USPS Mail Forwarding Requires an Online Form, a Valid ID, and a Payment of $1.10

The United States Postal Service lets you redirect mail from one address to another through a service called USPS Mail Forwarding. You fill out a form online or at your local post office, pay a small fee, and mail addressed to your old address gets sent to your new one instead. The process takes about five business days to start working, though some mail may still arrive at your old address during that window.

You can set up forwarding for yourself, a family member, or a business. The fee is $1.10 for a single piece of mail or $5.50 for a year of forwarding. If you are moving and want to keep receiving mail at your old address without being there, or if you are a senior who has moved to a new home or facility, this is the standard way to do it.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS Mail Forwarding costs $1.10 per piece or $5.50 per year and requires a valid government ID and a credit or debit card.
  • You can set up forwarding online at usps.com, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your local post office.
  • Forwarding takes about five business days to begin, so mail sent during that window may still arrive at your old address.
  • You can forward mail for 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year; after that period ends, mail will stop being forwarded unless you renew.
  • Some mail does not forward automatically, including packages from retailers, tax documents, and court notices — you may need to update your address with those senders separately.

Setting Up Forwarding Online at USPS.com

The fastest way to set up mail forwarding is through the USPS website. Go to usps.com, click "Mail & Shipping" in the top menu, then select "Mail Forwarding" from the dropdown. You will see a button that says "Start a Mail Forwarding Request." Click it to begin.

You will need to enter your current address, the address where you want mail sent, and the date you want forwarding to start. You can choose forwarding for 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year. After you enter these details, the system will ask you to verify your identity using a valid government ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You will take a photo of the front and back of your ID using your phone or computer camera, and USPS will verify it before processing your request.

Once your ID is verified, you will pay the fee using a credit card or debit card. USPS will send you a confirmation email with your forwarding request number. Forwarding typically begins within five business days, though USPS recommends allowing up to two weeks for the change to take full effect across all mail carriers.

Forwarding by Mail Using Form 3575

If you do not have internet access or prefer to handle this by mail, you can use USPS Form 3575. This is the official mail forwarding form. You can get a copy at your local post office, or you can read it from usps.com by searching for "Form 3575."

Fill out the form with your current address, your new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. You will need to sign and date the form. Mail the completed form to your local post office along with a copy of your government ID and a check or money order for $1.10 (single piece) or $5.50 (annual). Include a note with your phone number or email so the post office can contact you if there are any questions.

Processing by mail takes longer than online — typically two to three weeks from the time the post office receives your form. If you are moving soon, the online method is faster.

In-Person Forwarding at Your Local Post Office

You can also walk into any post office and set up forwarding on the spot. Bring your government ID and payment (cash, check, or card). Tell the clerk you want to set up mail forwarding. They will hand you Form 3575 or help you fill out the online form on a post office computer if you prefer.

In-person forwarding is useful if you do not have a camera for ID verification online, or if you want to ask questions about what will and will not forward. The clerk can also tell you whether any of your regular senders — insurance companies, banks, government agencies — have special rules about address changes. Some mail, like tax documents or court notices, may not forward automatically, and the post office can advise you on which senders you should contact directly.

What Happens During the Five-Day Processing Window

After you submit your forwarding request, USPS needs time to update its systems and notify mail carriers in both your old and new neighborhoods. During this window — usually five business days — mail may still arrive at your old address. If you are moving out of your home, ask the new resident to write "Return to Sender — Person Does Not Live Here" on any mail that arrives for you and put it back in the mailbox. This helps USPS update its records faster.

If you are moving to a senior living community or a new home in the same area, you might ask a trusted neighbor or family member to collect your mail during those five days and hold it for you. Once forwarding is active, any mail that arrives at your old address will be sent to your new one automatically.

Mail That Does Not Forward Automatically

USPS forwards most first-class mail, magazines, and catalogs, but some types of mail do not forward. Packages from online retailers usually do not forward — they are returned to the sender instead. Tax documents from the IRS, your employer, or financial institutions often do not forward because they are considered official government or legal mail. Court notices and legal documents typically do not forward for the same reason.

To make sure you receive these items at your new address, contact the sender directly and update your address with them. For tax documents, update your address with the IRS, your employer's payroll department, and your bank or investment firm. For packages, update your address with any online retailers you use regularly. For court or legal mail, contact the court clerk or your attorney directly.

Renewing or Canceling Forwarding Before It Expires

Your forwarding order lasts for the period you chose — 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year. About two weeks before it expires, USPS will send you a notice reminding you that your forwarding is about to end. If you want to keep forwarding, you can renew online at usps.com, by mail, or in person at the post office. Renewal costs the same as the original request.

If you want to cancel forwarding before it expires, you can do that online, by mail, or in person. There is no refund for unused time, but you can stop the forwarding from taking effect if you cancel before the five-day processing window closes. After that, you will need to wait until the forwarding period ends naturally, or contact USPS to request early termination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I forward mail to someone else's address, like a family member's home?

Yes. You can forward your mail to any address in the United States. If you are forwarding to a family member's address, make sure they know mail is coming and are willing to receive it. You do not need their permission to set up forwarding, but it is courteous to tell them first.

What if I move again before my forwarding expires?

You can set up a second forwarding order from your new address to your next address. USPS will forward mail from your original address to your first new address, and then forward it again to your second new address. This can take extra time, so updating your address directly with important senders is faster.

Does forwarding work for packages from Amazon or other online retailers?

No. Packages from online retailers do not forward automatically — they are returned to the sender if they arrive at your old address. Update your address in your Amazon account, eBay account, and other retailer accounts before you move. For packages already in transit, contact the retailer's customer service with your new address.

How long does it take to receive mail at my new address after I set up forwarding?

Forwarding begins within five business days of your request. Mail sent to your old address after that date will be forwarded to your new address, though it may take an extra few days to arrive because it goes through two postal facilities. Mail sent before forwarding starts will not be forwarded.

Can I set up forwarding for a deceased person's mail?

No. If someone has passed away, contact USPS directly at your local post office with a death certificate. USPS can mark the address as "Deceased" so mail stops being delivered. Family members should update the address with banks, insurance companies, and government agencies separately.