How to Set Up USPS Mail Forwarding: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mail forwarding can be a practical solution when you're moving, traveling for an extended period, or managing multiple addresses. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) offers a straightforward forwarding service that redirects your mail to a new location. Here's how it works and what you need to know before you set it up.
What USPS Mail Forwarding Does
Mail forwarding redirects pieces addressed to your old address to a new one you specify. USPS will forward most mail—letters, magazines, and some packages—for a set period you choose. The service doesn't change your actual address in most systems; it simply tells the post office to redirect incoming mail for you.
This is distinct from a change of address notification, which should be submitted to individual organizations (banks, employers, subscriptions) to update your address directly with them. Forwarding catches mail from senders you may have forgotten about.
The Basic Steps to Set Up Forwarding 📬
Online (Fastest Option)
- Visit USPS.com and navigate to the mail forwarding section.
- Verify your identity using your Social Security number and driver's license information.
- Enter your old and new addresses clearly.
- Select your forwarding duration—typically 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or longer.
- Choose your service type (temporary or permanent forwarding).
- Review and pay the applicable fee.
- Confirm receipt via email.
In Person at the Post Office
- Visit your local post office with a valid ID.
- Request USPS Form 3575 (Application for a New, Corrected, or Existing Address).
- Complete the form with your old and new addresses.
- Provide a second form of identification (passport, utility bill, or lease agreement may work).
- Pay the fee and submit.
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, though online requests may activate sooner.
Key Variables That Affect Your Forwarding 🔑
| Factor | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Duration | How long you want mail forwarded (affects cost and how long you have to notify senders) |
| Service type | Temporary (moving) vs. permanent (business relocation) |
| Address verification | Your identity must be confirmed; address must be valid USPS delivery location |
| Mail type | First-class mail, periodicals, and some packages forward; mail delivery to PO boxes does not |
| Sender updates | Forwarding doesn't update sender records; you still need to notify key contacts |
What Gets Forwarded and What Doesn't
Will forward:
- First-class mail (letters, bills, statements)
- Magazines and newspapers
- Most packages and parcels
Will NOT forward:
- Mail addressed to "Current Resident" or "Occupant"
- Mail sent to a P.O. Box (unless you're setting up forwarding from that box)
- Certain government mail
- Forwarded mail that arrives after your forwarding order expires
Important Distinctions and Limits
Temporary vs. permanent forwarding: Temporary is for moves or transitions; permanent is typically for business addresses. The setup process is the same, but temporary forwarding has an expiration date.
Multiple forwarding: You can typically set up only one forwarding address per household at a time. Some situations may require contacting USPS directly to manage more complex scenarios.
Cost and timing: Fees vary based on duration. Processing times differ between online (sometimes immediate) and in-person submissions (usually 3–5 days).
Before You Arrange Forwarding
Consider these practical steps:
- Notify key contacts directly (employer, bank, insurance, subscriptions, healthcare providers). Don't rely solely on forwarding.
- Update your address with the IRS, state agencies, and voter registration.
- Check your forwarding duration against your actual timeline. Expiration means mail stops forwarding.
- Verify your new address is correct and will accept USPS delivery.
- Ask about mail hold service if you're not ready to forward yet—USPS can hold mail temporarily.
When Forwarding Is Useful and When It Isn't
Forwarding works well for transition periods—buying a home, relocating for work, or extended travel where you don't want to miss important mail. It's less useful as a permanent solution for managing multiple addresses, since you'll still need to update critical contacts individually.
If you're running a business or expecting frequent mail to a changing address, your situation may benefit from a commercial mail service rather than standard USPS forwarding, depending on your specific needs.
Your Next Steps
Once forwarding is active, track what mail arrives at your new address and note any that doesn't forward as expected. This helps you identify senders who need a direct address update. Keep your forwarding order number for reference if you need to modify or cancel it early.
