USPS Change of Address (COA) Guide 2025: How to File, Fees, & Forwarding Rules
Complete guide to USPS change of address (COA) in 2025. Learn how to file online or in person, understand temporary vs permanent forwarding, fees, timelines, and what mail types are forwarded. Includes PS Form 3575 walkthrough and troubleshooting tips.
What is a USPS change of address (COA)?
A USPS change of address (COA) is an official request to forward your mail from your old address to your new address when you move. You can file a COA online at USPS.com for $1.10 (identity verification fee) or in person at any Post Office for free using PS Form 3575. The COA can be temporary (up to 6 months) or permanent (up to 12 months). Once filed, USPS forwards eligible mail classes to your new address automatically. However, not all mail is forwarded—some senders use endorsements like "Do Not Forward," and certain mail classes like Marketing Mail may not be forwarded unless the sender pays additional postage.
Temporary vs Permanent Change of Address: Key Differences
When filing a USPS change of address, you must choose between a temporary or permanent forwarding order. The choice affects how long mail is forwarded and what happens when the forwarding period expires.
| Feature | Temporary COA | Permanent COA |
|---|---|---|
| Forwarding Duration | Up to 6 months | Up to 12 months |
| What Happens After Expiration | Mail resumes delivery to original address | Mail continues to new address; old address considered invalid |
| Best For | Seasonal moves, extended travel, college students, military deployment | Permanent relocations, buying a new home, moving to a new city |
| Can Be Extended? | Yes, by filing a new temporary COA | Yes, by filing a new permanent COA |
| Cost (Online) | $1.10 one-time fee | $1.10 one-time fee |
| Cost (In Person) | Free (with valid ID) | Free (with valid ID) |
Important: If you file a permanent change of address and later move back to your original address, you'll need to file a new COA to update your address again. The original address does not automatically "reactivate" after the forwarding period expires.
How to File a Change of Address Online (USPS.com)
Filing a change of address online is the fastest and most convenient method. The process takes about 5–10 minutes and costs $1.10 for identity verification.
Step 1: Visit the Official USPS Change of Address Page
Go to https://moversguide.usps.com or search "USPS change of address" and look for the official USPS website. Avoid third-party sites that charge inflated fees for the same service.
Step 2: Choose Individual or Family/Business
Select "Individual" if only you are moving, or "Family" if everyone at your address is moving. For businesses, select "Business" and provide your business name and EIN.
Step 3: Enter Your Old Address
Provide your complete current mailing address exactly as it appears on your mail. Include apartment or unit numbers.
Step 4: Enter Your New Address
Enter your complete new mailing address. USPS will validate the address to ensure it exists in their database. If the address cannot be verified, you may need to file in person.
Step 5: Choose Temporary or Permanent
Select whether you want a temporary (up to 6 months) or permanent (up to 12 months) forwarding order. Choose the start date—USPS recommends filing at least 7–10 days before your move date.
Step 6: Verify Your Identity
Provide a credit or debit card and pay the $1.10 identity verification fee. USPS uses this to confirm you are authorized to change the address and prevent fraudulent forwarding orders.
Step 7: Confirm and Submit
Review all information, confirm accuracy, and submit. You'll receive a confirmation email with your COA confirmation number. USPS will also mail a confirmation letter (Move Validation Letter) to both your old and new addresses within 7–10 days.
Security Note: The Move Validation Letter serves as fraud protection. If you receive a letter at your old address confirming a move you didn't request, contact USPS immediately at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to cancel the fraudulent order.
How to File a Change of Address In Person (PS Form 3575)
Filing in person at a Post Office is free and does not require a credit card, but you must provide valid photo identification.
Step 1: Obtain PS Form 3575
Pick up a PS Form 3575 (Change of Address Order) at any Post Office lobby. You can also download and print the form from USPS.com, but you must still submit it in person with photo ID.
Step 2: Complete the Form
Fill out the form completely and legibly. You'll need to provide:
- Your name(s) as they appear on your mail
- Your complete old address
- Your complete new address
- Start date for forwarding (recommend 7–10 days before move)
- Whether the COA is temporary or permanent
- Whether it applies to an individual, family, or business
Step 3: Bring Valid Photo ID
You must present valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, state ID) matching the name on the COA form. The Post Office clerk will verify your identity before accepting the form.
Step 4: Submit the Form
Hand the completed form and your ID to the Post Office clerk. They will process the form and provide you with a receipt. Keep this receipt as proof of your COA filing.
USPS will mail Move Validation Letters to both your old and new addresses within 7–10 days to confirm the change.
