How to Reassign Mail to a New Address When Moving: A Complete USPS Mail Forwarding Guide
- Hannah Schramm
- Mar 31
- 15 min read
Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, whether you’re buying your dream home, selling a property, or relocating within St. Charles, IL, Kane County, or anywhere in the Chicagoland area. It's easy to forget to reassign your mail to your new address in the midst of all the packing, paperwork, and planning.
If you don’t update your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS), essential mail sent to your old home like bills, financial statements, and legal documents, could be delayed, lost, or returned to the sender. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to forward mail to a new address, including temporary and permanent moves, special situations, and tips for a smooth transition.
Why Reassigning Mail Is So Important When Buying or Selling a Home
Your home address is more than a location, it’s tied to your most important communications and services:
Bank statements, loans, and credit cards
Mortgage documents and insurance policies
Utility bills (gas, water, electric, internet)
Government correspondence (taxes, Social Security, DMV)
Subscriptions, packages, and important notices
Setting up mail forwarding correctly can help you avoid missed bills, lost documents, and unnecessary stress. That’s why mail forwarding should be one of the first things you do when moving, especially during a home sale or purchase.
Standard Mail Forwarding & Change of Address (COA) with USPS
When you move, USPS allows you to submit a Change of Address (COA) so your mail is rerouted to your new location.
Permanent vs. Temporary Mail Forwarding
Permanent Change of Address
For buyers or sellers moving long-term
Submit a permanent COA request to ensure your USPS mail is properly rerouted
Forwarded mail: First-Class Mail and periodicals
Forwards mail for up to 12 months
After 12 months, mail is returned to sender with your new address for an additional 6 months
Extended forwarding: 6, 12, or 18 months for a fee ($22.50–$45.50)
Temporary Change of Address
If relocating for 15 days up to 1 year (365 days)
Submit a temporary COA request
Common for temporary housing, renovations, school, or seasonal moves
Mail automatically resumes delivery to your original address after the end date
When Should You Set Up Mail Forwarding?
USPS recommends planning ahead.
Mail forwarding may begin within 3 business days, it’s best to allow up to 2 weeks
For best results, submit your request 2 weeks before your move
Mail is forwarded to your new address piece by piece as it arrives, so timing matters
This is especially important during real estate transactions when legal and financial documents may still be arriving.
What Mail Is Forwarded by USPS?
Understanding what is (and isn’t) forwarded helps set expectations.
Mail Forwarded for Free
First-Class Mail™ (bills, statements, letters)
Periodicals (newspapers and magazines)
Priority Mail Express®, Priority Mail®, and USPS Ground Advantage®
Mail That May Require Additional Cost
Media Mail® items (Postage required. Cost of shipping from your local Post Office to your new address.)
Mail That Is NOT Forwarded
USPS Marketing Mail® (most advertising mail)
Mail addressed to “Current Resident” or “Occupant”
Note: A USPS change of address only changes your address with the Post Office. You must still update your address with government agencies (driver’s license, voter registration, Social Security, IRS) and companies (banks, utilities, online stores, insurance, subscriptions).
Where to Change Your Address
You can change your address online or in person at your local Post Office.
You must submit in person if:
Moving outside the U.S.
Changing an address on behalf of someone else
Unable to verify your identity online
How to Change Your Address Online (Fastest Option)
Changing your address online is the most convenient option for most homeowners.
Steps to Change Your Address Online
Visit the official USPS Change of Address® website
Choose an option for either an Individual, Family, or Business move
Complete the form
Verify your identity via mobile phone or email
Pay the $1.25 identity verification fee
Receive email from USPS with confirmation code
You’ll receive:
A Move Validation Letter at your old address
A Customer Notification Letter at your new address (5 business days before start date)
A welcome kit with coupons from USPS partners
Mail will be rerouted to your new address piece by piece
Mail typically begins forwarding 7–10 business days after submission.
If online verification fails, USPS will email instructions with a barcode to complete your request in person. Bring the email along with acceptable photo ID to a local Post Office
How to Change Your Address at the Post Office (Free)
If you prefer in-person service, or must verify your identity, you can visit your local post office.
What to Bring
Valid photo ID
Any required supporting documents
Steps to Change Your Address In-Person
Request a Mover’s Guide Packet
Fill out and complete the PS Form 3575 found inside the packet
Submit it to the retail associate
USPS retail associate will use your photo ID to verify your identity, then process your change of address request
This option is free and required for:
International moves
Requests made for someone else
Identity verification issues online
Special Mail Forwarding Situations
Moving Outside the United States
For international moves you must verify your identity and submit your COA request in person at a USPS location before leaving the U.S.
