Changes to the USPS New Address Policy

In an effort to avoid fraud, the United States Postal Service has made some changes to their new address policy.

Previously, one could choose to initiate a Change of Address Request online, by mail, or in person at a local USPS retail office. Both the online and by-mail options alone left too much room for fraud, allowing anyone to potentially forward any unsuspecting person's mail to a new address.

Now, to ensure accurate identity verification, the USPS requests that anyone changing their address must visit a local retail location in addition to submitting a request online, by mail, or in person. Upon submitting the request, the requestee will receive an email with a QR code. They must then visit a USPS location to present their driver's license and the QR code they received.

Both steps must be completed to have mail forwarded to a new location. Failure to fill out a Change of Address form and visit a location for identity verification means that a mail carrier will deliver all accumulated mail from the old location back to the nearest post office. The post office will keep the mail for 10 calendar days.