USPS Name Change & Mail Forwarding
USPS doesn't have a name change form — but forwarding mail to your new name is one of the easiest steps. Five minutes online.
The U.S. Postal Service doesn't process "name changes" the way Social Security or the DMV do — there's no PS form to file, no government ID to update. What USPS does have is mail forwarding through moversguide.usps.com, which catches mail still arriving in your prior name and routes it to you. If you're moving and changing your name at the same time, this is the single most important step for not missing tax documents, insurance bills, or jury summonses. It takes about five minutes and costs $1.10 online (free in person at any post office).
Quick Facts: USPS & Your Name Change
USPS doesn't issue documents in your new name — it forwards mail. Here's what to know before you start.
| Government form required | None — there's no PS name-change form to file |
| What you actually do | Set up mail forwarding online at moversguide.usps.com |
| Fee | $1.10 online (identity verification) · Free in person at a post office |
| How long it takes | 5 minutes to fill out · 7-10 business days to activate |
| Forwarding duration | 12 months (permanent moves) · 6 months (temporary) |
| If you have a PO Box | Update the rental agreement in person with proof of name change |
How to Set Up Mail Forwarding
Three steps, all online. The whole thing takes about five minutes if you have a credit card handy.
Step 1: Go to moversguide.usps.com
USPS handles all forwarding through one online portal at moversguide.usps.com. The official Change of Address (PS Form 3575) is what you're filling out — you just don't see the form number, because the website does it for you.
You'll need a credit or debit card for a $1.10 identity verification charge. This isn't a service fee — it's USPS confirming you actually live at the address you're claiming so people can't redirect each other's mail. The charge is processed instantly.
If you'd rather skip the $1.10, walk into any post office and ask for PS Form 3575. Filling it out in person is free, and the postal clerk processes it on the spot. Either route reaches the same outcome — the online flow is faster, the in-person flow is free.
Pro tip: have both your old address and your new address ready before you start. The form asks for both, and if you back out partway through you'll have to start over.
Step 2: Fill Out Forwarding for Both Names
Here's the trick: USPS forwarding is address-based, not name-based. If mail addressed to your prior name shows up at your old address, USPS doesn't know it's you — it just forwards everything addressed to that household to your new address.
If you're moving, fill out a single household forwarding request that covers everyone in your household. Mail addressed to your prior name and mail addressed to your new name will both forward, as long as the address matches.
If you're staying at the same address but changing your name, you don't need forwarding at all — just inform your local post office and let them know your new name. They'll add a note to your route's delivery record so the carrier knows mail in your new name belongs at your address.
Choose "permanent" if you've moved for good and "temporary" if it's a short-term arrangement. Wrong choice means forwarding ends earlier than you wanted (temporary is 6 months; permanent is 12).
Step 3 (Optional): Notify Magazines & Subscriptions Directly
USPS forwarding doesn't catch everything. Magazines, packages from carriers other than USPS (FedEx, UPS, Amazon), and some subscription services don't forward. Update those directly to avoid gaps.
Subscription services and magazine publishers ignore USPS forwarding because they're sending bulk mail with their own addressing systems. The first issue after you move will go to your old address even though forwarding is active.
Make a list of every recurring delivery you actually want — magazines, meal kits, prescription mail-order, supplements — and update each one's account directly. Most have a "change of address" link in the account settings; takes about a minute per service.
For packages, update your default shipping address with Amazon, FedEx Delivery Manager, and UPS My Choice. These are the three most common sources of mis-delivered packages during a move.
What You Need to Set It Up
USPS asks for less than most agencies. There's no name-change documentation required for forwarding — just basic verification.
- Credit or debit card. $1.10 identity verification charge if you set up forwarding online. (Free if you walk into a post office instead.)
- Your old address. Where you currently receive mail in your prior name.
- Your new address. Where you want mail forwarded to. Can be the same as your old address if you're not moving — but in that case you don't need forwarding, just notify your local post office.
- Move date. The day you want forwarding to start. Pick a date 2-3 days out so the system has time to process.
- For PO Box updates only: Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to the post office where the box is located. PO Box rental agreements need to be updated in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name with USPS online?
No, USPS doesn't have an online name change system. You must visit your local post office to inform them of your name change. However, you can set up mail forwarding online at moversguide.usps.com if you're also changing addresses.
Is there a fee for USPS name change?
Updating your name at the post office is free. However, if you set up mail forwarding online, there's a $1.10 identity verification fee. Forwarding is free if you complete the form in person at a post office.
What happens to mail sent to my old name?
If you set up mail forwarding, most mail addressed to your old name will be forwarded to your new address for 6-12 months. However, some mail types (like packages from certain carriers) may not forward. It's best to update your name directly with important senders.
Do I need to update my name if I have a PO Box?
Yes, if you rent a post office box, you must update the rental agreement with your new name and provide proof of name change. Visit the post office where your box is located to complete this update.
How long does mail forwarding last after a name change?
Can I forward mail from my old name to my new name at the same address?
USPS forwarding is address-based, not name-based. If you're staying at the same address, simply inform your local post office of the name change. For different addresses, you can set up forwarding that will catch mail sent to either your old or new name.
What if my mail carrier doesn't recognize my new name?
Contact your local post office immediately if mail addressed to your new name is being returned to sender. Ask them to make a clear note in your delivery record and consider putting a temporary note in your mailbox informing carriers of the name change.
Set Up Mail Forwarding in 5 Minutes
USPS handles forwarding directly through their online portal. No NewLastName account needed for this step — but if you also need Social Security, passport, DMV, or IRS forms filled out, we can do those for free.
Go to moversguide.usps.comOr fill out your other agency forms with NewLastName →
Last verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy