Americans changing their mailing address through the United States Postal Service must now complete identity verification before USPS will begin forwarding their mail.
The online process requires a valid mobile phone number, email address and credit or debit card. USPS charges $1.25 to confirm the applicant’s identity. Customers who cannot pass the online check must visit a participating Post Office with an accepted photo ID.
The stronger checks are intended to prevent criminals from redirecting another person’s mail. They also create additional steps for people preparing to move, especially those whose phone, bank card and address records do not match.
How to Change Your Address With USPS Online?
Customers should use the official United States Postal Service address change form. The online process normally requires the following steps:
- Select an individual, family or business move.
- Enter the old address, new address and moving date.
- Provide a valid email address and mobile phone number.
- Receive a one-time code or verification link by text message.
- Pay the $1.25 identity verification fee with a credit or debit card.
- Save the USPS confirmation code after submitting the request.
The billing address connected to the card must generally match the old or new address listed on the request. Prepaid and gift cards are not accepted.
A change of address can be submitted up to 90 days before a move and no later than 30 days after the moving date. USPS says forwarding may begin within three business days, but customers should allow up to two weeks for mail to begin arriving consistently at the new address.
The $1.25 Charge Is an Identity Verification Fee
The $1.25 online charge does not pay for ordinary mail forwarding. It is used to verify that the person submitting the request is connected to the old or new address.
Standard forwarding remains free for most First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and USPS Ground Advantage packages. Media Mail can be forwarded, but the customer may need to pay the additional shipping cost.
USPS Marketing Mail, commonly called advertising or junk mail, is generally not forwarded.
| USPS address change detail | Current rule |
|---|---|
| Online verification fee | $1.25 |
| Mobile phone required online | Yes |
| Earliest filing date | 90 days before the move |
| Latest filing date | 30 days after the move |
| Standard forwarding period | 12 months |
| Temporary forwarding | 15 days to one year |
| In-person application | Free, but identification is required |
What Happens if Online Verification Fails?
USPS may reject an online request when it cannot match the applicant’s phone, card or address information. A failed online check does not necessarily mean the customer is ineligible to forward mail.
USPS will usually send an email containing a barcode and instructions for completing verification at a Post Office. The customer must bring the barcode and an acceptable primary photo ID.
Accepted identification can include a current driver’s license, state identification card, passport, permanent resident card, tribal identification or certain military and government identification.
If the address is not displayed on the primary ID or does not match the old address, USPS may request a second document. Accepted proof can include a lease, mortgage, voter registration card, vehicle registration or insurance policy.
Family Address Changes Do Not Cover Every Household
A family request can be used when everyone with the same last name is moving from the old home to the same new address.
Separate individual requests are needed when household members have different last names. Separate requests are also required when only some people with the same last name are moving and others are staying behind.
People acting for a child, deceased person or someone who cannot manage their own affairs may need to file in person and provide documents showing legal authority.
Temporary and Permanent Moves Are Handled Differently
A permanent change of address is intended for someone leaving the old address without plans to return. Standard mail forwarding normally continues for 12 months.
USPS also allows temporary forwarding for periods lasting from 15 days to one year. That option may be useful for students, seasonal residents or people staying with relatives for several months.
Customers who need forwarding for longer can purchase Extended Mail Forwarding for another six, 12 or 18 months. The maximum combined extension is 18 additional months.
Moving remains common across the country. Our recent analysis found that more than seven million Americans moved between states during the latest year covered by national migration data.
A USPS Change Does Not Update Every Government Record
Filing with the Postal Service only redirects eligible mail. It does not automatically change the address held by every government agency, bank, employer or insurance company.
People who move should separately update:
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration records
- Banks and credit card companies
- Insurance providers
- Employers and retirement plans
- The Internal Revenue Service
- The Social Security Administration when receiving benefits
- State and local voter registration records
The IRS address change process includes Form 8822 for individuals and Form 8822-B for businesses. The IRS warns that updating an address can take four to six weeks.
People receiving retirement, disability or survivor benefits can usually update their address with Social Security through a personal online account. Supplemental Security Income recipients may need to contact Social Security directly.
Moving Can Also Affect Voter Registration
Submitting a USPS address change does not guarantee that a voter registration record will be updated before an election. Rules vary by state, and voters may need to submit a separate address update through their state election office.
That step is especially important during the 2026 midterm cycle. About 204.6 million Americans are registered to vote, and election offices use addresses to assign polling locations and send notices or mail ballots.
Anyone planning to vote by mail should confirm the address on their registration before requesting or expecting a ballot. Our guide explains which states automatically mail ballots and which require a request or approved excuse.
Third-Party Websites Can Charge $40 or More
USPS warns that private websites may charge $40 or more to submit an address change that costs only $1.25 through the official Postal Service website.
Some sites use names, colors and logos that make them appear connected to the government. Others add subscriptions or moving services during checkout.
USPS no longer accepts change-of-address submissions from third-party businesses under its updated authentication process. Customers who paid a private website may still need to submit a new request directly with USPS.
People should also be cautious about unexpected texts claiming that an address or package cannot be confirmed. The Federal Trade Commission warns that fake USPS text messages often direct users to phishing websites designed to steal card numbers, passwords and personal information.
What Customers Should Do Before Moving?
USPS recommends submitting the request at least two weeks before the move. Customers should keep the confirmation code because it is needed to modify or cancel the order online.
A Move Validation Letter is normally sent to the old address. USPS also sends a confirmation letter and welcome information to the new address close to the scheduled start date.
Anyone who receives a validation letter but did not request a move should immediately dispute the change through USPS. An unauthorized request may indicate an attempt to redirect financial statements, government documents or other sensitive mail.
The safest approach is to use only the official USPS website or file in person at a Post Office. The legitimate online cost is $1.25, and no separate company is needed to complete the process.
