Usps Change - Of Address Printable Form

Title: The USPS Change of Address Printable Form: A Comprehensive Guide to Function, Fulfillment, and Fraud Prevention

Introduction

Moving one’s residence or business is consistently ranked among life’s most stressful events. Amidst the chaos of packing, utilities transfers, and cleaning, the reliable forwarding of mail remains a critical, yet often overlooked, logistical challenge. The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides the official solution through its Change of Address (COA) process. While online submission has become the dominant method, the USPS Change of Address printable form (PS Form 3575) endures as a vital, tangible alternative. This paper examines the history, proper acquisition, step-by-step completion, submission protocols, legal weight, and modern relevance of the printable COA form, while also addressing the significant risk of fraudulent submissions.

1. Historical Context and the PS Form 3575

The USPS has managed mail forwarding since the early 20th century, but the standardized PS Form 3575—officially titled “Official Change of Address Form”—became ubiquitous in the 1970s. For decades, the only way to change an address was to visit a local post office and manually complete this triplicate form (customer copy, post office copy, and data entry copy). The “printable form” of today is a digital descendant of that original carbon-paper document. It preserves the same legal attestation language but is distributed as a fillable PDF, allowing customers to print it on standard 8.5” x 11” paper.

2. Obtaining the Official Printable Form

Crucially, the USPS does not provide a single, universally “printable” form directly on its main website without a process. To obtain the legitimate PS Form 3575 for printing, customers have three options:

• USPS.com Official Move Page: The USPS directs users to its online COA tool. However, deep within the FAQ and “Resources” section, a link to the “Print a Change of Address Form” (PDF) exists. This is the only authorized digital version.
• Local Post Office Lobby: Many post offices still stock physical PS Form 3575s in their lobby literature racks. A customer can take one, scan it, and print copies—though this defeats the purpose of a “printable form.”
• Third-party Aggregators (with caution): Sites like PDFfiller or TemplateLab often host copies of the form. Warning: These are not official USPS URLs. Using them carries risks of outdated editions or, worse, phishing scams disguised as COA forms.

3. Step-by-Step Completion of the Printable Form

Unlike the guided online wizard, the printable form requires careful manual attention. The PS Form 3575 is divided into five distinct sections:

• Section A – Old Address: Requires full former mailing address, including ZIP+4 if known, county, and the date you are moving. A common error is entering the forwarding start date incorrectly.
• Section B – New Address: Requires the complete new physical address. For temporary moves (less than 6 months), a box must be checked indicating “Temporary” vs. “Permanent.”
• Section C – Family vs. Individual Move: Critical check box. If “Entire Family” is selected, all individuals with the same last name at the old address are forwarded. If “Individual,” only the named person is forwarded. For mixed surnames, multiple forms are required.
• Section D – Business Move: If applicable, the business name and your title must be supplied.
• Section E – Signature and Date: The form requires a handwritten signature under penalty of perjury. The statement reads: “I certify that I am the person, executor, guardian, authorized officer, or agent for the person or business for whom mail is to be forwarded...”

4. Submission Methods for the Printed Form

Unlike an online submission (instant confirmation via credit card identity verification), the printable form requires physical handling. Submission options include:

• In-Person at a Post Office: The most secure method. A retail clerk will verify ID (driver’s license, passport) and process the form immediately, handing back a customer receipt (PS Form 3576). No fee is required for in-person submission.
• Mail-in Submission: The completed form can be mailed to the USPS National Change of Address Center (address provided on the form’s back). However, this method is strongly discouraged because it requires sending original documents through the mail, takes 7-10 business days to process, and offers no immediate confirmation.

5. Advantages of the Printable Form Over Online Submission usps change of address printable form

Despite the convenience of the $1.10 identity verification fee (charged to a credit card for online COA), the printable form retains distinct advantages:

| Feature | Online COA | Printable Form (In-Person) | | --- | --- | --- | | Cost | $1.10 identity fee | Free | | Identity verification | Credit card billing address | Government-issued photo ID | | Family moves | Can be glitchy for mixed surnames | Clear, manual control | | No credit card required | No | Yes | | Immediate confirmation | Yes (email + welcome kit) | Yes (receipt from clerk) |

For unbanked individuals, the elderly, or those wary of online identity theft, the printable form is the only accessible option.

6. Legal Implications and Fraud Risks

The PS Form 3575 is a legal document. Submitting false information—specifically, redirecting someone else’s mail without authorization—is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1342 (fictitious name or address) and 18 U.S.C. § 1708 (theft of mail matter). Penalties include fines and up to five years in prison.

A growing problem is COA identity fraud. Malicious actors can print the form, forge a signature, and submit it in person using a fake or stolen ID. To mitigate this, USPS now requires valid ID for in-person COA submissions. Furthermore, the USPS sends a Confirmation Letter to both the old and new addresses within 5 days. If a resident receives a confirmation letter for a move they did not initiate, they must contact the USPS Postal Inspection Service immediately.

7. Common Mistakes and Rejections

The printable form is notorious for manual errors leading to rejection. Top issues include:

• Illegible handwriting (form requires block letters or typewritten entries).
• Missing apartment or suite numbers.
• Using a P.O. Box as the “old address” when forwarding from a street address (USPS does not forward from P.O. Boxes to residential addresses without special forms).
• Forgetting to sign and date the form.

