If your moving plans have changed after you already submitted a USPS change of address, don’t worry — it’s easy to update or cancel your request online or in person.
The online process takes just a few minutes but does come with a small $1.10 identity verification fee. You’ll need your confirmation number and ZIP code to make changes. If you’ve lost your confirmation number, you can visit your local post office for help — there’s no fee for in-person changes.
This guide will walk you through both options so you can fix your change of address quickly and avoid missing important mail. You’ll also learn what kinds of edits are allowed and what to do if you run into issues with the USPS system.
How To Update or Cancel Your Change of Address Online
You can update or cancel your request at any time — even if your mail has already started forwarding.
Go to the official USPS Change of Address page and follow these steps:
1. Access the USPS Change Tool
Scroll to the bottom of the USPS Change of Address website. Look for a blue banner that says:
“Want to View, Edit, Cancel, or Dispute your USPS Change of Address?”
Click the red arrow next to it.
Shortcut: You can go directly to the USPS change-of-address management page.
2. Enter Your Confirmation Number and New ZIP Code
To make any changes, you’ll need your confirmation code and the ZIP code of your new address.
You can find your confirmation number in one of two places:
- In the email with the subject line “Your USPS® Change of Address Confirmation”
- In the physical letter mailed to your new address
If you submitted your request at the post office and can’t find either, visit your local branch — they can help retrieve your code.
3. Choose What You Want To Change
Once you enter your info, you’ll be able to:
- Cancel your change of address entirely
- Edit your start or end date for mail forwarding
- Update your phone number or email
- Change from a temporary move to a permanent one
- Switch from a family move to an individual move
Important: USPS only allows two changes per address in a 24-hour period. If you try to make more, you’ll get an error and have to wait 48 hours.
How To Update or Cancel Your Change of Address In-Person
If you’ve lost your confirmation number or just prefer face-to-face help, go to your local post office. There’s no fee to make changes in person, unlike the $1.10 identity verification fee charged online.
Bring the following with you:
- A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of residence at your current address — like a utility bill, bank statement, or magazine label
A USPS employee can help retrieve your confirmation code, cancel your request, or make updates directly in their system.
How To Spot USPS Change-of-Address Scams
Scam websites posing as USPS change-of-address services are surprisingly common — and costly. These third-party sites often appear at the top of search results and may charge $40 or more for a service that should only cost $1.10 through the official USPS site.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
✅ Always Use the Official USPS Website
Only submit your change of address through the official USPS website. Look for “.gov” in the web address — that confirms it’s a government-operated site.
🚩 Watch for These Red Flags:
- High fees (more than $1.10) to submit your request
- Websites ending in “.com” or with names that mimic USPS
- No confirmation email from USPS after submitting your info
- Credit card charges that don’t list USPS as the merchant
💡 What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you accidentally used a fake site, contact your credit card company or bank immediately to dispute the charge. Then, visit the official USPS site or your local post office to submit your change of address properly.
Troubleshooting Common USPS Change-of-Address Issues
Running into problems with your change of address request? Here’s how to fix the most common issues homeowners face during the update or cancellation process:
“Invalid Confirmation Number” Error
Double-check that you’re entering the confirmation code exactly as it appears in your email or letter — it’s case-sensitive and usually 16 characters long. If you still get an error, visit your local post office with ID to retrieve it.
Can’t Find Confirmation Number
If you lost both the confirmation email and physical letter, your only option is to go to a post office in person. Bring your ID and proof of residence at the new or old address. They can look up the request and help you make changes.
Changes Not Going Through Online
USPS limits you to two edits per address every 24 hours. If you try to update too many details at once, the system may block your request. Wait 48 hours and try again, or go in person to avoid the limit.
Mail Still Going to Old Address
First-Class mail forwarding usually begins within 7–10 business days after your listed start date. If you’re outside that window and still not receiving forwarded mail, confirm that you submitted your change correctly using your confirmation code online — or check in with your local post office.
Final Tips
Once you submit changes, USPS will send you an email confirmation within a few business days. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder.
If you’re canceling the change entirely, keep in mind that mail forwarding will stop, and USPS will send mail to your original address. Watch out for scam websites, double-check your info, and use the official USPS site to avoid surprises. A few minutes of effort now can save you a lot of hassle down the road.
FAQs About Updating Your Change of Address
Changing your address through the official USPS website costs $1.10, which covers identity verification with a debit or credit card. This small fee helps prevent fraud and ensures that only authorized users can forward mail.
Be cautious of third-party websites that charge more — some charge $40 or more without actually submitting your request to USPS. To avoid getting scammed, always go through USPS.com directly or visit your local post office.
You should submit your change of address request about two weeks before your move. This gives USPS enough time to start forwarding your mail on your preferred start date.
If you’re moving temporarily, be sure to enter both your start and end dates to avoid forwarding mail longer than needed. If plans change, you can edit your move dates online — just have your confirmation number ready.
No — updating your address with USPS only forwards your physical mail. It doesn’t update your address with banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, or government agencies like the DMV or IRS.
After filing with USPS, make a checklist of places to update your address manually. Most companies let you do this online through your account settings.
USPS typically starts forwarding mail within 7–10 postal business days after your chosen start date. If you haven’t received mail within two weeks, check the tracking status online using your confirmation number or contact your local post office.
Keep in mind that USPS only forwards First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and some packages. Magazines, bulk mail, and certain packages might not transfer unless you update the sender directly.
USPS.com will never charge you $40 to change your address. That charge likely came from a third-party website, not USPS. Scammers often set up lookalike sites with names or logos resembling USPS, charging inflated fees for a service that’s normally $1.10.
Unfortunately, many of these sites don’t actually file your change of address with USPS. If you were charged more than a few dollars, dispute the charge with your bank and always use the official USPS website going forward.
