The clerk will scan your ID to validate the change request immediately. Acceptable Forms of Identification
If you need to file a change of address on behalf of a minor child, a deceased individual, or someone who is incapacitated, you must also complete this process in person. You will need to bring your primary photo ID along with legal documentation, such as a power of attorney or a notarized letter, proving you are an authorized agent.
Mail forwarding is a safety net, not a permanent solution. The USPS will not forward certain types of mail, such as state tax documents, social security checks, or certain financial statements, due to security restrictions. You must update your address directly with your bank, employer, the DMV, and the IRS. Managing and Extending Your Mail Forwarding
Beyond security, the COA form serves as a critical data engine for the American economy. Through the National Change of Address (NCOA) program established in 1986, the USPS licenses move data to approximately 500 companies. This ensures that while your mail is forwarded for up to one year (for First-Class mail), your new address is also updated in the systems of voter registries and businesses you choose to notify. us post office change of address form updated
You can initiate a Change of Address in two ways: online or in person. Both methods require specific steps under the updated guidelines. Option 1: Online via USPS.com (Fastest)
Scammers have been redirecting mail to steal personal information. The USPS hopes this extra layer will cut down on identity theft.
The standard paper Form 3575 and the online system have undergone significant functional updates. The most critical changes include: The clerk will scan your ID to validate
While the standard free forwarding (12 months for First-Class Mail) remains unchanged, the updated form now includes clearer language about the . This paid service (starting around $20/week) allows you to have all mail, including periodicals and packages, shipped in bulk to a temporary address—something the old form glossed over.
You have two official options to submit your change of address: online or in person. Option 1: Submitting Online (Fastest)
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued warnings about a rise in sophisticated scams targeting people who are moving. Scammers create fake websites that look exactly like the USPS's official page. They will charge you an exorbitant fee (sometimes $40 or $80) to submit a change of address that they may never actually file. Mail forwarding is a safety net, not a permanent solution
📬 USPS Change of Address Form Updated – What You Need to Know
Temporary moves (like college semesters or seasonal work) were limited to 12 months. Under the updated system, the maximum period for temporary forwarding is now , renewable once (for another 6 months). After 12 months total, you must file a permanent COA or have your mail returned to sender.