8. Digital Alternatives and the Future of the Printable Form

The USPS is aggressively promoting its online COA system, which integrates with the Informed Delivery dashboard. However, the Postal Service’s own regulations (DMM 507.2.1.2) mandate that a paper-based, signature-on-file option must remain available for privacy and accessibility reasons. The printable form is not obsolete; it has been repositioned as a specialized tool for:

• Court-ordered mail forwarding.
• Estate executors handling a deceased person’s mail.
• Victims of domestic violence who cannot use a credit card traceable to a shelter.

Conclusion

The USPS Change of Address printable form (PS Form 3575) is far more than a relic of a pre-internet age. It is a legally binding, zero-cost, identity-verifiable instrument that guarantees mail continuity for millions of Americans who either lack digital access or distrust online systems. While the online process offers speed, the printable form provides transparency and a tangible paper trail. Users must exercise caution: only download the PDF from official USPS.com channels, submit it in person with a valid ID, and monitor for the confirmation letter to prevent fraud. Whether moving across the street or across the country, the humble PS Form 3575 remains a cornerstone of American postal logistics.

References

1. United States Postal Service. (2024). PS Form 3575: Official Change of Address Form. USPS.com.
2. USPS Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Section 507.2 – Change of Address.
3. U.S. Government Publishing Office. (2022). 18 U.S.C. § 1708 – Theft of mail matter. GovInfo.gov.
4. Postal Inspection Service. (2023). Identity Theft and Change of Address Fraud. USPIS.gov.

While there is no official downloadable version of the Change of Address form that you can print from home, you have two authorized ways to submit your request: 1. Online Submission (Recommended)

The fastest and most common method is using the Official USPS Change of Address® website.

Convenience: You can complete the process in minutes from your computer or mobile device.

Identity Verification: This method requires a small identity verification fee (typically around $1.10) to prevent fraud.

Options: You can choose to move as an Individual, Family (if everyone has the same last name), or Business. 2. In-Person at a Post Office

If you prefer a paper form, you must visit a local post office to pick up PS Form 3575.

No Online PDF: The USPS retired the printable online version (PS Form 3575www) in 2016 to improve security and ensure identity verification.

Free Submission: Filling out and dropping off this paper form at the counter is free of charge.

Mover's Guide: Usually, this form is found inside the "Mover's Guide" packet available in the lobby. Key Differences at a Glance In-Person (Paper) Form Name Mover's Guide Online PS Form 3575 Availability USPS Website Local Post Office Cost Small verification fee Processing Immediate/Fastest Takes longer to process Title: The USPS Change of Address Printable Form:

Important Note: Be wary of third-party websites offering "printable" USPS forms or charging high fees. Only use the Official USPS website or physical USPS locations to ensure your personal information remains secure. Standard Forward Mail | USPS

How to Change Your Address Online. Go to the Official USPS Change of Address® website. Choose an option for either an "Individual, www.usps.com Forms - Resources - About.usps.com

PS Form 1093-A. Application for Post Office Box™ Service Automatic Recurring Renewal Payment. about.usps.com

U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Change of Address | disasterassistance.gov

Section 4: Signature and Date

• You must physically sign and date the form. An unsigned form will be returned.
• Family moves: If you are moving a family (e.g., spouse and children with the same last name), only the head of household signs. If family members have different last names, each adult signs their own form.

Overview

The USPS Change of Address (COA) printable form allows individuals and businesses to notify the United States Postal Service of a permanent or temporary move using a paper form (PS Form 3575). It is an alternative to the online COA process and is useful for those without internet access, for individuals who prefer physical paperwork, or when identity-verification concerns make a mailed form preferable.

Submission Methods

Once the form is filled out, you have two submission options:

Option A: Hand Delivery (Recommended for Paper Forms) Take the completed form to the retail counter at your local Post Office. Hand it to the clerk along with your photo ID. The clerk will verify your identity on the spot. This is the most secure method as it prevents the form from being lost or stolen in transit.

Option B: Mail It You can place the form in your mailbox for the carrier to pick up or drop it in a blue collection box. However, because this form contains sensitive address data, mailing it carries a slight risk. If you mail it, ensure you include a photocopy of your ID as verification may be required by the processing center.

2. Personal Information

• Date: Enter the date you want the forwarding to begin. It is recommended to file this at least 2 weeks before your move date, though the USPS suggests 3 months in advance.
• Name: Your full legal name.
• Present Address: Your current home address (where mail is currently being delivered).
• New Address: The address where you want your mail sent.

Why Use the Printable Form vs. Online?

Before we dive into the "how," let's look at the "why." The USPS offers three ways to change your address: online ($1.10 identity verification fee), in-person at a post office (free), or via the printable form (free, plus postage).

Advantages of the printable form:

• No Credit Card Required: The online method charges a $1.10 fee to verify your identity via a credit card. The printable form is free.
• Physical Proof: You retain a carbon copy for your records.
• No Internet Required: Perfect for those who are tech-averse or currently without internet access during a move.
• Family & Business Options: The paper form handles business moves and family name variations more clearly than the online wizard.

Where to Submit the Completed Form

Unlike the online form (which is immediate), the printable form requires physical delivery. You have three options: in-person at a post office (free)