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USPS Change of Address Guide | Free and Easy Options

by | USPS Change of Address

How to Change Your Address with USPS: Free Guide

Introduction

Moving soon or recently changed your residence? Updating your address with USPS is a crucial step to ensure that you continue to receive your important mail – from bills and notices to packages. This guide will walk you through the process of changing your address with USPS, focusing on:

  • How to change your address without fees (including an option to avoid the standard USPS fee).
  • Step-by-step instructions for completing your address change, either online or in person.

Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, these steps will help make sure your mail arrives at the right place.

Why Changing Your Address Matters

When you update your address with USPS, you’re ensuring that any mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new one. Failing to make this update can mean missed bills, important government notices, and delays in receiving personal mail. This guide aims to simplify the address change process and avoid unnecessary fees for those who need it.

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Options for Changing Your Address

The USPS offers a few ways to update your address, each with its own costs and requirements. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Change Your Address Online: The fastest way to update your address. Note that a small fee applies for identity verification.
  • Change Your Address In Person: Visit your local post office, where you can fill out a PS Form 3575 (Change of Address form) for free.

Important Notes Before You Start

  • Cost: While changing your address online costs $1.10 (for identity verification), visiting a post office in person is free.
  • Timeframe: Allow 7-10 business days for mail forwarding to begin.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Changing Your Address with USPS

Now that you know why it’s important to update your address with USPS, let’s go through the exact steps you need to follow. You have two main options: changing your address online or in person at a post office. Here’s how each option works.

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Option 1: Changing Your Address Online

Updating your address online is convenient and quick, but it does come with a small fee for identity verification. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Gather the Required Information

  • Your Current Address (where you receive mail now).
  • Your New Address (the location you’re moving to).
  • Personal Information: Full name, email, and phone number.
  • A Debit or Credit Card: This is needed for the $1.10 identity verification fee.

Step 2: Go to the USPS Change of Address Website

  1. Open your browser and go to the official USPS change of address page: https://moversguide.usps.com
  2. Click on “Get Started” to begin the address change process.

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Form

  1. Select whether this is a Permanent or Temporary change.
  2. Enter your Personal Information (name, email, phone).
  3. Fill in your Old Address and New Address. Double-check these addresses for accuracy.

Step 4: Confirm and Pay the Identity Verification Fee

You’ll be prompted to enter your debit or credit card details to pay the $1.10 verification fee. After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details about your address change.

Step 5: Start Forwarding Your Mail

Your mail forwarding will begin within 7-10 business days. Keep an eye on your new address for any mail that arrives, and check your email for further updates.

Option 2: Changing Your Address In Person (Free Option)

If you prefer to avoid the $1.10 fee, you can change your address in person at any USPS location. Here’s how:

Step 1: Visit Your Local Post Office

Use the USPS Locator to find the nearest post office.

Step 2: Fill Out Form PS 3575

  1. Once you’re at the post office, ask for Form PS 3575, also known as the “Change of Address” form.
  2. Fill out the form with your name, old and new addresses, and type of move.

Step 3: Submit the Form to the Clerk

After filling out the form, hand it to the post office clerk. They’ll process it for free.

Step 4: Receive Your Confirmation Letter

USPS will send a confirmation letter to your new address within a few days, letting you know that your mail forwarding has been set up.

How to Track Your Address Change Request

After you’ve completed the change of address, you can monitor the status:

  • Confirmation Email: If you changed your address online, check your email for updates from USPS.
  • Letter at New Address: For both online and in-person address changes, USPS will mail a confirmation letter to your new address.

Common Questions

Q: Can I change my address for free online?
A: No, the online option requires a $1.10 identity verification fee. To avoid this fee, you must visit a post office and submit the address change form in person.

Additional Tips

Tracking Your Mail Forwarding Status

After you’ve completed your address change request, USPS will send a confirmation letter to your new address.

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Frequently Missed Address Updates

Apart from USPS, it’s essential to update your address with other organizations:

  • Banks and Credit Card Companies
  • Insurance Providers
  • Utility Companies
  • Government Agencies: IRS, DMV