Reviewed July 31, 2026

United States Postal Service (USPS)

USPS is an independent establishment of the executive branch that provides mail and package services and accepts official change-of-address requests.

Federal entity · Nationwide postal network

USPS delivers mail and offers forwarding services. A USPS change of address does not update another agency's address-of-record system.

What USPS manages

  • Domestic mail and package acceptance, processing, delivery, tracking, and related postal products.
  • Post Offices, collection and delivery networks, ZIP Codes, and official address-management services.
  • Standard mail forwarding after an eligible temporary or permanent change-of-address order.
  • Hold Mail and optional premium forwarding services under their own rules.

What USPS does not manage

  • Address records held by the IRS, Social Security, USCIS, state motor vehicle agencies, election offices, benefit programs, banks, insurers, or other senders.
  • The eligibility or case decisions described in mail sent by another government agency.
  • Guaranteed forwarding of every mail class or every piece carrying a sender instruction to return it.

Use the correct official channel

Submit a change of address only through the official USPS online service or PS Form 3575 at a Post Office. Contact each sender separately with the new address, especially when missing a notice could affect a deadline or benefit.

Official channels

Related resources