Us Post Office Change Of Address Form Updated Updated -
The updated USPS Change of Address process (PS Form 3575) now centers on enhanced identity verification to combat fraud. While you can still start the process online for a $1.10 – $1.25 fee, a failed digital verification now triggers a requirement to visit a local Post Office in person with a specific QR code and government-issued ID to finalize the request. A Story of the "New" Move
Imagine Sarah, a long-time resident of a quiet street, finally ready to move across town. In the past, she might have just dropped a paper form in a blue mailbox and assumed her mail would follow. But in 2026, the story looks different. Knowledge: Change of Address - The Basics - FAQ | USPS
Moving is stressful, and the last thing you want is your mail going to the wrong house. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has updated its Change of Address (COA) process with stricter security measures to prevent fraud.
Here is everything you need to know about the updated 2026 process to ensure your mail moves with you safely. 1. Choose Your Method: Online vs. In-Person
You have two official ways to update your address. The "updated" part of this process involves mandatory identity verification for both. Online (Fastest) : Visit the Official USPS Change of Address® website . You will be charged a $1.25 identity verification fee In-Person (Free) : Visit any local post office and ask for the Mover’s Guide packet , which contains PS Form 3575 2. New Security & Verification Requirements
To combat a 167% jump in mail-related identity theft, USPS now requires "enhanced identity proofing". Online Verification
: You must provide a valid email and a mobile phone number to receive a one-time verification code or link. The billing address on the credit/debit card used for the $1.25 fee must match either your In-Person Verification : You must present a current, unexpired primary photo ID (e.g., Driver’s License, Passport, or Green Card). Secondary ID : If you use a Passport or Military ID, you often need a secondary ID
that shows your name and address, such as a lease, voter registration, or vehicle insurance card. 3. Filling Out PS Form 3575 Whether online or on paper, you'll need to specify: (for long-term moves) or (forwarding for 15 days to 1 year). Who is Moving? Individual (if everyone has the same last name), or Start Date recommends filing at least 7–10 days before your move. Standard Forward Mail | USPS
US Postal Service (USPS) has significantly updated the PS Form 3575 (Change of Address) process as of April 2026 us post office change of address form updated
to combat identity theft and mail fraud. The most critical change is a mandatory identity verification
step that was not previously required for mail-in or simple online submissions. 1. Mandatory Identity Verification
You can no longer simply mail a paper form to the post office and expect it to be processed automatically. New security protocols require every applicant to prove their identity through one of two methods: In-Person Verification: If you use a physical PS Form 3575
, you must take it to a retail post office location along with a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., Driver's License or Passport). Online Verification: If you file through the official USPS Mover's Guide
, you must verify your identity via a mobile phone one-time passcode and pay a $1.25 verification fee
using a credit/debit card with a billing address matching your old or new home. 2. Updated Form Availability PS Form 3575 is generally no longer available for download to be mailed in.
To get a physical copy, you must visit a local post office and request a Mover's Guide packet , which contains the hardcopy form. Third-Party Warning:
Be cautious of non-USPS websites that charge high fees (often $40+) for address changes; the official USPS fee is only for online identity verification. Standard Forward Mail | USPS The updated USPS Change of Address process (PS
US Post Office Change of Address Form Updated: What You Need to Know
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has recently updated its change of address form to better serve its customers. If you're planning to move to a new location, it's essential to update your address with the USPS to ensure you continue receiving mail and packages without any disruptions.
What's New with the Updated Form?
The updated change of address form, also known as Form 3575, is designed to be more user-friendly and efficient. Here are some key changes you should be aware of:
- Easier to Use: The new form is simpler to fill out, with clearer instructions and a more straightforward layout.
- Additional Fields: The updated form includes additional fields to capture more detailed information about your move, such as your new address, old address, and the date you plan to move.
- Digital Submission: You can now submit the form online, which is faster and more convenient than mailing it in.
How to Update Your Address with the USPS
To update your address with the USPS, you can:
- Fill out Form 3575 Online: Visit the USPS website and fill out the online change of address form. You'll need to provide your old and new addresses, as well as some personal identification information.
- Download and Print the Form: You can download and print the form from the USPS website, then fill it out and mail it to the address listed on the form.
- Visit a Local Post Office: You can also visit a local post office and fill out the form in person. A postal representative will help you complete the form and process your request.
