
The US Postal Service mail forwarding online system is a convenient way to manage your mail while you're away. You can forward mail to a temporary address for up to 12 months.
To set up mail forwarding, you can visit the USPS website and fill out a change of address form. This can be done online or by mail.
One of the benefits of mail forwarding is that it can be set up for a specific period of time, such as when you're on vacation or moving to a new home. This allows you to control when your mail is forwarded and when it's not.
Mail forwarding also eliminates the need to update your address with every business and organization you deal with, which can save you time and hassle.
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Setup Steps
To set up USPS mail forwarding online, start by visiting the USPS Change of Address website and submitting your information, including your old and new addresses, and contact details. You'll need to pay a $1.10 identity verification fee using a valid credit or debit card.

You can also set up mail forwarding in person at the post office, but you'll need to pay a different fee. The USPS Premium Forwarding Service has two options: PFS Residential and PFS Commercial.
The USPS offers two types of mail forwarding services: Standard Mail Forwarding and Premium Forwarding Service. Standard Mail Forwarding is free for priority mail, periodicals, and first-class mail, but it's only available for 12 months.
To set up Premium Forwarding Service, you'll need to pay a one-time enrollment fee, which costs $25.45 at the post office, plus weekly fees. You can also choose the delivery frequency and pay postage for envelopes based on mail volume.
If you're moving temporarily, you can submit a temporary change of address request, which will forward your mail for 15 days and up to 1 year. If you're moving permanently, you'll need to submit a permanent change of address request.
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Understanding Mail Forwarding
You can forward your mail using the USPS Mail Forwarding Service, which allows you to receive your mail at a new address.

The USPS recommends submitting a temporary change of address for temporary absences, which will forward mail for 15 days and up to 1 year.
For regular mail forwarding, the USPS will forward your mail piece by piece and forward priority mail, periodicals, and first-class mail for free.
Standard Mail Forwarding is only available for 12 months, regardless of whether your submitted request was temporary or permanent.
Extended mail forwarding can be purchased for an additional 6, 12, or 18 months, with costs ranging from $19.95 to $39.95.
The USPS Premium Forwarding Service (PFS) offers more flexibility, allowing you to control when you receive your mail.
The PFS has two options: PFS Residential and PFS Commercial, with different pricing and delivery frequencies.
For PFS Residential, you pay a one-time enrollment fee of $25.45, plus weekly fees, and your mail is delivered once a week via Priority Mail.
In contrast, PFS Commercial customers pay an annual enrollment fee and postage for envelopes based on mail volume, and can choose their delivery frequency.
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Types of Mail Forwarding

If you're planning a move, you can easily forward your mail using the USPS service. You can visit the local post office and fill out a change of address form (COA), or submit an online request. This service works if you've not notified mail senders of your new address and want the mail forwarded from the old to the new address. You can request how long you want the USPS service.
You can also forward mail to someone else if you know their new address. Simply cross out the old address with a black marker, write the new address, and write "move or forward" on the envelope. This is a convenient option if you're receiving someone else's mail.
There are different types of mail forwarding services available, including:
- Standard or Regular Mail Forwarding
- Extended Mail Forwarding
- USPS Premium Forwarding Service (PFS)
The USPS Premium Forwarding Service is a paid option that packs up your mail and sends it to you in a Priority Mail shipment. For residential customers, it's sent weekly, while businesses can choose daily, weekly, or monthly shipments.
Costs and Fees

USPS Forward Mail involves certain costs, varying based on the type of forwarding service selected. Understanding these fees can help individuals budget accordingly when planning a move or an extended stay away from home.
The costs associated with USPS Forward Mail are directly tied to the type of service chosen, with different services offering varying levels of mail forwarding and package handling.
USPS Forward Mail involves certain costs, varying based on the type of forwarding service selected. Understanding these fees can help individuals budget accordingly when planning a move or an extended stay away from home.
The costs associated with USPS Forward Mail are directly tied to the type of service chosen, with different services offering varying levels of mail forwarding and package handling.
USPS Forward Mail can be a cost-effective option for individuals who need to forward mail and packages, especially for those who are on a tight budget or have limited financial resources.
The costs associated with USPS Forward Mail are directly tied to the type of service chosen, with different services offering varying levels of mail forwarding and package handling.
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Challenges and Issues

USPS Forward Mail can be a convenient solution for redirecting mail, but users may encounter some challenges.
One common issue is that users may not understand the process, which can lead to delays or lost mail. Understanding common issues helps ensure smooth mail handling during the relocation process.
You may also encounter challenges with updating your address with various organizations, including banks, credit card companies, and online retailers. This can lead to issues with receiving important documents and packages.
Eligibility Criteria
To use USPS mail forwarding, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria.
First, you can use the service for either your residential or business address. This means you can change either your home or work address.
You must also have a valid government-issued ID to verify your identity. This can be done online or at a post office.
Another important requirement is that both your old and new addresses must be within the United States.

