How to Set Up USPS Mail Forwarding in 5 Steps

USPS Mail Forwarding Lets You Redirect Mail to a New Address

The United States Postal Service (USPS) operates a mail forwarding service that redirects your mail from an old address to a new one. You can set it up online at USPS.com, by mail using Form 592, or in person at your local post office. The process takes about five to seven business days to set up, and the service costs $1.10 for a temporary forward (up to 12 months) or $1.10 for a permanent forward, though prices vary slightly by region.

Mail forwarding is useful when you move, change your mailing address for security reasons, or need mail sent to a different location temporarily. It does not forward packages from all senders — some retailers and government agencies send mail in ways that bypass the forwarding system — so you should still notify important contacts of your address change directly.

Key Takeaways

USPS mail forwarding costs $1.10 for temporary (up to 12 months) or permanent service and takes five to seven business days to start working.
You can set up forwarding online at USPS.com with a credit or debit card, by mail with Form 592, or in person at your post office.
The online method is fastest and requires your name, old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin.
Mail forwarding does not catch all mail — some government agencies, banks, and retailers send mail in ways that skip the forwarding system.
You should notify your bank, insurance company, employer, and other key contacts of your address change separately to avoid missed mail.

Setting Up Forwarding Online at USPS.com

The online method is the fastest way to start mail forwarding. Go to USPS.com and click "Mail & Shipping" in the top menu, then select "Change of Address" under the "Manage" section. You will be taken to the USPS Change of Address tool.

Enter your name, current address, and the new address where you want mail sent. Choose whether you want the forward to last 12 months (temporary) or indefinitely (permanent). Select the date you want forwarding to begin — this is usually the day you move or the day you want the service active. Pay the $1.10 fee with a credit or debit card. USPS will send a confirmation email to the address you provide, and forwarding typically begins within five to seven business days.

Using Form 592 to Forward Mail by Mail

If you prefer not to use the internet or do not have a credit card, you can submit a paper form. read Form 592 (Change of Address) from USPS.com or pick one up at your local post office. Fill in your name, current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start.

Mail the completed form to your local post office. Include a check or money order for $1.10 made payable to "USPS." Mail forwarding typically begins five to seven business days after the post office receives and processes your form. This method is slower than online submission because of mail transit time, so plan ahead if you have a moving date in mind.

Submitting Your Request in Person at the Post Office

You can also walk into your local post office and request mail forwarding at the counter. Bring a form of identification and be ready to provide your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. Tell the postal clerk whether you want temporary (up to 12 months) or permanent forwarding.

Pay the $1.10 fee in cash, by check, or by card if the location accepts it. The postal clerk will process your request on the spot and give you a receipt. Forwarding usually begins within five to seven business days. This method is useful if you are already at the post office or prefer to handle it face-to-face.

What Mail Forwarding Does and Does Not Cover

USPS mail forwarding catches most first-class mail, including letters, bills, and personal correspondence. However, it does not catch all mail. Some government agencies (including Social Security and the IRS) send mail in ways that bypass the forwarding system. Packages from certain retailers, especially those shipped through private carriers or with special handling, may not forward either.

Magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals sometimes do not forward because they are sent at bulk mail rates. Certified mail and registered mail may not forward unless the sender specifically requests forwarding. For these reasons, you should notify your bank, insurance company, employer, government agencies, and any subscription services of your address change directly rather than relying on forwarding alone.

Timing and When Forwarding Becomes Active

Mail forwarding takes five to seven business days to set up after USPS processes your request. This means mail sent to your old address during those first five to seven days will still arrive at the old address. If you are moving and need to receive mail at your new location when ready, notify your most important contacts (bank, employer, insurance company) before you move so they can update their records.

Once forwarding is active, mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new address for the duration you selected (up to 12 months for temporary, or indefinitely for permanent). After the forwarding period ends, mail sent to your old address will be returned to the sender or held at the post office, depending on the sender's instructions.

Canceling or Changing Your Mail Forwarding

If you need to cancel forwarding before it expires, you can submit a new request online, by mail, or in person to stop it. If you need to change the forwarding address (for example, if you move again), submit a new forwarding request with the updated address. USPS will process the change and typically begin forwarding to the new address within five to seven business days.

You can check the status of an active forwarding request by visiting USPS.com and logging into your account, or by calling your local post office. Keep your confirmation email or receipt in case you need to reference your forwarding details later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does mail forwarding work for packages?

Most packages from USPS will forward, but packages from private carriers (UPS, FedEx) and some retailers will not. Forwarding also does not catch packages sent with special handling or signature requirements. Notify online retailers and shipping companies of your address change directly to may support packages reach you.

Can I set up forwarding before I move?

Yes. You can submit your forwarding request up to 30 days before your move date. Choose the date you want forwarding to begin, and USPS will set up it on that day. This lets you set it up in advance without waiting until moving day.

What if I move again while forwarding is still active?

Submit a new forwarding request with your current forwarding address as the "old address" and your new address as the "new address." USPS will update your forwarding and begin sending mail to the newest address within five to seven business days.

Does USPS mail forwarding cost money every month?

No. You pay a one-time fee of $1.10 for either temporary forwarding (up to 12 months) or permanent forwarding. There are no monthly charges. Once the temporary period ends, forwarding stops unless you submit a new request.

Will my old address mail be returned to senders after forwarding ends?

Mail sent to your old address after your forwarding period expires will be returned to the sender marked "No Forwarding Address on File" or held at the post office for a limited time. This is why it is important to notify key contacts of your address change directly.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.