What You Need to Provide
When updating your address with the USPS, you'll need to provide the following information: Easier to Use : The new form is
- Your old address
- Your new address
- Your name
- Your date of birth
- Your Social Security number or other government-issued ID
Tips and Reminders
- Update Your Address ASAP: Update your address with the USPS as soon as possible to avoid missing important mail and packages.
- Update Your Address with Other Relevant Parties: Don't forget to update your address with other relevant parties, such as your bank, credit card company, and loan providers.
- Verify Your Address: Double-check your address to ensure it's correct and up-to-date.
By updating your address with the USPS, you can ensure that your mail and packages are delivered to your new location without any issues. Take advantage of the updated change of address form to make the process easier and more efficient.
Immediate actions to take (step-by-step)
- Decide temporary vs. permanent
- Temporary: use when you’ll be away for a set period (e.g., 15–365 days).
- Permanent: use for a full residential or business relocation.
- Use the USPS online Change of Address tool for speed and security
- Online filing is typically faster and includes identity verification (cardinal step to prevent fraud).
- If filing online, complete identity verification
- Have a credit/debit card or other verification method ready if prompted.
- Double-check critical fields
- Full legal name, date of birth (if requested), exact old and new street addresses (apt/suite), and move date.
- Select mail forwarding options consciously
- Forward First-Class Mail and certain small packages; periodicals and some bulk mail may not forward long-term.
- Note start and end dates
- For temporary forwarding pick clear start/end dates; for permanent, verify forwarding duration (usually 12 months for First-Class).
- Save confirmation and proof
- Keep the confirmation number/email; check the new address’s first deliveries to confirm.
- Notify key parties directly
- Banks, employers, government agencies (SSA, IRS, DMV), utilities, subscription services — update directly in addition to COA.
- Beware of scams
- Only use USPS.gov for official changes. Do not provide personal data to third-party moving or mail services unless you’ve verified them.
1. Mandatory Identity Verification (In-Person or Digital)
Previously, you could file a COA online with just a credit card (to pay the $1.10 identity verification fee). Now, the system is stricter. Depending on your digital footprint, you may be required to:
- Receive a verification code via SMS or voice call to the phone number linked to your old address.
- Answer multiple-choice questions based on your credit history (similar to a credit bureau quiz).
- Visit a local Post Office in person with a government-issued ID if you fail digital verification.
What changed (quickly)
- The form’s layout and fields were revised to collect clearer delivery and identity information.
- Stronger identity-verification options were added to reduce fraud (including more robust online verification).
- More explicit options for temporary vs. permanent moves and for businesses.
- Updated guidance about who is eligible and what mail is forwarded (duration and limitations reiterated).
- Clearer instructions and warnings about scams and third-party mail-forwarding services.
What Happens After You File? (The 18-Month Timeline)
The USPS maintains a “forwarding order” for 18 months total, but the behavior changes over time.
- Months 1–12: First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and periodicals are automatically forwarded to your new address. The sender is notified of your new address via the “yellow sticker” system.
- Months 13–18: Mail is returned to the sender with a label showing your new address. The USPS will not forward the mail itself; it is up to the sender to re-send it.
- After 18 months: The forwarding order expires permanently. Mail sent to your old address is returned “Not Forwardable – Unable to Forward.”
The updated form now allows you to extend forwarding once, for an additional 12 months, via the USPS website (fees apply).
4. Tighter Rules on “Family” Moves
The new form is stricter about who can submit a change for a family member. If you are moving but other family members with different last names are staying behind, the new form requires you to explicitly list every individual who is moving. You can no longer submit a blanket “entire household” change unless all residents share the same last name and are permanently relocating together.
USPS Unveils Updated Change of Address Form: What You Need to Know
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Postal Service (USPS) has officially rolled out an updated version of its ubiquitous Change of Address (COA) form, introducing new security protocols and a streamlined digital interface aimed at reducing fraud and simplifying moves for millions of Americans.
Whether you are relocating across town or across the country, the "Movers Guide" has changed. Here is a breakdown of the key updates to the form, formally known as PS Form 3575.
2. The “In-Person” Option Now Requires a Barcode
If you prefer to fill out the classic paper form (PS Form 3575) at your local Post Office, the process has changed slightly.
- You can no longer just grab a blank form off the counter and drop it in the mail slot.
- You must either print the form from the USPS website with a unique confirmation barcode, or request a “Move Kit” from a clerk, which includes a scannable barcode.
- The barcode links your request to a specific transaction ID, making it easier for postal workers to verify authenticity.