How to Cancel USPS Mail Forwarding (2025 Guide)
Need to stop USPS mail forwarding because you moved back or your situation changed? This guide explains how to cancel USPS mail forwarding online, by phone, or in person—and return mail to your original address.
Quick Answer
To cancel USPS mail forwarding online or stop mail forwarding:
- Manage online: Use your confirmation code at USPS.com to cancel
- Visit your post office with valid ID
- Or call USPS: 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
- Or file new COA: Change address back to original
Processing time: 7-10 business days
Understanding Mail Forwarding
When you file a USPS Change of Address, mail forwarding automatically redirects your First-Class Mail for up to 12 months (periodicals forward for 60 days). During this time, you can change, extend, or cancel your existing forwarding order at any time.
Whether you need to cancel because you moved back home, your temporary forward ended, or the order was filed in error—USPS provides several ways to stop forwarding and restore delivery to your original address. If you're having issues, see our mail forwarding troubleshooting guide.
Common Reasons to Cancel Forwarding
Moving Back to Original Address
If you're returning to the address you moved from, you'll want mail delivered there again instead of being forwarded.
Temporary Forward Ended
If you set up temporary forwarding for travel or a short move and have returned, canceling restores normal delivery.
Filed in Error
If a forwarding order was filed by mistake or without authorization, you can cancel it with ID verification.
New Resident at Old Address
If you're the new resident receiving someone else's forwarded mail, the previous resident should cancel their forwarding order. In the meantime, you can mark the mail "Return to Sender" to send it back.
How to Cancel Mail Forwarding
Method 1: Manage or Cancel Online
The fastest way to cancel USPS mail forwarding online if you have your confirmation code.
- Go to USPS.com Manage My Move
- Enter your confirmation code and original ZIP code
- Verify your identity (you may need to answer security questions)
- Select the option to cancel or edit your forwarding order
- Confirm the cancellation
Don't have your confirmation code? Check your email for the original COA confirmation, or use one of the methods below.
Method 2: Visit the Post Office
The most reliable fallback if you can't cancel online.
- Visit your local post office (either location—old or new address)
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID
- Request to cancel your Change of Address/forwarding order
- The clerk will process the cancellation
- Allow 7-10 business days to take effect
Method 3: Call USPS Customer Service
Call USPS customer service to request cancellation by phone.
- • Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
- • Have your COA confirmation number ready (if available)
- • Verify your identity with personal information
- • Request cancellation of forwarding order
Method 4: File a New Change of Address (Override)
Filing a new COA back to your original address overrides the current forwarding order. This method works if you can't access your existing order.
- • Go to USPS.com/move
- • File a new Change of Address
- • Set "old address" as your current forwarding address
- • Set "new address" as your original address
- • Pay the $1.10 identity verification fee
How Long Does Cancellation Take?
7-10 Business Days
Cancellation typically takes 7-10 business days to process. During this transition period:
- • Some mail may still be forwarded
- • Some mail may go to original address
- • Check both locations if possible
- • Important mail should be sent via Certified Mail for tracking
Canceling Unauthorized Forwarding
If Someone Filed Without Your Permission
Unauthorized mail forwarding is a federal crime and a common tactic in identity theft schemes. USPS and the Postal Inspection Service recommend acting quickly if you suspect fraud:
- Visit your post office immediately with ID
- Explain that the forwarding was not authorized
- File a complaint with the Postal Inspection Service
- Consider filing a police report
- Monitor your credit reports for identity theft
Report fraud: uspis.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cancel USPS mail forwarding?
You can cancel USPS mail forwarding by managing your Change of Address online with your confirmation code, visiting your local post office with ID, calling 1-800-ASK-USPS, or filing a new COA back to your original address. It typically takes 7–10 business days to take effect.
Can I cancel mail forwarding online?
Yes, in many cases you can cancel or edit an existing Change of Address online using your confirmation code and ZIP code at USPS.com. If you can't access your confirmation code or verify your identity online, you'll need to visit a post office or call USPS instead.
How long does it take to cancel mail forwarding?
Cancellation typically takes 7-10 business days to take effect. During this time, some mail may still be forwarded while others go to the original address.
Need to Send Important Mail?
Certified Mail provides tracking regardless of forwarding status.