Changing your address in the USA

If you are planning to move, remember to inform the Postal Service. If you don't inform them, they will keep sending you the mail to your old address. If you do inform the, the Postal Service or the post office will forward your mail to your new address.

The United States Postal Service is responsible for your mail delivery, and it gives you a number of options to inform it about the change.

For example, you can fill out a change of address form online at the official site of USPS. Visit the main USPS site, select the "Change of Address" option under Track & Manage, read the Privacy Act Statement then click on Continue. You will be asked to select the type of the move, fill the date from which you want the Postal Service to forward your mail, and select whether the move is temporary or permanent. Your old address, new address, personal details, etc. will also be asked.

You will also be asked for your debit or credit details for the identity check. It will cost your $1. If you don't want to pay this, then visit your nearest post office where you can ask for the PS Form 3575 (change of address form). Fill this form and hand over to the clerk and it's done.

You can also request the Postal Service form by calling 1-800-275-8777.

Once the order is confirmed, all your mail will be forwarded to your new address. You will get a welcome kit at your new address as the confirmation of the order. If the order was submitted online, then you will receive a confirmation email. A Move Validation Letter will also be sent to you at the old address once the Postal Service receives your order.

All these methods are also used for the other main service of the US Postal Service, USPS Hold Mail, but there is a small change in the form. Two different forms are used for these two different services.

You can also view, update, or cancel this order in the future.

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[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Applying for new postal addresses.
• Moving home infographic.