How to Forward Mail for a Business
Relocating your business? Here's how to set up mail forwarding for your company, including the required documentation and important differences from personal mail forwarding.
Important: Business COA Cannot Be Filed Online
Unlike personal Change of Address, business mail forwarding must be filed in person at a post office. This is a fraud prevention measure to verify business authorization. You'll need business documentation and ID.
Quick Steps
- Gather business documents (articles of incorporation, license, or EIN letter)
- Visit a post office with your documents and personal ID
- Complete PS Form 3575 (Change of Address form)
- Submit to postal clerk for verification
Cost: FREE | Processing: 7-10 business days
Required Documentation
Business Verification Documents (One Required)
- • Articles of Incorporation — For corporations
- • Business License — State or local license
- • EIN Letter — IRS Employer Identification Number assignment letter
- • Partnership Agreement — For partnerships
- • Franchise Agreement — For franchise businesses
- • DBA/Fictitious Business Name Certificate — For sole proprietors
Personal Identification
- • Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- • Must show you're authorized to act on behalf of the business
- • Owners, officers, or authorized agents can file
Authorization (If Not Owner)
- • Letter on company letterhead authorizing you to file
- • Signed by an owner, officer, or partner
- • Include your name and the authorization scope
Step-by-Step Process
Gather Your Documents
Before visiting the post office, collect your business documentation and personal ID. Make copies if needed—the post office may keep copies for their records.
Visit Your Post Office
Go to the post office that serves your business's current (old) address. Bring:
- • Business documentation
- • Your personal ID
- • Authorization letter (if applicable)
- • Old and new business addresses
Complete PS Form 3575
Ask the postal clerk for a Change of Address form. Fill out:
- • Select "Business" as the move type
- • Business name (exactly as mail is addressed)
- • Old business address
- • New business address
- • Effective date (when forwarding should start)
- • Your signature as authorized representative
Submit for Processing
Hand the completed form and your documents to the postal clerk. They will verify your information, process the request, and provide confirmation. Keep your receipt.
Business vs Personal Mail Forwarding
| Feature | Business | Personal |
|---|---|---|
| Online Filing | No — Must be in person | Yes ($1.10 fee) |
| Cost | Free | Free (mail) / $1.10 (online) |
| Documents Required | Business docs + ID | ID only (in person) |
| Forwarding Duration | 12 months | 12 months |
| Processing Time | 7-10 business days | 7-10 business days |
DBAs and Multiple Business Names
Filing for a DBA (Doing Business As)
If your business operates under a DBA name, you'll need to file separate forwarding requests for each business name. Bring your DBA certificate along with your other business documents.
Multiple Business Names at Same Address
If you operate multiple businesses from the same location, file a separate COA for each business name. Each requires its own documentation.
Personal + Business at Same Address
Home-based businesses need separate COA filings for personal and business mail if both are moving. The business COA must still be filed in person.
Best Practices for Business Moves
Recommendations
- ✓ File 2-3 weeks before moving — Gives time for activation
- ✓ Update address with vendors/clients directly — Don't rely solely on forwarding
- ✓ Update business licenses and registrations — Many have address requirements
- ✓ Notify banks and financial institutions — Important for account security
- ✓ Update your website and Google Business Profile — Critical for customers
- ✓ Consider Premium Forwarding Service — For reliable package forwarding
- ✓ Track important mail — Use Certified Mail for critical documents
What Business Mail Gets Forwarded?
Will Forward
- ✓ First-Class Mail (letters, bills, invoices)
- ✓ Priority Mail
- ✓ Priority Mail Express
- ✓ USPS Packages
- ✓ Periodicals (60 days only)
Won't Forward
- ✗ Standard Mail / Marketing Mail (discarded)
- ✗ Mail marked "Do Not Forward"
- ✗ UPS, FedEx, DHL packages
- ✗ Periodicals after 60 days
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I forward mail for my business?
File a business Change of Address at the post office using PS Form 3575. You cannot file business COA online. Bring business documentation (articles of incorporation, business license, or EIN letter) plus your ID as an authorized representative.
Can I file a business Change of Address online?
No. Business Change of Address must be filed in person at a post office. This is to verify business authorization and prevent fraud. Bring business documents and ID.
How long does business mail forwarding last?
Business mail forwarding lasts 12 months for First-Class Mail and Priority Mail. After that, mail is returned to sender with the new address notation.
What documents do I need for business mail forwarding?
You need business documentation (articles of incorporation, business license, EIN letter, or similar), proof of authorization to act on behalf of the business, and your personal government-issued ID.
Send Professional Business Mail
Certified Mail provides tracking and proof of delivery for contracts, legal notices, and important business documents.