How to Change Address With USPS: A StepbyStep Guide
How to Change Address With USPS?
To change your address with USPS, you have two options: online or at the Post Office.
To change your address online, visit the Official USPS Change of Address website and complete the form.
You will need to verify your identity through an online code or at the Post Office with a photo ID, and a $1.10 fee will be charged.
You will receive a confirmation code via email for any modifications or cancellations.
If you prefer to change your address at the Post Office, visit with an acceptable photo ID and request a Mover’s Guide packet.
Fill out PS Form 3575 from the packet and submit it for processing.
It is important to note that standard mail forwarding lasts for 12 months, but this can be extended for additional periods of time.
Remember to only use the official USPS website for address changes, as scammers may charge higher fees.
Additionally, update your address separately with government agencies and companies.
Key Points:
- Two options to change address with USPS: online or at Post Office
- To change address online, visit USPS Change of Address website and complete form
- Verification of identity required through online code or at the Post Office with photo ID
- $1.10 fee charged for address change
- Confirmation code sent via email for modifications or cancellations
- Option to change address at Post Office by requesting Mover’s Guide packet, filling out PS Form 3575, and submitting it for processing
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Did You Know?
1. The USPS processes and delivers around 429 million pieces of mail daily, making it one of the largest civilian employers in the United States.
2. The USPS offers a “Informed Delivery” service that allows users to digitally preview their incoming mail and packages before they arrive at their mailbox.
3. When changing your address with USPS, it is important to update it with any magazine or newspaper subscriptions separately, as the USPS will not automatically update these for you.
4. The USPS has a free service called “Hold Mail” which allows you to temporarily stop mail delivery to your address while you’re away on vacation or for any other reason.
5. Surprisingly, the USPS has its own official “intelligent mail barcode” system that allows for quick and efficient tracking of mail throughout the entire delivery process.
Timeframe For Mail Forwarding
When changing your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS), it is important to note that mail forwarding may take up to two weeks after submitting a request. During this time, mail sent to your old address may not be immediately redirected to your new address. Therefore, it is advisable to plan ahead and allow for sufficient time for the forwarding process to start.
The importance of planning
It is crucial to plan ahead and provide the USPS with the required notice to ensure a smooth transition of your mail to your new address.
- Two weeks is generally considered to be a reasonable amount of time for mail forwarding to begin, but it is always better to be proactive to avoid any inconvenience.
- By allowing sufficient time for the USPS to process your request, you can ensure that your mail will be redirected promptly to your new address.
Notifying the USPS in advance
To initiate mail forwarding, you can submit a change of address request through the official USPS Change of Address website. This can be done either online or by visiting your local Post Office. The process involves providing your old and new address information, as well as confirming your identity. Identity verification can be done online with an online code or at the Post Office with a photo ID. Please note that an identity verification fee of $1.10 will be charged.
Free Mail Forwarding Services
The USPS offers free mail forwarding services for different types of mail. Here are the key points:
- First-Class mail and periodicals are forwarded at no additional cost.
- Letters, bills, and small packages sent via First-Class mail or periodicals will be redirected to your new address free of charge.
- Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage items are also forwarded for free.
- This service ensures that any important documents or packages sent using these services will be redirected to your new address without any additional cost.
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Shipping Costs For Media Mail Items
While the USPS offers free mail forwarding services for most types of mail, there are certain exceptions.
For Media Mail items, such as books, CDs, or DVDs, the USPS will forward them to your new address. However, please note that you will be responsible for covering the shipping cost to your temporary address.
This means that if you have any Media Mail items that need to be forwarded, you must provide the necessary shipping payment to ensure their delivery to your new location.
Exclusions For USPS Marketing Mail
It is crucial to note that USPS Marketing Mail (formerly Standard Mail or bulk mail) is not eligible for free mail forwarding services provided by USPS. This category includes promotional materials, advertising flyers, and other bulk mailings. As a result, it is essential to update your address directly with the senders of USPS Marketing Mail to ensure delivery to your new address.
