The overhaul comes after a spike in "mail forwarding fraud," where thieves submit a change of address to intercept bank statements, credit cards, or medical information. In 2024 alone, the USPS Postal Inspection Service reported a 40% increase in identity theft cases linked to fraudulent COAs.
“We are modernizing the ‘trust but verify’ model,” said a USPS spokesperson. “The new form prioritizes the identity of the human behind the request, not just the credit card number.” us post office change of address form updated
Previously, anyone with a credit card could file a COA online. Now, the USPS uses a risk-based authentication model. If your move is flagged as high-risk (e.g., forwarding from a commercial mail receiving agency, frequent COA history, or identity mismatch), you will receive a "Verify Your Move" letter. You must bring this letter along with two valid IDs (one photo, one non-photo) to a local post office within 15 days. Failure to verify results in automatic cancellation of the forward. The overhaul comes after a spike in "mail
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. Use the USPS online Change of Address tool
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.