Moving to a new address can be both exciting and overwhelming. Among the many tasks, ensuring your mail reaches you at your new location is crucial. United States Postal Service (USPS) mail forwarding service is designed to make this transition seamless. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about USPS mail forwarding, ensuring you don’t miss any important letters or packages during your move.
Understanding USPS Mail Forwarding
While it’s ideal to notify all senders of your address change, USPS mail forwarding acts as a safety net, redirecting your mail from your old address to your new one. It’s important to plan ahead; although mail forwarding can start within 3 business days of your request, it’s recommended to allow up to 2 weeks for the process to fully activate. Mail is forwarded piece by piece as it arrives at your old address.
What Types of Mail Will USPS Forward?
It’s essential to understand what mail is eligible for forwarding:
- First-Class Mail and Periodicals: This includes letters, postcards, and magazines. These are forwarded for free during the forwarding period.
- Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage: These expedited and ground services are also forwarded at no additional charge.
- Media Mail: Media Mail items, such as books and CDs, can be forwarded, but you will need to pay the postage difference between your old and new addresses. You’ll be required to pay this cost at your local Post Office.
- USPS Marketing Mail: This type of mail, often consisting of advertisements and catalogs, is not forwarded.
It’s critical to remember that USPS mail forwarding only updates your address with the Post Office. You must separately update your address with government agencies (like the DMV, IRS, and voter registration), financial institutions, online retailers, and other important services to ensure uninterrupted communication.
How to Change Your Address for USPS Mail Forwarding
USPS offers convenient options to change your address, either online or in person at a Post Office.
When In-Person Address Change is Required:
You must visit a Post Office location to submit your change of address request in the following situations:
- Moving outside of the United States: International moves require in-person verification.
- Submitting a request as an Authorized Agent: If you are changing the address for someone else.
- Unable to verify identity online: If the online verification process fails.
Changing Your Address Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
The online method is generally the quickest and easiest way to set up mail forwarding:
- Visit the Official USPS Change of Address Website: Go to Official USPS Change of Address. Ensure the URL is correct to avoid fraudulent websites.
- Select Move Type: Choose “Individual,” “Family,” or “Business” based on your situation and complete the online form with your old and new addresses, and the date you want forwarding to begin.
- Identity Verification: Opt for online verification by receiving a code or link via mobile phone. This is a security measure to protect against unauthorized address changes.
- Pay the Verification Fee: A small identity verification fee of $1.10 is required. Your credit card billing address must match either your old or new address for successful verification.
- Successful Online Verification:
- You will receive an email confirmation with a confirmation code. Keep this code safe, as you’ll need it to modify or cancel your request.
- A Move Validation Letter will be sent to your old address to confirm the change of address request.
- Approximately 5 business days before your forwarding start date, a Customer Notification Letter (containing your confirmation code) and a welcome kit with partner coupons will arrive at your new address.
- Mail forwarding will commence on your specified start date.
- Unsuccessful Online Verification: If online verification fails, USPS will email you instructions and a barcode. Take this email and acceptable photo ID to your local Post Office to complete the process in person.
Changing Your Address at a Post Office Location
If you prefer or are required to change your address in person, follow these steps:
- Visit Your Local Post Office: Locate your nearest Post Office using the USPS Post Office Locator. Bring acceptable photo identification and any necessary documentation.
- Request a Mover’s Guide Packet: Ask a retail associate for a free Mover’s Guide packet. This packet contains the necessary PS Form 3575.
- Complete PS Form 3575: Fill out the form accurately and completely.
- Submit Your Form: Give the completed form to the retail associate. They will verify your identity using your photo ID and process your mail forwarding request.
Change of Address Exceptions & Details (DMM 507.2.0)
Addressing Identity Verification Issues
Identity verification is a crucial step to prevent fraud and ensure only authorized individuals can change an address.
- Verification Requirement: Identity verification is mandatory for all change of address requests.
- In-Person Verification: If you cannot verify your identity online, you must visit a Post Office with acceptable identification.
- No Verification, No Forwarding: If you cannot verify your identity either online or at a Post Office, USPS will not process your change of address request.
- Directly Contact Senders: In cases where USPS change of address is not possible, your only recourse is to individually notify everyone who sends you mail of your new address.
Special Situations for Mail Forwarding
USPS accommodates various special circumstances for mail forwarding:
Authorized Agent Requests:
If you are submitting a change of address on behalf of someone else, you must do so in person at a Post Office and provide additional documentation:
- Child under 18: Bring the child’s birth certificate.
- Person unable to act for themselves: You’ll need to present a Power of Attorney document.
Forwarding Mail for the Deceased:
To manage mail for a deceased individual, you must visit a Post Office and provide documentation proving you are the executor or administrator of their estate. A death certificate alone is not sufficient.
Managing Mail for the Deceased
International Moves:
For moves outside the United States, you must visit a Post Office in person before leaving the country to verify your identity and submit your change of address.
Business Address Changes:
When changing a business address in person, you must provide documentation establishing you as an “Authorized Agent,” such as a notarized letter, power of attorney, or a letter on company letterhead signed by a company leader.
U.S. Military Moves:
For military personnel, it is recommended to first coordinate with your command as relocation information may be automatically shared with USPS. If a manual change of address is still needed, it can be done online or in person. Online requests from military addresses require an email address ending in .gov, .mil, or .edu. In-person verification for military moves is only available at Post Offices within the 50 states and Puerto Rico. If stationed outside these areas, in-person verification and USPS change of address are not possible.
Related USPS Mail Services
Beyond standard mail forwarding, USPS offers additional services that may be helpful during a move:
USPS Hold Mail Service:
If you will be away temporarily (from 3 to 30 days), USPS Hold Mail service allows you to pause all mail delivery to your address. Your local Post Office will securely hold your mail until you return, and you can then have it delivered or pick it up.
Schedule USPS Hold Mail Service
Extended Mail Forwarding:
Standard mail forwarding lasts for 12 months. If you need longer forwarding, you can extend it for an additional 6, 12, or 18 months for a fee. You can add Extended Mail Forwarding when initially setting up your change of address or by editing an existing request. USPS will send a reminder email a month before your initial forwarding period ends. Note that Extended Mail Forwarding is non-refundable and cannot be canceled.
After the mail forwarding period concludes, mail will be returned to sender for 6 months with a label indicating your new address, allowing senders to update their records.
Premium Forwarding Service:
For more comprehensive mail management, USPS Premium Forwarding Service offers options to have your mail bundled and shipped to you regularly. Residential customers can receive weekly Priority Mail shipments, while businesses can choose daily, weekly, or monthly shipments via Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express.
Premium Forwarding Mail Services
USPS mail forwarding and related services are invaluable tools for managing your mail during a move. By understanding the process and available options, you can ensure a smooth transition and continued receipt of your important mail.
