Fraud and scams are becoming more and more prominent which makes it harder to know what’s real and what’s not. To help protect people from identity theft, the US Postal Service has enhanced its protocols to request a change of address, requiring additional identification methods.
These changes were made to address identity theft concerns globally and to protect customers’ information. Not only does the post office want to protect the customers, but the postal workers. The Postal Service has seen a spike in mail thefts and carrier robberies. Mail theft complaints increased 160% between March 2020 and February 2021.
The basics haven’t changed, but an additional step to verify your identity has been added. How you verify your identity depends on how you file to change your address, which is only activated after your identity has been confirmed. If you cannot verify your identity for some reason, the USPS suggests reaching out to your creditors and organizations directly about your change of address.
Filing online will cost users $1.10 and require a valid mobile phone number. If your online verification is successful, you will be emailed a confirmation code, which you must keep in case you need to modify or cancel your request. If your identification verification isn’t successful, you will be emailed instructions and a barcode to verify your identity at the post office in person.
If you change your address in person, you will need a valid photo ID, and possibly a second ID that includes your old or new address. You’ll need a photo ID that is current and unexpired, which includes a driver’s license or non-driver’s license ID card, a US passport, or a Uniformed Services Identification Card. If you use a passport or Uniformed Services ID Card, you’ll need a second form of ID that includes your name and address. Forms of ID that are accepted include a lease, mortgage or deed of trust, voter or vehicle registration, or an insurance policy for either a home or vehicle.
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