If you're moving, submit a permanent change of address request so your USPS ® mail is properly rerouted to your new address. If you're only relocating for 15 days up to 1 year (like going to school or staying with family or friends), submit a temporary change of address request.
Change of Address Security Enhancements: As of May 1, 2023, when you submit a change of address request online, you need to take additional steps to verify your identity. Learn More
Plan ahead. Although mail forwarding may begin within 3 business days of your submitted request, it's best to allow up to 2 weeks. Mail will be forwarded to your new address as it comes, piece by piece.
Your change of address order only changes your mailing address with the Post Office. You must still update government agencies (like for your benefits, driver's license, and voter registration) and companies (like banks, insurance, online stores, etc.).
Choose to change your address in a few simple steps online or visit your local Post Office location.
You must submit your change of address request in person at a Post Office location if:
Submitting a Change of Address Request for Someone Else
If you're changing an address for someone else (as their "Authorized Agent"), you'll need to go in-person to a Post Office location and bring acceptable ID and additional documents (depending on who you’re changing the address for):
Stop or Forward Mail for the Deceased
To submit a change of address request for someone who is deceased, you must go in-person to a Post Office location with documents showing you're the executor or administrator authorized to manage their mail. (Having their death certificate is not enough.)
International Moves: If you're going to move outside the United States, before you leave the U.S., you must go to a Post Office location to verify your identity and submit your change of address request in person.
Businesses: If you are submitting a business change of address request in-person at a Post Office location, you must have documentation, like a notarized letter, power of attorney, or letter on company letterhead (signed by someone in a leadership role) that shows you’re an "Authorized Agent" who can submit a change of address request for the business.
U.S. Military Moves: For U.S. military moves, first work with your command; your AMPS relocation info will automatically be shared with USPS. If you still need to submit a change of request with USPS, you can do so either in person or online. For online requests, if you are moving from a military address, your email address must end in .gov, .mil, or .edu. Important note: If you need to verify your identity in person, you can only do so at Post Office locations in the 50 states and Puerto Rico. If you are outside of the U.S., you cannot verify your identity in-person and won’t be able to submit a change of address with USPS.
If you'll be away for 3–30 days, you can "pause" all mail delivery to your address with USPS Hold Mail ® service. Your local Post Office will hold all mail to your address until you return. Your mail carrier will deliver all your held mail on the last day of your hold, or you can pick up your mail at the Post Office.
Standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months. You can pay to extend mail forwarding for 6, 12, or 18 more months (18 months is the maximum).
To purchase Extended Mail Forwarding, you can add it when you first submit your change of address request or if you later edit your request. (USPS will also send you a reminder email when you have 1 month left in your mail forwarding.)
Important: You can’t cancel or request a refund for Extended Mail Forwarding. For more information and pricing, read the Extended Mail Forwarding FAQs.
Note: When your mail forwarding period ends, USPS will return your mail to the sender for 6 months with a label that has your new address.
In addition to regular mail forwarding, USPS offers paid Premium Forwarding Service ® options. For a fee, customers can have their mail packed up and sent to them: For residential customers, in a weekly Priority Mail shipment; for businesses, in daily, weekly, or monthly Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express shipments.
See other ways to manage USPS mail and have peace of mind when no one is home to receive important documents or packages.
Learn how to manage mail for loved ones who have passed. You can redirect their mail to another address and you can remove them from advertising lists.
