Early June tends to kick off a very real “life admin” season: leases turning over, kids finishing school, and households trying to get settled before the hottest part of summer. If you’re moving (or even just spending an extended stretch somewhere else), getting your mail to follow you is one of those small tasks that prevents a long list of bigger headaches.
Below is a practical, step-by-step guide to the official USPS change of address process, a checklist of places you’ll likely want to update yourself, and a few simple scam red flags to keep your info—and your wallet—safe.
What USPS change-of-address does—and what it doesn’t
A USPS change of address (often shortened to “COA”) is primarily about mail forwarding: it tells the Postal Service to redirect eligible mail pieces from your old address to your new one for a period of time.
Just as important: a USPS change of address does not automatically update your address with banks, credit cards, your employer, the DMV, insurers, doctors’ offices, schools, or subscription services. Think of USPS forwarding as a helpful bridge—not a magic “update everything” button.
Also, not all mail is treated the same. Some items may be forwarded, returned, or not forwarded depending on the mail class and the sender’s instructions. If something is truly time-sensitive (like a new debit card, a medical bill, or a tax notice), it’s best to update the sender directly as soon as you can.
Use the official USPS process (and what to expect)
The safest way to start is simple: type usps.com directly into your browser and navigate to the change-of-address area from there. Avoid clicking “USPS change of address” ads or unfamiliar links—especially when you’re tired and multitasking during a move.
When you complete an online change of address, USPS will typically ask for basic details like your name, your old and new address, the date you want forwarding to begin, and which type of move you’re making (for example, an individual vs. a family/household vs. a business). You may also see an identity verification step, which can include a small payment/fee as part of online verification. Because fees and verification steps can change, it’s smart to confirm the current details on usps.com before you submit anything.
After you file, keep your confirmation information somewhere you can find it later (email confirmation, receipt, and/or confirmation code). If you later need to adjust the start date, correct a typo, or cancel, having that confirmation info handy makes the process much smoother.
A simple checklist of accounts to update so nothing gets missed
Once USPS mail forwarding is in motion, the next win is updating the places that use your address for billing, identity verification, or important notices. A quick checklist can save you from missed statements and awkward “Why didn’t we get that?” moments later.
- Employer & payroll (including benefits providers)
- Banks, credit cards, and lenders (including any card you rarely use)
- Insurance (auto, home/renters, life; address can affect policies)
- Healthcare (doctor/dentist offices, pharmacies, patient portals)
- Schools/childcare and any activity registrations
- Subscriptions & deliveries (streaming billing profiles, meal kits, magazines)
- Online retail accounts (saved shipping addresses and default billing)
- DMV/vehicle registration (rules and timelines vary by state—use your state DMV .gov site)
- Friends/family emergency contacts and anyone who might send time-sensitive mail
Moving-day mail tip: if you’re in a multi-unit building, make sure your name is clearly labeled where your carrier expects it (mailbox/slot). And if you use USPS Informed Delivery, confirm availability and set it up through your USPS account so you can keep an eye on what’s arriving while you’re in transition.
Red flags: ‘USPS’ sites that aren’t usps.com and unnecessary add-on fees
Change-of-address scams are common because moving is stressful—and because search results can be crowded with lookalike services. A few quick checks can help you steer clear.
- Lookalike domains: If it isn’t on usps.com, slow down and verify before entering personal information.
- Sponsored ads that mimic official pages: Ads can appear above the real result. Look closely at the web address.
- High “processing fees” or subscription add-ons: Some third-party sites charge extra to do something you can initiate directly with USPS. If you didn’t mean to use a third party, back out and start again from usps.com.
- Unexpected emails/texts: Be wary of messages claiming there’s a “problem” with your change of address and pushing you to click a link. When in doubt, navigate to USPS directly rather than using the link.
If you believe you’ve run into a scam or shared information with a suspicious site, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission. You can also keep records (screenshots, emails, receipts) in case you need to dispute a charge with your card issuer.
Sources
Recommended sources to consult (and to verify current fees, timelines, and eligibility details, which can change):
- United States Postal Service (usps.com) — Official USPS change-of-address process, identity verification steps, and mail forwarding details (including current duration and limitations).
- USA.gov (usa.gov) — General government guidance and checklists for changing your address with agencies and services.
- Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov) — Guidance on common scams and how to report fraud via the FTC’s reporting tools (verify the current reporting URL on ftc.gov).
- State DMV websites (varies) (.gov) — State-specific rules for updating your driver’s license and vehicle registration address; timelines and requirements vary by state.
