Mail Forwarding: How It Works, When You Need It, and How to Set It Up

Mail forwarding is an excellent service designed for people who spend time away from their primary residence. It eases transitions to new homes and ensures that essential mail is sent to the correct location.

What is Mail Forwarding?

Mail forwarding is a service that forwards your mail from your old address to a new address. When someone sends a letter or package to your old address, USPS intercepts it and forwards it to the address you specified. It works as if your mail “follows” you when you move, travel, or are temporarily staying in another location. This ensures that you continue to receive important documents such as bills, notices, and personal mail during the transition period and don't miss anything.

When Do You Need Mail Forwarding?

Mail forwarding is helpful for anyone who is away from home for an extended period or needs to reroute mail quickly after a move. Setting up a forwarded address allows the post office to reroute important mail to your new location automatically. This system means that you don't have to rush to inform everyone who sends you mail immediately after changing locations. You will continue receiving utility bills, wedding invitations, credit card statements, and all other important mail without delay. However, mail forwarding is not a permanent solution. The post office will only forward mail for up to a year before you are required to provide them with a new permanent address. Some everyday situations that will benefit from mail forwarding include:

• Moving to a new home
• Extended business trips
• Living away for the school year
• Hospitalizations
• Receiving a loved one's mail after their passing

How Does Mail Forwarding Work?

Mail forwarding requires that you submit a Change of Address (COA) request with the United States Postal Service. There is a processing period before their offices begin rerouting your mail from the old address to the new one. The maximum duration for mail forwarding is 364 days; however, you must renew your request at least once to reach this full-time limit. There may also be additional charges or restrictions based on the requester and location. 

Step 1 – Submit a Change of Address Request

USPS customers can file in person or online. Anyone filing in person can visit any USPS office and request a Mover's Guide packet. This free packet will contain PS Form 3575, which is used for both temporary mail forwarding and a permanent address change.

Those filing online can use an Internet Change of Address. Visit moversguide.usps.com and follow the guided instructions. You will need to pay a $1.25 verification fee and provide the one-time password sent to your phone number or email address.

Step 2 – Identity Verification

You must present the USPS office with a primary form of identification, along with PS Form 3575. This safeguard prevents unauthorized address changes and prevents fraud. Change of Address services are limited to the individual receiving the mail or their legal representative. Options for primary identification include any US government-issued ID, passport (US or foreign), or a US university ID. There may also be additional acceptable forms based on your situation, which can be found in section 608.10.2 of the USPS Domestic Mail Manual. Online requests must pass either device-reputation authentication or multi-factor authentication. The USPS site will send a one-time password to your phone or email address before processing your request. If the site cannot verify your identity, it will inform you of a physical location where you can visit to verify your identity in person.

Step 3 – USPS Redirects Your Mail

Once your COA is processed, the USPS will reroute mail to your requested address. The approval period is estimated to take three days. However, it is recommended to submit the form two weeks prior to relocating, in case of any delays.

The USPS will forward all classes of mail, including Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, Periodicals, and Package Services.

How Long Does Mail Forwarding Last?

Standard USPS mail forwarding is available for a period ranging from two weeks to a year. However, your first COA request will only last up to 185 days. You must renew the service by submitting a second request, which will extend the forwarding to a maximum of 364 days. After this period, you are expected to submit a new COA to maintain a permanent location for USPS files. Otherwise, your mailing address will return to the original location.

Forwarding is typically a free service for Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, and Package Services. The USPS starts charging for periodicals after the first sixty days. It is a low-cost service that gives people time to update their addresses with banks, insurance companies, online stores, and government agencies. 

Types of Mail Forwarding Services

There are several types of mail forwarding services, including individual, family, and business. You must select the type when completing PS Form 3575.

• Individual Forwarding:This type only affects mail addressed to one person. It is helpful if you are temporarily staying away from a multi-person household and only want your mail rerouted.
• Family Forwarding: This service forwards your family's mail and packages to the new address. Each family member must share a last name for this option. You do not have to list everyone's name on the request.
• Business Forwarding:This method reroutes mail from your place of business to a new address. You must make an in-person request for business forwarding and show documentation that proves you are an authorized agent for the business.

There are also other types of mail forwarding rules for military members, will executors, and international movers.

Those executing a will who want to receive the decedent's mail must make their forwarding request in person. They must provide USPS with documentation proving that they are managing the decedent's estate.

Mail forwarding is also available for international moves. However, you must request the COA in person before you move. The office will verify your location and ensure that your new address is formatted correctly, as the formatting may differ in other countries.

Military members can work through their command to set up their forwarding situation. All forwarded mail will be completely free of charge as long as the relocation is due to official orders. This benefit also applies to all military family members affected by the official order.

Why Mail Forwarding Matters

Mail forwarding is important because many security-focused organisations still use physical mail to send important notices and information. For example, imagine you are away from home for an extended period due to a business trip. In that case, you can still stay up to date with utility bills, medical notices, government forms, and other important information.

Additionally, forgotten letters in your mailbox can also present a security risk. Some criminals can use the information found in letters to commit fraud or steal your identity. Rerouting your mail to arrive at your new location can prevent this risk.

How to Set Up Mail Forwarding

You can set up mail forwarding by visiting any USPS branch or going to moversguide.usps.com. However, some situations, such as business forwarding or requesting mail for a deceased person, require in-person visits. At the office, you can ask for PS Form 3575 from the clerk. Fill out this form, indicating the type of forwarding you need, and verify your identity with a primary form of identification (government or US university ID card). The USPS office will process your request and begin forwarding your mail after a minimum of three days. The processing time can take up to two weeks; therefore, it is recommended to submit a request as soon as possible. Online requests can be made on the official USPS website. To complete the process, follow the prompts and verify your identity using a one-time code sent to your phone number or email address. 

FAQs About Mail Forwarding

How much does mail forwarding cost?

USPS mail forwarding is free in most cases. Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, and Package Services are free for the duration of your forwarding period. However, periodicals are charged additional postage after the first sixty days.

The only cost of applying for mail forwarding is an online identity verification fee of $1.25. You may also opt for a Premium Forwarding Service, which has an additional weekly fee depending on your needs.

How long does USPS forward mail?

USPS can forward your mail for up to twelve months (364 days). However, the first request only lasts up to six months. You must submit a second request before the end of this period to extend the duration to 364 days.

Can I extend my mail forwarding beyond 12 months?

In most cases, you can renew your mail forwarding by submitting another COA. However, it may be more prudent to request a permanent address change with the USPS if you require mail forwarding for longer than a year.

Does mail forwarding work with all types of mail?

Mail forwarding covers Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, Priority Express Mail, and Package Services. This service may restrict certain periodicals that do not pay postage past the first sixty days and also does not reroute USPS marketing mail.

How long does it take for mail forwarding to start?

USPS takes between three and fourteen business days to process your request. It is recommended that you submit your request at least two weeks in advance of your move.

Can I forward mail temporarily?

Yes. USPS uses the same form for permanent and temporary address changes. You will just have to specify a date to end the mail forwarding service on the request form.

What happens if I don't set up mail forwarding before moving?

Mail will be delivered to your old address, potentially causing you to miss essential bills, bank statements, medical notices, and other crucial information. Setting up forwarding prevents disruptions to your life and keeps you secure.

Do I still need to update my address with banks and government agencies?

Yes. A COA only changes your address (temporarily or permanently) with USPS records. You will need to update banks, online shopping sites, government agencies, and any other third-party institution that requires your mailing address.