Temporary international moves (<12 months) can use a temporary COA
Consider virtual mailbox services for digital mail access
Forwarding Mail for a Business
Submit one COA request for the entire business
Required documentation for in person: Notarized letter, power of attorney, or letter on company letterhead (signed by someone in a leadership role) showing you’re an "Authorized Agent" who can submit COA request
U.S. Military Moves
Often coordinated through military relocation systems
Work with your command, use AMPS relocation info to automatically share with USPS
Online COA requests require a .mil, .gov, or .edu email (if you are moving from a military address)
In-person verification is limited to the 50 states and Puerto Rico
Forwarding Mail for Someone Else
Submitting a COA request for someone else must be done in person at Post Office
Bring acceptable ID
Person unable to act for themselves: Requires documentation such as power of attorney or proof of guardianship
Children under 18: bring birth certificate
Stop or Forward Mail for a Deceased Person
Must be submitted in person at Post Office
Requires documentation showing you're the executor or administrator authorized to manage their mail
Death certificate alone is not sufficient
How Long Does Mail Forwarding Last?
Standard forwarding: 12 months
Extended Mail Forwarding: Add 6, 12, or 18 months (paid option)
Maximum total forwarding time: 30 months
When forwarding ends, USPS returns mail to the sender for up to 6 months with your new address noted.
Who Else Needs Your Updated Address?
In addition to USPS, be sure to update:
DMV: Update driver’s license
IRS: Submit Form 8822 to ensure tax documents reach you
Social Security Administration: Update for benefits
Voter Registration: Ensure right to vote in your district
Banks, credit cards, & other financial services
Loan Issuers: Student loans, car loans, mortgage lenders
Credit Reporting Agencies: Experian, TransUnion, Equifax
Utility Companies: Gas, water, electric
Phone, Cable, Internet Providers: Avoid service gaps
Employer: W-2 forms and HR notifications
Schools
Service Providers: Doctors, dentists, vets, therapists
Insurance Companies: Health, dental, life, car
Subscription Services: Streaming, subscription boxes
Retail Services: Grocery and online delivery services
This step ensures uninterrupted service and protects your financial and legal records.
Moving Without a Permanent Address?
If you’re between homes:
General Delivery lets you receive mail at a local post office for up to 30 days
P.O. Boxes provide a secure, permanent mailing address option during transition
Virtual mailbox services allow digital mail management access and and physical forwarding for longer transitions
Related Mail Services & USPS Premium
USPS Hold Mail Service:
Pause all mail delivery to your address for 3–30 days
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.
Extended Mail Forwarding:
You can purchase Extended Mail Forwarding for an additional 6, 12, or 18 months (18 months is the maximum extension).
Extended forwarding can be added when submitting your change of address request or later by editing your request, but cannot be canceled or refunded
After your forwarding period ends, USPS returns mail to the sender for 6 months with a label showing your new address.
Informed Delivery:
Daily digital previews of incoming mail
Signature Confirmation & Registered Mail:
Added security for valuable items
Premium Forwarding Service:
USPS offers paid Premium Forwarding Service options, in addition to regular mail forwarding
For residential customers: Receive all mail packed up and sent to you in a weekly Priority Mail shipment
For businesses: Receive all mail packed up and sent to you in daily, weekly, or monthly Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express shipments.
Timing & Tips for a Smooth Move
Submit COA 2 weeks before your move for uninterrupted service
Expect mail to arrive at new address within 7–10 business days
Forwarded mail will have a yellow forwarding sticker to alert senders
Update frequent senders directly to avoid reliance on forwarding
Make Your Move Easier With a Trusted Local Realtor
Setting up USPS mail forwarding and a Change of Address may seem like a small task, but it plays a critical role in protecting your finances, personal information, and important communications during a move. By planning ahead, submitting your USPS Change of Address request, and notifying key organizations, you can ensure your mail continues to reach you while you focus on settling into your new home.
When you're buying or selling a home, working with an experienced local real estate team can make the entire moving process smoother and more organized. From preparing for your move to navigating closing and relocation details, The McKay Group is here as a trusted real estate resource before, during, and after your move.
Moving to St. Charles, IL or the Fox Valley?
If you're moving to St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Elgin/South Elgin, Elburn, Wayne, or the Chicago suburbs, having a knowledgeable local real estate expert can make all the difference.
The McKay Group specializes in helping buyers and sellers relocate to St. Charles, Kane County, and the Fox Valley area, providing expert guidance, local market knowledge, and personalized service every step of the way, including the important details that are often overlooked but essential to a stress-free move.
Trusted Fox Valley Real Estate Experts
The McKay Group, led by top-producing agents Debora McKay and Roger Erikson, has been a trusted name in Fox Valley real estate for more than 25 years. As recognized leaders in the industry, the team ranks among the top 1% of real estate agents in the United States and has been named the #1 real estate team in Kane County for seven consecutive years.
