When selling your home, timing matters—especially when it comes to forwarding your mail. Filing the correct USPS Change of Address form helps ensure important documents, closing paperwork, and personal mail follow you smoothly during and after your move. This guide explains which USPS form to use so you can focus on selling your home, not chasing lost mail.

You can start your official change of address directly with USPS here

Understanding USPS Change of Address Forms

USPS offers three Change of Address options: Individual, Family, and Business. Choosing the right one is especially important when coordinating your move with a home sale.

Individual USPS Change of Address Form

This is the most common option for home sellers.

Use an Individual form if:

• You are selling your home and moving by yourself

• You live with roommates and only want your own mail forwarded

• Household members are moving to different addresses

Each person must submit their own form if last names differ or destinations are not the same.

Business USPS Change of Address Form

If you operate a business from your home and are relocating that business as part of your move, a Business Change of Address Form is required. You must be authorized to manage mail for the business.

USPS Confirmation and Mail Forwarding Timeline

After submitting your request, USPS will mail a Move Validation Letter to your current address to confirm the change. Within about five business days of your forwarding start date, USPS will send a Welcome Kit and Confirmation Code to your new address.

USPS typically takes 10–12 business days to fully process a change of address. For home sellers, this means you should file your request about two weeks before closing or your planned move-out date.

More details on mail forwarding:https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm

Online Identity Verification and the $1 Fee

USPS requires a $1 credit or debit card charge when submitting a change of address online. This is for identity verification only.

Important reminder for sellers: If a website charges more than $1 to change your address, it is not USPS and may be a scam.

Official USPS verification info:
https://www.usps.com/move/identity-verification.htm

Temporary Options for Sellers Between Homes

If you are selling your home before moving into your next one, USPS offers flexible options:

Mail Hold
USPS can hold your mail at the post office for 3 to 30 days.
https://www.usps.com/manage/hold-mail.htm

Premium Forwarding Service
If you need mail forwarded weekly to a temporary U.S. address for longer periods, USPS Premium Forwarding Service allows forwarding for up to one year.
https://www.usps.com/manage/premium-forwarding-service.htm

When You Must Visit the Post Office

Some address changes must be completed in person, including:

• Moving out of the country

• Changing to or from a P.O. Box

• Using a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA)

• Moving mail tied to a business entity

If your home sale involves any of these, contact your local post office in advance.

Updating or Canceling Your Change of Address

If your closing date shifts or plans change, USPS allows you to update or cancel your request online using your Confirmation Code and ZIP Code. If you no longer have the code, a USPS clerk can assist in person.

Manage your request here:
https://moversguide.usps.com/mgo/disclaimer

Final Tip for Home Sellers

Selling a home comes with a long checklist, and changing your address is one of the easiest items to complete early. Filing the correct USPS Change of Address form ahead of time helps ensure a smooth transition from listing to closing—without missed mail, bills, or legal documents.

If you’re selling your home and planning your next move, the OnDemand Realty team can help you coordinate timelines, prep your property, and transition seamlessly into your next home.