Changing your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) is a crucial step when moving. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, including how to change your address online or in person, what mail gets forwarded, and special considerations for different situations.
Understanding USPS Change of Address
The USPS Change of Address service ensures your mail is forwarded from your old address to your new one. While forwarding can start within three business days, allow up to two weeks for the process to be fully effective. Mail is forwarded individually as it arrives.
What Mail is Forwarded?
The USPS forwards various mail types:
- Free Forwarding: First-Class Mail, periodicals (newsletters and magazines), Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage.
- Paid Forwarding: Media Mail is forwarded, but you’ll need to cover the shipping cost from your local Post Office to your new address.
- Non-Forwardable Mail: USPS Marketing Mail is not forwarded.
Important: A USPS Change of Address only updates your mailing address with the Post Office. You are responsible for updating your address with government agencies (e.g., for benefits, driver’s license, voter registration) and companies (e.g., banks, insurance providers, online retailers).
How to Change Your Address with the USPS
You can change your address online or by visiting a local Post Office.
Changing Your Address Online
- Access the Official Website: Visit the official USPS Change of Address website.
- Choose Your Move Type: Select “Individual,” “Family” (same last name), or “Business.”
- Complete the Form: Fill out the required information accurately.
- Verify Your Identity: Provide a mobile phone number to receive a verification code or link. There is a $1.10 identity verification fee; your credit card billing address must match your old or new address.
- Confirmation and Delivery: Upon successful online verification, you’ll receive an email confirmation code. You’ll then receive a Move Validation letter at your old address and a Customer Notification Letter at your new address about five business days before your forwarding starts. A welcome kit with coupons will also be sent to your new address.
- Identity Verification Issues: If online verification fails, you’ll receive an email with a barcode and instructions to visit a Post Office with acceptable photo identification.
Changing Your Address at the Post Office
- Visit a Post Office: Locate your nearest Post Office.
- Request a Mover’s Guide: Ask for a free Mover’s Guide packet.
- Complete PS Form 3575: Fill out the form within the packet and provide it to a postal worker along with acceptable photo identification for verification.
Special Situations and Considerations
Inability to Verify Identity
If you can’t verify your identity online or at a Post Office, you won’t be able to submit a change of address with USPS. You must then directly contact all senders to update your address.
Authorized Agent for Others
Changing an address for someone else (as an Authorized Agent) requires an in-person visit to a Post Office with acceptable identification and additional documentation (e.g., birth certificate for a minor, Power of Attorney).
Deceased Individuals
Changing the address for a deceased person requires in-person verification at a Post Office with documentation proving you’re the executor or administrator authorized to manage their mail.
International Moves
Before moving outside the United States, you must visit a Post Office in person to verify your identity and submit your change of address request.
Business Moves
Business change of address requests submitted in person at a Post Office require documentation proving you’re an Authorized Agent (e.g., notarized letter, power of attorney, company letterhead with authorized signature).
Military Moves
U.S. military personnel should first coordinate with their command, as relocation information is shared with USPS. Online change of address requests from military addresses require an email ending in .gov, .mil, or .edu. In-person identity verification for military personnel is limited to Post Office locations within the 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Conclusion
Changing your address with the USPS is essential for a smooth transition during a move. Understanding the process, requirements, and specific situations ensures your mail arrives at your new location without interruption. Remember to update your address with individual senders as well, as the USPS Change of Address service only applies to mail sent through the postal system.
