The USPS is also introducing a physical "final verification" letter. After submitting the change, the USPS will send two separate mailings:
If the person at the old address reports the change as fraudulent, the forward is immediately canceled. This acts as a critical safety net for identity theft victims.
You have two options: online (recommended for speed) or paper (recommended for those without credit/debit cards or stable internet).
Bottom Line: The updated form is a minor inconvenience for extra security. It won’t slow down most legitimate moves, but it will stop bad actors from hijacking your mail. Plan ahead, use the official website, and double-check that your identity verification goes through before you hand over the keys to your old home.
For official details, visit the USPS PostalPro page or ask a clerk at your local Post Office.
US Postal Service (USPS) has significantly updated the PS Form 3575 (Change of Address) process as of April 2026
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 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 us post office change of address form updated
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
The most significant recent update to the USPS Change of Address (COA) process is the implementation of enhanced identity verification to prevent fraud Key Updated Features Bulk Filing for Businesses : As of May 2024, users can submit up to 99 change-of-address requests in a single transaction via the Mover's Guide Online Mandatory Multi-Factor Verification : You must verify your identity via a one-time passcode sent to a valid mobile phone Identity Fee $1.10–$1.25
credit/debit card fee is required online to verify your identity; the billing address must typically match your old or new address
: If online verification fails, you will receive a barcode via email to bring to a local post office along with a government-issued photo ID Real-Time Address Verification
: The system now checks addresses against the USPS deliverable database in real-time, alerting you immediately if an address is invalid Extended Mail Forwarding : While standard forwarding lasts , you can now purchase Extended Mail Forwarding for an additional 6, 12, or 18 months through the Official USPS Help Center Service Summary Standard Forward Mail & Change of Address - USPS
You can no longer download a printable PS Form 3575 from the official USPS website due to security and identity verification updates. To submit a paper change of address, you must obtain a physical Mover’s Guide packet directly from a Post Office location. 📍 How to Get and Use the Paper Form
Visit a Post Office: Ask a retail associate for the free Mover’s Guide packet.
Verify Identity: You must bring a valid photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) to submit the form in person. Cost: Filing the paper form in person is free.
Timeline: Submit the form at least 7–10 business days before your move to avoid mail disruptions. 💻 Digital Alternative
If you prefer to skip the trip, you can use the Official USPS Change of Address Online portal.
Verification Fee: Online filing requires a $1.25 identity verification charge.
Instant Confirmation: You receive a confirmation code via email immediately. ⚠️ Security Warning
Be cautious of third-party websites that may appear in search results. Official USPS filings never cost more than the $1.25 online verification fee. Non-USPS sites often charge $40 or more and are not affiliated with the Postal Service.
💡 Key Point: Your request cannot be activated until your identity is verified, which is why the paper form is now primarily handled in person at retail locations. If you'd like, I can help you: The USPS is also introducing a physical "final
Find the closest Post Office to your current or new zip code. List the specific types of ID accepted for verification. Explain how to handle a business vs. individual move. Standard Forward Mail | USPS
The Ultimate Guide to the Updated US Post Office Change of Address Form (2025-2026)
When you're moving, ensuring your mail moves with you is a top priority. The USPS Change of Address (COA) process has undergone significant updates to enhance security and prevent identity theft. Whether you are moving permanently or just for a season, understanding the latest requirements for PS Form 3575 is essential to avoid service interruptions. Key Updates for 2025 and 2026
The most critical change in recent years is the mandatory identity verification for all change of address requests. Mail carriers can no longer accept paper forms directly, and you can no longer print the form from your home computer to mail it in. Standard Forward Mail & Change of Address - USPS
One critical update: The USPS now distinguishes clearly between Individual and Business change of address forms.
If you file an individual form for a business, the USPS will reject it after 14 days and return all mail to senders.
The USPS maintains that changing your address online costs a $1.10 identity verification fee (charged to your credit or debit card). This remains true. However, beware of lookalike websites. The official US Post Office change of address form is only at usps.com/move. Third-party sites charging $40 to $80 are not the USPS.
The paper version (PS Form 3575) is still free, but the update introduces a $0.65 postage fee if you mail it via First-Class postage. You can drop it off at a Post Office lobby for free.
If you’d like, I can:
Related search term suggestions incoming.
Here’s a draft post for social media, email, or a website announcement regarding the USPS Change of Address form update:
Headline: 📬 USPS Change of Address Form Updated – What You Need to Know
Body:
If you’re moving soon, take note – the USPS Change of Address (COA) form has been updated. Whether you’re submitting it online or in person, the process now includes new identity verification steps and a redesigned form to reduce fraud and errors.
Key updates:
✅ Stronger ID verification – Online filers may need to verify their identity in person at a Post Office or via a temporary hold on their credit profile.
✅ New form layout – The paper PS Form 3575 has been revised. Make sure you’re using the latest version.
✅ Confirmation process – USPS now sends a validation letter to your old address before forwarding begins.
✅ Extended forwarding options – Premium forwarding services still available for temporary moves. If the person at the old address reports
How to complete the updated form:
⚠️ Avoid third-party sites – Many charge $40+ for the same service. Only use USPS.com.
Stay informed and make your move smoother with the correct, updated form.
#MovingTips #USPS #ChangeOfAddress #NewHome
The official PS Form 3575 (Change of Address Order) remains the primary document for rerouting mail, but the United States Postal Service (USPS)
recently updated its security procedures to combat identity theft and fraud . The most significant update is that online submissions are no longer instant
; they now require secondary identity verification either via mobile phone or an in-person visit. Key Updates to PS Form 3575 & Verification
The following changes are now in effect for all permanent and temporary moves: In-Person Verification Required for Online Failures
: If you submit your change of address online and the system cannot verify your identity through your credit card or mobile phone, you will receive an email with a barcode or QR code
. You must bring this code and a valid photo ID to a local Post Office to finalize the request. Form Printing Restriction
: You can no longer print PS Form 3575 from your home computer to mail in. To submit a hard copy, you must visit a local Post Office and request a "Mover's Guide" packet. Identity Verification Fee : Online submissions at the official USPS Change of Address website now incur a identity verification fee (recently increased from $1.10). Credit Card Matching
: The billing address on the credit/debit card used for the online fee must match either your old or new address to successfully verify your identity. Submission Methods Identity Verification Verified via credit card/mobile or QR code at PO Verified by retail clerk with valid photo ID Directs you to visit a PO to finalize verification Free (excluding postage) Important Requirements Acceptable Identification
: You must present an unexpired primary form of ID, such as a state driver's license, U.S. passport, or military ID. : Requests can be submitted up to 90 days before the move and up to 30 days after Confirmation Code
: After a successful submission, you will receive a 16-digit confirmation code. Keep this code
, as it is required to modify or cancel your request online; otherwise, you must visit a Post Office in person for changes. For the most secure and official process, always use the official USPS.com website
to avoid third-party scams that may charge $40 or more for the same service. United States Postal Inspection Service (.gov) Post Office location to pick up a Mover's Guide packet in person?