providers?

Yes, there are other companies that can assist with changing your address information. However, the postal service strongly recommends that you only use the U.S. Postal Service, to avoid paying additional fees and scammers.

What is the USPS Mover’s Guide?

It is a complete online guide that walks you through how to change your address: https://moversguide.usps.com/mgo/disclaimer

Why do I need to go through a verification process to change my address?

Due to increased security meaures, the USPS has now implemented a more secure request process, which includes verification and driver’s license information.

Do all types of mail get forwarded?

All first-class mail gets forwarded along with other USPS priority mail. But some mail cannot be forwarded, and for other mailers you might incur a forwarding fee. Check here to see what is forwarded and what is not: Forwarding Mail Exceptions