You can't use mail forwarding for PO Box addresses or non-US destinations.
Here are the key eligibility criteria summarized:
- Residential or Business Address: Both are eligible
- US Address: Both old and new addresses must be within the US
- Valid Identification: Government-issued ID required
- Service Availability: PO Box addresses and non-US destinations are not eligible
Challenges and Issues
USPS Forward Mail can be a convenient solution for redirecting mail, but users may encounter some challenges.
One common issue is that users may not understand the process, leading to delays or misdelivered mail.
The relocation process can be complex, and users may struggle to navigate the system.
Understanding common issues helps ensure smooth mail handling during the relocation process.
Users may need to update their address with multiple parties, including banks, credit card companies, and online retailers.
This can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, especially if users are not aware of all the parties that need to be notified.
Delays and Misdeliveries
Delays often arise when users submit forwarding requests too close to their move date, making it difficult to receive mail in a timely manner.
Processing times can be unpredictable, but submitting requests well in advance can help minimize delays.
Incorrect address entries can cause mail to go to the wrong destinations, leading to misdeliveries.
Properly verifying details when setting up services can significantly reduce the risk of errors and misdeliveries.
Temporary mail gaps can be frustrating, but understanding the impact of processing times can help manage expectations.
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Managing Your Mail

You can request mail forwarding services in person or online through the USPS. The USPS recommends submitting a temporary change of address if you're going to be away from home temporarily.
For temporary changes, mail will be forwarded for 15 days and up to 1 year. You can submit a permanent change of address request if you're moving out. Standard Mail Forwarding is only for 12 months, regardless of whether your request is temporary or permanent.
USPS will forward your mail piece by piece and for free for priority mail, periodicals, and first-class mail. However, if you want to forward mail for more than 12 months, you can purchase extended mail forwarding.
Extended mail forwarding costs $19.95 for an additional six months, $29.95 for 12 months, and $39.95 for 18 months. The USPS also offers the Premium Forwarding Service (PFS), which gives customers more flexibility when it comes to receiving their mail.

With PFS, you can control when you receive mail, and it's delivered once a week for residential customers. The one-time enrollment fee for PFS is $25.45, plus weekly fees. For commercial customers, PFS has an annual enrollment fee, plus postage for envelopes based on mail volume.
You can apply for mail forwarding online through the USPS website, where you'll need to fill out a form with personal information, old and new addresses, and start and end dates for forwarding. A valid email address is required for confirmation, and you'll need to pay a $1.10 identity verification fee using a valid credit or debit card.
Cancel or Change
You can cancel a USPS change of address by visiting https://managemymove.usps.com and entering your zip code and confirmation code.
To make any changes or cancellations, log into your profile and edit your address. Keep in mind you can only make 2 changes in one day.
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Your mail might be going to your previous address if your USPS profile hasn’t been updated with your current address. To fix this issue, submit an Official Change of Address online at moversguide.usps.com or in person at your local post office.
The cost to submit a change of address online is $1.10, and you'll need to pay this fee with a card that has your old or new address as its billing address.
Limitations and Considerations
USPS mail forwarding has its limitations, and it's essential to consider these before setting it up.
USPS's internal system may not catch mail intended for a different name, so it's crucial to ensure your name is accurate on file.
Setting up a USPS Change of Address mail forwarding service only redirects mail sent through USPS, not mail from other carriers like UPS, Fedex, or DHL.
You should change your business address directly with vendors or services you work with, in addition to setting up USPS mail forwarding.
USPS mail forwarding can only be set up by visiting a local Postal Office and filling out the PS 3575 form, which is now available only in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up USPS mail forwarding online?
Yes, you can set up USPS mail forwarding online through USPS.com/move. Simply visit the website to change your address and start receiving your mail at your new location.
Is USPS mail forwarding free?
Yes, USPS mail forwarding is free when using First-Class Mail, but only if the forwarding and/or return services are requested. However, there are specific conditions and requirements to meet for this service to be free.
How do I change my USPS forwarding address?
To change your USPS forwarding address, go to USPS.com/move and update your address online. This will notify the post office to forward your mail to your new location.
How long will the post office forward mail after an address change?
The post office will forward First-Class Mail for 12 months and Periodicals for 60 days after an address change. However, some types of mail, like USPS Marketing Mail and Package Services Mail, may not be forwarded.
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