With a commitment to building lasting client relationships, leveraging deep local expertise, and implementing powerful real estate marketing strategies, The McKay Group is dedicated to helping you successfully buy or sell a home in St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and the western suburbs of Chicago.
If you're thinking about moving to St. Charles or the Fox Valley, contact Debora McKay and Roger Erikson today to start your next chapter with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About USPS Mail Forwarding and Change of Address
What Do I Need Before Changing My Address?
Before submitting a USPS Change of Address (COA) request, it’s important to prepare a few key details. You’ll need your current mailing address, new address, and the date you want mail forwarding to begin. It’s recommended to submit your request at least two weeks before moving to ensure your mail forwarding begins on time. Planning ahead helps avoid missed bills, delayed financial statements, or lost correspondence during your move.
How soon should I submit a change of address when moving?
It is recommended to submit your USPS change of address request at least two weeks before your move date. Mail forwarding can begin within three business days, but planning ahead helps ensure that important mail such as financial statements, legal documents, and packages continue arriving at your new home.
How do I forward my mail when moving?
To forward your mail when moving:
Submit a USPS Change of Address request either online or in person at a local post office
Choose temporary or permanent mail forwarding
Select individual, family, or business forwarding
Verify your identity
Begin forwarding mail to your new address
This process allows the United States Postal Service to redirect eligible mail from your old address to your new address for up to 12 months. Submitting the request at least two weeks before your move helps ensure uninterrupted mail delivery.
What Are the Ways to Change Your Address?
There are two ways to submit a USPS Change of Address request:
1. Online Change of Address: The fastest and most convenient option is completing your request online through the USPS Change of Address system. This requires identity verification and a $1.25 verification fee to confirm your identity.
2. In Person at a Post Office: You can also visit a local post office to complete PS Form 3575, the official USPS change of address form. This option is helpful if you cannot verify your identity online or if you are handling a change of address for another person.
What Does USPS Mail Forwarding Cost?
Standard mail forwarding through USPS is free for First-Class Mail and many other mail types.
However, there are a few small fees to be aware of:
$1.25 identity verification fee when submitting a change of address online
Shipping fees for Media Mail items being forwarded
Optional extended mail forwarding services available after the standard forwarding period ends
For most people moving to a new home, the basic USPS mail forwarding service is completely free after identity verification.
How Do I Get a Hardcopy Change of Address Form?
If you prefer to submit your address change in person, you can obtain a hardcopy Change of Address form (PS Form 3575) at any USPS post office. These forms are often available in Mover’s Guide packets, which also include helpful moving tips and discount offers from USPS partners.
Once completed, submit the form to a postal clerk at the counter.
What Change of Address Options Are Available?
USPS offers two main types of address changes depending on your situation:
Permanent Change of Address: For long-term moves when you are relocating to a new home permanently.
Temporary Change of Address: For short-term relocations lasting 15 days to one year, such as temporary work assignments, school, or seasonal travel.
Choosing the correct option ensures your mail forwarding timeline aligns with your move.
How Do I Choose Between Temporary or Permanent Mail Forwarding?
Selecting the right type of mail forwarding service depends on how long you plan to stay at your new location.
Choose a permanent change of address if you are moving to a new home and will not be returning to your previous address.
Choose a temporary change of address if you will return to your original address within one year, such as during extended travel, internships, or short-term housing.
Who Can File a Change of Address?
A USPS Change of Address request can be filed by:
The individual moving
A family member moving with the household
A business owner relocating their company
A legally authorized representative (such as someone with power of attorney)
In certain cases, documentation may be required to verify authorization.
Who’s Moving? Individual, Family, or Business Change of Address
When submitting a change of address, USPS requires you to choose the correct move type:
Individual Move: Used when only one person in the household is moving to a new address.
Family Move: Used when everyone with the same last name in a household is moving to the same new address.
Business Move: Used when a business is relocating and needs mail forwarded to a new business address.
Choosing the correct category ensures mail forwarding works properly for everyone involved.
How Will I Know My Change of Address Was Submitted Successfully?
After submitting your request, USPS will send two confirmation notices:
A Move Validation Letter mailed to your old address
A Customer Notification Letter sent to your new address
These confirmations help prevent fraud and ensure your mail forwarding request is legitimate.
What Happens After You Submit a Change of Address?
Once your request is processed, USPS will begin forwarding eligible mail to your new address starting on your selected date.
Most forwarded mail will arrive within 7–10 business days, although some pieces may take longer depending on the sender and mail type.
You may notice a yellow forwarding label applied to forwarded mail. This label notifies senders of your new address so they can update their records.
What Happens If I Don’t File a Change of Address?
