Why Mail Forwarding Matters
When you move to a new address, not everyone you receive mail from will know your new location right away — and some senders, like government agencies, take weeks or months to update their records. USPS mail forwarding is a free (for standard forwarding) service that redirects your mail from your old address to your new one, giving you a safety net during the transition.
Types of USPS Mail Forwarding
Standard Forward (Change of Address)
The most common option. First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Express Mail are forwarded to your new address. Marketing Mail and periodicals are typically not forwarded — they're disposed of or returned. Standard forwarding is free when done through USPS.com (a small identity verification fee applies online) or free at your local Post Office with a paper form.
Premium Forwarding Service (PFS)
A paid service for people who need all their mail forwarded weekly, including packages and flats. USPS collects your mail, bundles it, and ships it to you via Priority Mail once per week. Useful for seasonal travelers, snowbirds, or extended business trips.
How to Set Up Standard Mail Forwarding
Option 1: Online at USPS.com
- Go to USPS.com and search for "Change of Address."
- Click "Change My Address" and select whether the change is for an individual, family, or business.
- Enter your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin.
- Pay the identity verification fee (a small charge to a credit card to confirm your identity — this is not a postage charge).
- USPS will send a confirmation letter to both your old and new address.
Option 2: In Person at the Post Office
- Pick up a PS Form 3575 (Change of Address form) — available at any Post Office counter or lobby.
- Fill out the form with your name(s), old address, new address, and effective date.
- Submit the form to a postal clerk or drop it in the outgoing mail slot.
- No fee is required for in-person submission.
How Long Does Mail Forwarding Last?
| Mail Type | Forwarding Duration |
|---|---|
| First-Class Mail, Priority Mail | 12 months |
| Express Mail | 12 months |
| Periodicals (magazines) | 60 days (at sender's cost, if at all) |
| Marketing Mail (ads, flyers) | Not forwarded |
| Packages (Ground Advantage, Parcel) | 12 months |
After 12 months, First-Class Mail is returned to senders marked "Moved, Left No Address" or disposed of. You can renew forwarding or set up a permanent change before the period ends.
Common Mail Forwarding Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting too late: Forwarding takes 7–10 business days to fully activate. Submit your request at least 1–2 weeks before your move date.
- Assuming all mail is forwarded: Marketing Mail, many government mailings, and some bulk deliveries are not forwarded. Update your address directly with important senders.
- Forgetting business mail: If you run a home business, you may need a separate change-of-address request for business mail.
- Using third-party forwarding websites: Some sites charge significantly more than USPS for this service. Always use USPS.com or a Post Office directly.
What to Do After Setting Up Forwarding
Mail forwarding is a bridge — not a permanent solution. While it's active, prioritize updating your address with:
- Banks and financial institutions
- The IRS and Social Security Administration
- Your employer and HR department
- Subscription services and online retailers
- State DMV (for your driver's license and vehicle registration)
- Insurance providers
Final Thoughts
USPS mail forwarding is a reliable, easy-to-set-up service that buys you time after a move. Just remember it's temporary and doesn't forward every type of mail. The sooner you update your address directly with key senders, the smoother your transition will be.