Improvements:
- Highlighted USPS Marketing Mail, Standard Mail, and bulk mail using italics.
- Emphasized that USPS Marketing Mail is not included in free mail forwarding services using bold.
- Clarified that USPS Marketing Mail consists of promotional materials, advertising flyers, and other bulk mailings.
- Stressed the importance of updating address separately with the senders of USPS Marketing Mail.
Updating Government Agencies And Companies Separately
When changing your address with the USPS, it is important to note that government agencies and companies must be updated separately from your USPS change of address order. While the USPS will forward your mail to your new address, this does not automatically update your address with other organizations or entities. It is your responsibility to inform these parties of your new address to ensure that you continue to receive important correspondence and services.
To update your address with government agencies and other organizations, follow these steps:
- Contact the Social Security Administration and provide them with your new address information. This ensures that your benefits and important documentation are sent to the correct location.
- Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about your change of address. This is crucial to keep your driver’s license or identification card up to date.
- Remember to update your address with all your financial institutions, including banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers. This ensures that you receive important statements, bills, and other financial information related to your accounts.
It is crucial to remember that a USPS change of address order does not automatically update your address with other organizations. Taking the necessary steps to inform them of your new address will help ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted communication.
“Remember, updating your address with the USPS is just the first step. Take the time to inform government agencies and companies to avoid any disruptions in services or important correspondence.”
Options For Changing Address: Online And At The Post Office
To change your address with the USPS, you have two options: online or at the Post Office.
If you choose to change your address online, you can visit the Official USPS Change of Address website and complete the online form. This method allows for convenient and quick address changes from the comfort of your own home.
However, it is important to note that the USPS requires identity verification for online address changes. This can be done through an online code or by providing a photo ID at the Post Office. Additionally, a $1.10 identity verification fee will be charged.
Alternatively, if you prefer to change your address at the Post Office, you can visit your local branch with an acceptable photo ID and request a Mover’s Guide packet. This packet contains the PS Form 3575, which you will need to fill out and submit for processing. This option allows you to speak with a USPS representative directly and address any specific concerns or questions you may have during the process.
Changing your address with the USPS can be a straightforward process if you follow the necessary steps. It is vital to allow up to two weeks for mail forwarding to begin, and to update your address separately with government agencies and companies. By utilizing the USPS’s free mail forwarding services and being aware of any additional shipping costs for Media Mail items, you can ensure a smooth transition and continue to receive your mail without interruption.
Whether you choose to change your address online or at the Post Office, following these guidelines will help make your address change with the USPS hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USPS charge to change address?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) does charge a $1.05 verification fee for changing your address online. However, if you prefer, you can avoid this fee by visiting your local Post Office and manually filling out a change-of-address form for free. This allows the USPS to prevent fraud and ensures the accuracy of address changes.
How do I verify my address with USPS?
To verify your address with USPS, you can utilize the USPS Postal Address Verification tool provided on their website. This tool enables users to enter their address and obtain standardized address information along with delivery point validation results. By using this tool, you can ensure the accuracy and validity of your USPS address, which can be particularly useful for confirming correct delivery details or clarifying any potential discrepancies.
Does USPS change of address work for packages?
While a permanent Change of Address (COA) order ensures that regular mail such as First-Class Mail and Periodicals is forwarded for a specific duration, it generally does not include the forwarding of USPS Marketing Mail or Package Services Mail. Therefore, if you have a package that needs to be forwarded, it is advisable to contact USPS directly to inquire about their specific policies and services regarding package forwarding.
Can I change my USPS address twice?
Yes, it is possible to change your USPS address twice. The USPS allows individuals to send their mail to multiple addresses by following a few simple steps. You can visit the USPS change of address website, indicate the number of addresses you want to change, and provide the old and new addresses accordingly. It is important to note that a fee of $1.05 is required for each change of address request.