Send Important Mail with Tracking and Proof of Delivery
If you're moving and need to send time-sensitive documents, contracts, or legal notices, use certified mail online for tracking and proof of delivery. Perfect for notifying landlords, banks, or government agencies of your address change.
Send Certified Mail Online →How Long Does USPS Mail Forwarding Last?
The duration of mail forwarding depends on whether you filed a temporary or permanent change of address, and on the mail class.
| Mail Class | Forwarding Duration | What Happens After Forwarding Expires |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Mail | Up to 12 months (permanent COA) or 6 months (temporary COA) | Returned to sender with "Moved, Left No Address" or similar marking |
| Priority Mail & Priority Mail Express | Up to 12 months | Returned to sender |
| Periodicals (magazines, newspapers) | Up to 60 days only | Discarded (not returned or forwarded) |
| Marketing Mail (bulk advertising) | Not forwarded unless sender pays forwarding postage | Discarded or returned per sender's endorsement |
| Packages (USPS Ground Advantage, Parcel Select) | Up to 12 months | Returned to sender |
| Mail marked "Do Not Forward" | Never forwarded | Returned to sender immediately |
Tip: To avoid missing important mail after forwarding expires, update your address directly with all critical senders (banks, employers, insurance companies, government agencies) as soon as you move. Don't rely solely on mail forwarding for important documents.
Business Change of Address vs Individual Change of Address
USPS offers separate change of address processes for businesses and individuals. The requirements and procedures differ slightly.
Individual or Family COA
- Covers all mail addressed to the person(s) listed on the COA form at the old address
- Can be filed online for $1.10 or in person for free with photo ID
- Applies to personal mail only (letters, bills, packages addressed to you by name)
- Family COA forwards mail for all household members with the same last name
Business COA
- Covers all mail addressed to the business name at the old address
- Requires business name and EIN (Employer Identification Number) when filing online
- Must be filed by an authorized representative of the business
- If filing in person, may require business documentation (business license, EIN letter, etc.)
- Does not forward personal mail to employees—only mail addressed to the business entity
Important: If you run a home-based business and are moving, you may need to file both an individual COA (for personal mail) and a business COA (for business mail) if they use different names. For example, if your business is "ABC Consulting LLC" but your personal mail is addressed to "Jane Smith," file two separate COAs.
What Types of Mail Are Forwarded (and What Isn't)?
Not all mail is eligible for forwarding, even if you have an active change of address on file. Understanding what gets forwarded—and what doesn't—helps you plan for important mail during a move.
✓ Mail That Is Forwarded
- First-Class Mail: Letters, bills, personal correspondence (forwarded free for up to 12 months)
- First-Class Package Service: Small packages under 1 lb (forwarded free for up to 12 months)
- Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express: Expedited packages (forwarded free for up to 12 months)
- USPS Ground Advantage, Parcel Select, Media Mail: Standard packages (forwarded free for up to 12 months)
- Periodicals: Magazines and newspapers (forwarded for up to 60 days only)
✗ Mail That Is NOT Forwarded
- Mail marked "Do Not Forward": Returned to sender instead of being forwarded
- Marketing Mail (bulk advertising): Not forwarded unless the sender pays additional forwarding postage
- Mail with "Return Service Requested" endorsement: Returned to sender with your new address (not forwarded)
- Certain financial or legal mail: Banks and lenders may use endorsements that prevent forwarding for fraud prevention
- COD (Cash on Delivery) packages: Returned to sender rather than forwarded
To avoid missing critical mail, notify all important senders (banks, credit card companies, insurance, employers, IRS, DMV) of your new address directly rather than relying solely on USPS forwarding. Learn more about USPS ancillary endorsements and how they affect mail forwarding.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your Change of Address Fails
Problem: Mail is still being delivered to your old address
Possible causes and solutions:
- COA start date hasn't arrived yet—check your confirmation email for the start date
- COA was filed for the wrong name or address—verify the confirmation details and file a corrected COA if needed
- Mail is marked "Do Not Forward" or has an ancillary endorsement preventing forwarding—contact the sender to update your address directly
- COA hasn't been processed yet—allow 7–10 business days after the start date for forwarding to begin
- Contact your local Post Office or call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to verify your COA is active
Problem: You didn't receive the Move Validation Letter
Possible causes and solutions:
- Move Validation Letters are sent 7–10 days after filing—allow time for processing
- Letter may have been lost in the mail—check your online confirmation email for your COA confirmation number
- If you don't receive the letter within 2 weeks, contact USPS at 1-800-ASK-USPS to verify your COA is active
Problem: You received a Move Validation Letter for a move you didn't request
This is a fraud warning—take immediate action:
- Call USPS immediately at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to cancel the fraudulent COA
- File a complaint with the USPS Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov
- Monitor your mail and credit reports for signs of identity theft
- Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus
Problem: Your new address can't be verified when filing online
Possible causes and solutions:
- The address is very new and not yet in the USPS database—try filing in person at a Post Office with proof of the new address (lease, deed, utility bill)
- You entered the address incorrectly—double-check the spelling, apartment number, and ZIP code
- The address is a PO Box or CMRA (Commercial Mail Receiving Agency)—these require special handling; file in person
How to Prevent Mail Issues When Moving
1. File Your Change of Address Early
USPS recommends filing your COA at least 7–10 days before your move date to ensure forwarding starts on time. You can file up to 3 months in advance and choose a specific start date.