If you move without submitting a USPS change of address, your mail will continue going to your previous address. This can lead to:
Missed bills or late payments
Lost financial statements
Delayed legal documents
Potential identity theft risks
Filing a change of address is one of the most important steps when moving to a new home.
What happens to my mail if I don’t submit a change of address?
If you move without filing a USPS change of address, mail will continue to be delivered to your previous address. This can result in missed bills, delayed financial documents, and lost correspondence, which is why setting up mail forwarding is an important step when moving to a new home.
How Do Mail Endorsements Affect Mail Forwarding?
Certain mail types include USPS endorsements, which tell the postal service how to handle undeliverable mail.
Common endorsements include:
Address Service Requested – Sender receives your new address
Return Service Requested – Mail is returned to sender
Forwarding Service Requested – Mail may be forwarded for a limited time
These endorsements can impact whether a piece of mail is forwarded, returned, or discarded.
Can USPS Forward Mail to a Hospital?
Yes, USPS can forward mail to a hospital or temporary medical facility as long as the change of address request is properly submitted. If the stay is temporary, you may want to select a temporary change of address to ensure your mail returns to your original address afterward.
How Do I Submit a Change of Address for an International Move?
If you are moving outside the United States, you must submit your change of address in person at a USPS Post Office. International address changes cannot be completed online.
Temporary international moves may qualify for temporary mail forwarding, but many people moving abroad choose to use digital mailbox services to access their mail online.
How Do I Submit a Change of Address for Multiple People in a Household?
If multiple people in the same household are moving, you can submit a Family Change of Address request. This option forwards mail for everyone sharing the same last name at the same address.
If individuals with different last names are moving, each person must submit their own individual change of address request.
What About Change of Address Requests for Less Common Situations?
Certain situations require additional documentation or in-person verification, including:
Filing a change of address for someone under 18 years old
Submitting a request for a deceased individual
Handling mail for someone who cannot act on their own behalf
Business relocations
In these cases, USPS may require legal documentation or identification to process the request.
Can I Modify, Cancel, or Dispute a Change of Address Request?
Yes. USPS allows you to modify, cancel, or dispute a change of address order.
If you believe a change of address was submitted incorrectly or fraudulently, you can dispute it by:
Visiting your local USPS Post Office
Providing identification and proof of residency
Requesting USPS review or cancel the order
Taking action quickly helps prevent mail from being forwarded to the wrong address.
How Do I Request a Change of Address for New Construction Homes?
If you are moving into a new construction home, USPS must first recognize the address in their system before forwarding mail.
If your new address is not yet verified, you may need to:
Visit a local Post Office with identification
Provide proof of residency such as a closing statement or lease agreement
Postal staff can assist with adding the address to the system so your mail forwarding request can be completed.
What If I Can’t Verify My Identity to Submit a Change of Address?
To submit a USPS change of address request, you must verify your identity.
If identity verification fails online, you must visit a Post Office location with acceptable identification.
If USPS cannot verify your identity either online or in person, the postal service will not be able to process your change of address request. In this situation, your only option is to contact individuals, businesses, and government agencies directly and update your mailing address with each sender.
How long does USPS mail forwarding last?
Standard USPS mail forwarding lasts for 12 months for First-Class Mail. After that period, mail is returned to the sender with your new address for an additional six months. If you still need mail forwarding after the standard period ends, USPS offers Extended Mail Forwarding services for an additional fee.
Can I change my address with USPS online?
Yes. The fastest way to change your mailing address is by completing the USPS Change of Address form online. The process takes only a few minutes and includes a $1.25 identity verification fee. Once submitted, USPS will begin forwarding eligible mail to your new address starting on the date you select.
Does USPS forward all types of mail?
Not all mail is forwarded. First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and magazines are typically forwarded for free, while most advertising mail and marketing mail are not forwarded. Some items, such as Media Mail, may require additional postage to be forwarded.
Things to Do When Moving to a New House
When moving to a new house, there are several important tasks that should be completed before and after your move. Some of the most important things to do when moving include forwarding your mail, updating your address with financial institutions, setting up utilities, transferring insurance policies, and notifying service providers of your new address.
If you're moving to St. Charles, IL, creating a moving checklist is one of the best ways to stay organized. A typical moving to St. Charles IL checklist includes transferring utilities, setting up USPS mail forwarding, updating your address with banks and government agencies, and working with a trusted local real estate team that understands the St. Charles housing market.
What to update when you move
When moving to a new home, it’s important to update your address with several organizations to avoid missed mail or service disruptions. Common places to update your address include:
USPS mail forwarding service
Banks and credit card companies
Mortgage lenders
Insurance providers
Government agencies (IRS, DMV, voter registration)
Employers and schools
Subscription services and online retailers
Updating your address with these organizations helps ensure important documents continue arriving at your new home without interruption.
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