Us Post Office Change Of Address Form Updated May 2026

Standard first-class mail is still forwarded for 12 months. However, the update clarifies that periodicals and magazines will only be forwarded for 60 days. After that, the publisher is notified of your new address (if you paid for forwarding). Additionally, USPS is piloting a program in select regions where "junk mail" (standard marketing mail) is no longer forwarded at all unless the sender pays for an endorsement service.

The previous version of the COA form (PS Form 3575) was relatively easy to exploit. Fraudsters could submit a change of address for a victim without their knowledge, redirecting sensitive financial documents, credit cards, or medical information. In response to a spike in mail forwarding fraud and identity theft cases, the Postal Service launched a multi-phase update to harden its verification process.

The US Post Office change of address form updated version focuses on three core goals:

These changes rolled out nationally after pilot programs in high-fraud districts. The new system is now the standard for all 31,000+ USPS locations and the official website. us post office change of address form updated

The most significant change is the introduction of a multi-factor authentication (MFA) requirement for online submissions. Previously, users only needed a credit card and an email address to file a forward. Now, the system requires:

Moving to a new home is consistently ranked as one of life’s most stressful events. Between packing boxes, transferring utilities, and updating your driver’s license, ensuring your mail follows you is paramount. For decades, the United States Postal Service (USPS) Change of Address (COA) form has been the bedrock of this process.

Recently, the USPS announced that the US Post Office change of address form updated significantly. These changes affect everyone—from first-time renters to snowbirds and corporate relocation managers. If you are planning a move in the coming months, understanding the new identity verification rules, digital features, and security protocols is essential to avoid lost mail or identity theft. Standard first-class mail is still forwarded for 12 months

This article details everything you need to know about the updated form, including step-by-step instructions, pricing changes, temporary versus permanent moves, and how to protect yourself from fraud.

After you file the US Post Office change of address form updated version, here is the realistic timeline:

Warning: Packages sent via UPS, FedEx, or Amazon Logistics are not forwarded by the USPS. Only mail that enters the USPS system is affected. These changes rolled out nationally after pilot programs

The most significant update is aimed at reducing fraud. Previously, almost anyone with a credit card could submit a COA request online. Now, the USPS has partnered with third-party identity verification services. To submit a change online, you will likely need to:

Why? Scammers have been redirecting mail to steal personal information. The USPS hopes this extra layer will cut down on identity theft.