The USPS address change process can be confusing and complicated for some consumers, but it’s actually quite simple if you know what to do.
In this article, we will walk you through the process of changing your address with USPS – from start to finish.
We will also provide some helpful tips and resources along the way so that you can make sure that your address change goes as smoothly as possible.
Updating your address with USPS doesn’t have to be a stressful experience – so let’s get started!
How To Change/Update Address At USPS In 2022?
As of 2022, there are 3 different ways to update your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can update your address online, over the phone, or in-person at a local post office. The recommended time to update your address is around 2 weeks before you move. This will give the USPS time to process and forward your mail to your new address.
When you try to update your address online, you will be asked to provide some personal information and payment.
The cost for an online change of address is $1.10, which goes towards the processing of your request.
If you choose to update your address in-person at a post office or over the phone, there is no charge. You will need to fill out a PS Form 3575 and take it to your local post office.
It’s important to note that the USPS does not guarantee that they will forward your mail if you do not update your address at least 2 weeks before you move.
So, if you want to make sure that your mail gets to your new address, it’s best to update your information as soon as possible.
How far in advance should I change my address?
USPS mail forwarding is a service that helps you maintain regular mail delivery when you move to a new address within the United States.
This can be useful if you’re moving for a short period of time, or even permanently.
In order to make sure your mail gets forwarded to your new address, you’ll need to update your records with the USPS.
The process for doing this is fairly simple and can be done entirely online.
It is required that you notify the post office of your new address at least 2 weeks in advance to ensure that your mail gets forwarded properly.
3 business days is the minimum amount of time it will take for your mail to start being forwarded to your new address.
However, delays at the post office can occur, so it’s best to give yourself some extra time.
There are a few different ways that you can update your address with the USPS. The most convenient way is to do it online, but you can also do it over the phone or in person at your local post office.
Once you’ve updated your address, all of your mail will start being forwarded to your new address within 3 business days.
Forwarding services are free for up to 6 months, and you can extend them for additional periods of time if needed.
Updating Address With USPS Online
Step 1: USPS Change Of Address Website
The first thing you need to do is go to the USPS Change Of Address website. You can find the link here.
Step 2: Select Permanent Or Temporary
Next, you’ll need to select whether your address change is permanent or temporary. So, if you’re moving house permanently, select the ‘Permanent’ option. If you’re just moving for a short period of time, like for college or work, select ‘Temporary’.
Step 3: Pay Fee
Now you’ll need to pay the $1.10 identity verification fee. You can do this with a credit or debit card.
Step 4: Complete Online Form
After you’ve paid the fee, you’ll be able to complete the online form. This is pretty straightforward – just fill in your new address and contact details.
Step 5: USPS Email Confirmation
Once you’ve submitted the form, USPS will email you a confirmation code. This is just to verify your identity and make sure that you’re the one who’s made the request.
Step 6: Welcome Kit & Mail Rerouting
A welcome kit with coupons from USPS partners will be sent to your new address. And finally, your mail will be rerouted to your new address piece by piece.
That’s it! Updating your address with USPS online is quick and easy. Just follow the steps above and you’ll be all set.
Changing Mail Address At Post Office
In order to avoid the online fee, you will need to go into the post office and request a Mover’s Guide.
This guide is free of charge and will include the PS Form 3575, which needs to be filled out and submitted.
Once the form is completed, you will simply hand it over to the postal worker. They may ask for proof of identification, so be sure to bring that along as well.
The whole process should only take a few minutes and will help ensure that your mail gets to your new address without any issues.
Updating Address Over The Phone
Another way to change your address with the USPS is by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
Phone Call Service Timings
- 8 AM to 8:30 PM (Monday to Friday)
- 8 AM to 6 PM (Saturday)
- You cannot use the service on a Sunday
When you call, an automated voice will answer and all you need to do is follow the prompts (like say “Mail”). You’ll need to know your current ZIP code, as well as the new one.
The automated voice will also ask you for the date you’d like your address change to start.
Once you’ve given all the information, you’ll be asked to review it. If everything is correct, your change of address request will be processed immediately.
A move validation letter will be mailed to your new address. This is just a confirmation that you’ve made the change and it can help to prevent fraud.
Is It Free To Update your Address With USPS?
Changing your address with USPS is free of charge except for updating it online. When you update your address in person or over the phone, it’s free of cost.
The cost to update your address online is $1.10, and this fee must be paid using a credit or debit card.
It’s a small fee charged by the USPS to verify your identity, and they use your credit or debit card as a form of identification.
So, if you want to update your address with USPS, you can do it for free if you do it in person or over the phone.
However, if you want the comfort of your home and don’t mind paying the $1.10 fee, you can do it online as well.
New Address Updation Time In USPS Database
When you fill out your Change of Address form, USPS gives you the option of having your mail forwarded for 60 days, or for up to one year.
For first-class letters and flats, it can take up to 10 postal business days for your mail to reach its new destination after you’ve changed your address with USPS.
So, if you’re moving, make sure to start early and notify the post office of your new address.
This is the reason why it is essential that you notify the post office of your new address before you move (2 weeks in advance) to make sure all your mail gets forwarded to your new location.
If, for some reason, you forgot to notify the post office of your new address and you’ve already moved out. Don’t worry! You can backdate your Change of Address request on the USPS website.
You are allowed to backdate your address change by up to 30 days. This means that the U.S Postal Service will reroute all the mail you received at your old location in the last 30 days and forward it to your new address.
Why did USPS charge me $40 or $80 to change my address?
This is a common question asked by many people who have been scammed out of money by websites that claim to offer address change services for a fee.
While the USPS does charge a small fee for this service, it is only $1.05 and not $40 as these scam sites claim.
The reason why someone might be charged $40 or $80 instead of the correct $1.10 fee is that they likely used a website that is not affiliated with the USPS.
There are many fake address change websites out there that will charge you an exorbitant fee while also not actually changing your address with the USPS.
This can be extremely frustrating and costly, so it is important to be aware of these scam sites and only use the official USPS website for your address change needs.
Some scammers charge $40 or more for a change of address. The correct fee is only $1.10 when you do it online, and it’s free if you do it at the post office.
If you were charged $40, $50, $70, or $80 on a website to change your address, you were likely scammed, and it’s best to be away from these types of websites.
Can You Cancel the Change Of Address At USPS?
Already filed for a change of address, but need to cancel it? Here’s how you can do so at the United States Postal Service (USPS).
- Step 1: Open the official USPS Change-of-Address website.
- Step 2: Scroll down to the bottom and click, “Want to View, Edit, Cancel or Dispute your USPS Change-of-Address?”
- Step 3: Enter the confirmation code that you received via email after filing for a change of address.
- Step 4: Enter your new ZIP code, then click the “Submit” button to modify or cancel your Change-of-Address request.
- Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your action.
That’s it! This is how you can modify or cancel your Change-of-Address request at the United States Postal Service.
Once you’ve completed your action, you should receive a confirmation email from USPS that your request has been processed.
Summary
The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers several options, including online, by phone, and by mail. It charges you a flat processing fee of $1.10 in order to change your address online. There will be no further charges after you have paid that. You can change your address either permanently or just temporarily, and there is no difference in the process. If you try to update your address over the phone or in-person at the post office, USPS won’t charge you a penny. In any of the cases, you must fill out and submit a form called PS Form 3575.