2. Update Your Address Directly with Critical Senders
Don't rely solely on mail forwarding. Update your address directly with banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, employers, IRS, Social Security Administration, DMV, voter registration, and subscription services. This ensures you receive time-sensitive documents even if forwarding fails.
3. Set Up Informed Delivery
Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery (free) to receive daily email previews of incoming mail. This helps you track what's being forwarded to your new address and identify any mail still going to your old address.
4. Keep a List of Who Needs Your New Address
Make a checklist of all companies, agencies, and services that have your address on file. Update each one systematically after moving. Common ones include: utilities, healthcare providers, pharmacies, Amazon, online retailers, alumni associations, professional licenses, and memberships.
5. Use Certified Mail for Critical Address Change Notifications
When notifying landlords, mortgage companies, legal contacts, or government agencies of your address change, use certified mail online to obtain proof of mailing and delivery. This creates a paper trail confirming you notified them on time.
Frequently Asked Questions About USPS Change of Address
How much does it cost to file a USPS change of address in 2025?
Filing a USPS change of address online costs $1.10 for identity validation (charged to your credit or debit card). Filing in person at a Post Office using PS Form 3575 is free, but you must provide valid photo ID. The $1.10 online fee is a one-time charge, not a monthly fee, and covers the cost of verifying your identity to prevent fraudulent address changes.
How long does USPS mail forwarding last?
USPS mail forwarding lasts up to 12 months for a permanent change of address and up to 6 months for a temporary change of address. After the forwarding period expires, First-Class Mail is returned to sender, and other mail classes (Marketing Mail, Periodicals) are typically discarded. You can extend forwarding by filing a new change of address order before the current one expires, but USPS recommends updating your address directly with all senders instead.
Does USPS forward all types of mail?
No, USPS does not forward all mail types. First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service, and Priority Mail are forwarded at no charge for up to 12 months. Periodicals are forwarded for up to 60 days. Marketing Mail (bulk advertising mail) is forwarded only if the sender pays additional forwarding postage. Packages sent via USPS Ground Advantage, Parcel Select, or Media Mail are forwarded for up to 12 months. Mail marked "Do Not Forward" or certain legal/financial mail with ancillary endorsements will not be forwarded.
Can I cancel or modify my change of address after filing?
Yes. If you filed online, you can cancel or modify your COA by visiting the USPS Mover's Guide website and using your confirmation number. If you filed in person, visit your local Post Office with your receipt and photo ID to request cancellation or modification. Changes must be requested before the COA start date to prevent forwarding from beginning.
What is the difference between a change of address and mail forwarding?
A change of address (COA) is the official request you submit to USPS to update your mailing address. Mail forwarding is the service USPS provides as a result of your COA—they physically redirect your mail from the old address to the new address. The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically the COA is the request and forwarding is the service.
Do I need to file a change of address if I have a PO Box?
If you're moving and want to close your PO Box or change to a new PO Box at a different location, you'll need to file a change of address to forward mail from the old PO Box to your new address or new PO Box. Visit the Post Office where your PO Box is located to request the change in person. Learn more about PO Box alternatives like virtual mailboxes if you need a permanent mailing solution.
Send Mail Online with Built-In Address Verification
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📚 Related Guides
Mail Forwarding Duration Guide
How long USPS mail forwarding lasts and what happens when it expires
Read more →USPS Ancillary Endorsements
Understanding Return Service Requested, Address Service Requested, and Do Not Forward
Read more →PO Box Alternatives Guide
Virtual mailboxes, UPS Stores, and other alternatives to USPS PO Boxes
Read more →The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. The Letter Pilot does not guarantee USPS delivery times, routing, or processing speed. All mail is handled solely by the United States Postal Service, and actual delivery times may vary.
Delivery timelines and tracking information are provided by USPS and are not controlled by The Letter Pilot.