1. Getting the PS Form 3575

The Change of Address form can only be obtained by going in person to a USPS
post office.

• The form cannot be downloaded online.
• There is a Spanish version, but not every post office will have it available.
• If you do not see the forms, ask a clerk—some offices keep them behind the counter.

It’s a good idea to ask for extra forms, but USPS clerks are not required to give extras, so
try not to make mistakes.

2. How Many Forms You Need

Before you begin writing, pay attention to how many people are moving and their last names.

If everyone moving has the same last name:

• You only need one form.

If people have different last names:

• You need one form per person.

Important Warning About Box 1

Box 1 asks whether the move is for one person or “entire family.”

• Select Entire Family ONLY if everyone at the old address is moving AND they all share the same last name.
• If you choose Entire Family but some people are not moving, you will accidentally forward their mail.

If only some people are moving, or last names differ, select Individual and complete a separate form for each person.

3. Box 2 – Temporary or Permanent Move

Most people should select NO for “temporary move,” because most people do not return to their old home.

If you plan to return, choose YES. In Box 4 you may select the date when mail returns to the old address.

4. Box 3 – Start Date for Mail Forwarding

Box 3 asks when forwarding should start—but forwarding never starts on this exact date.

Paper COA forms take about 10–14 days to process. Forwarding often begins 2–3 weeks after the date you write.

Because of this delay, choose today’s date or the earliest possible date.

5. Box 5A & 5B – How to Write Names Correctly

Box 5A – Last Name

Many customers, especially Spanish-speakers, have long names. In the U.S. postal system, names follow this format:

First Name – Middle Name – Last Name

To avoid errors, write only your last name in Box 5A and ignore additional surnames.

Box 5B – First Name

Write ONLY your first name, second-to-last name, and nothing else.

CORRECT!

WRONG!

Formatting Rules

• Write in ALL CAPS.
• Letters must NOT touch each other.
• Each name should stay inside its own boxes with spaces in between.
• If you make a mistake, do NOT cross out—start over with a fresh form.

6. Box 6 – Business Name

This box is only for businesses. Ignore it for personal moves.

7. Old Address – Boxes 7A to 7E

Box 7A – Street Number and Street Name

Write ONLY your street number and street name.

Correct: 123 SUMMER ST

Incorrect: 123SUMMER STREET APT 3

Apartment Box Under 7A

Just write the apartment number only, e.g., 3 (do not write “APT 3”).

Box 7C – City

Write the city of your old address.

Box 7D – State

Use the two-letter state abbreviation (CA, FL, NY, TX, etc.).

Box 7E – ZIP Code

Double-check your old ZIP Code. Errors here can delay mail for weeks or months.

CORRECT!

WRONG!

8. New Address – Boxes 8A to 8E

These boxes follow the same rules as the 7-series, but for your new address.

• Write street number + street name.
• Write apartment number separately.
• Write your new city.
• Write the state using two letters.
• Write your new ZIP Code carefully.

If you make a mistake, do NOT cross it out—start a new form.

CORRECT!

WRONG!

9. Box 9 – Print, Sign, and Date

You must:

• Print your name clearly.
• Sign your name on the signature line.
• Write today’s date in MM / DD / YY format (example: 11 24 25).

Write neatly—there is very little space.

CORRECT!

10. Children Under 18

Children under 18 cannot submit their own Change of Address.

• If the child has the same last name, include them under the Entire Family option.
• If the child has a different last name, USPS cannot move their mail by form.

In that case, you must update their address manually with all institutions: schools, doctors, insurance, banks,
etc. There is no workaround.

11. Do Not Submit Forms for People Who Are Not Present

Do not submit a form for an adult who is not physically present. USPS may reject the request if the person listed
cannot show ID.

12. Verification: ID and Proof of Residence

After submitting the form, the clerk will ask for:

• A valid photo ID.
• Proof of residence at the new address.

Examples include:

• Lease with names of all residents.
• Bank statement.
• Utility bill (water, light, gas, internet).
• Official letter with your new address.

Many people fail verification because they do not bring documents proving they live at the new address. Always
bring your lease or other documents that prove you live there.

13. Best Type of ID to Use

The best ID is a driver’s license. USPS will scan the barcode on the back.

If you present a passport, green card, or work permit, the clerk will require extra proof of residence.
Bring additional documents if you do not have a driver’s license.

14. When Your Mail Will Arrive

If everything was done correctly, forwarding normally starts in 10–14 days.

Your first delivery will usually be a large bundle of forwarded mail with
yellow USPS forwarding labels. Once you see this, everything is working.