Moving can be a whirlwind of tasks, but ensuring your mail reaches you at your new address shouldn’t add to the stress. A Mail Forwarding Service seamlessly redirects your postal mail to your new location, minimizing disruptions and potential mail loss during your transition. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to utilize the USPS mail forwarding service.
Understanding Mail Forwarding: What You Need to Know
Before diving into the process, it’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of mail forwarding. While the service can be activated within three business days, allowing up to two weeks ensures a smooth transition. Mail is forwarded individually as it arrives at your old address.
Types of Mail Forwarded
The USPS mail forwarding service handles various mail types:
- Free Forwarding: First-Class Mail, periodicals (magazines and newsletters), Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage are forwarded free of charge.
- Paid Forwarding: Media Mail is forwarded, but you’ll need to cover the shipping cost from your old post office to your new address. USPS Marketing Mail is not forwarded.
Important Note: A change of address request only updates your address with the Post Office. You are responsible for updating your address with government agencies (e.g., for driver’s license, voter registration, benefits) and companies (e.g., banks, insurance providers, online retailers).
Setting Up Your Mail Forwarding Service
You have two options for initiating your mail forwarding service: online or in person at your local post office.
Online Application
- Visit the official USPS Change of Address website.
- Select the appropriate option: “Individual,” “Family” (for households with the same last name), or “Business.”
- Complete the form accurately.
- Verify your identity online via a verification code sent to your mobile phone. There is a $1.10 identity verification fee, and your credit card billing address must match either your old or new address.
- Successful Verification: You’ll receive an email confirmation code, a Move Validation letter to your old address, and a Customer Notification Letter to your new address about five business days before your forwarding start date. A welcome kit with coupons will also arrive at your new address.
- Verification Issues: If online verification fails, you’ll receive an email with a barcode and instructions to visit a post office with acceptable photo identification.
In-Person Application
- Locate your nearest post office.
- Bring acceptable photo identification.
- Request a free Mover’s Guide packet.
- Complete PS Form 3575 inside the packet and submit it to a postal worker. They will verify your identity using your photo ID.
Special Circumstances and Additional Services
Identity Verification Challenges
If you cannot verify your identity online or at a post office, you won’t be able to use the USPS mail forwarding service. In this case, you must directly contact all potential senders with your new address.
Forwarding for Others
Authorizing someone to handle your mail forwarding requires an in-person visit to the post office with proper documentation such as a birth certificate (for minors) or Power of Attorney.
Deceased Individuals and International Moves
Specific procedures apply to forwarding mail for deceased individuals and international moves, requiring in-person applications and supporting documentation. Consult the USPS website for detailed instructions.
Extending and Enhancing Your Mail Forwarding
Extended Mail Forwarding
Standard forwarding lasts for 12 months. Extend this service for 6, 12, or 18 months (maximum) through the USPS website. Note: Extended Mail Forwarding is non-refundable and cannot be canceled.
Premium Forwarding Services
For more frequent and expedited mail forwarding, consider paid Premium Forwarding Service options. These provide weekly (residential) or daily/weekly/monthly (business) Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express shipments of your accumulated mail.
Conclusion
Utilizing a mail forwarding service is a vital step in ensuring a smooth transition during a move. By understanding the various options and procedures, you can effectively manage your mail flow and minimize disruptions. Whether you choose the standard or premium service, forwarding your mail provides peace of mind knowing your important correspondence will reach you at your new home or business.
