USPS Mail Forwarding Guide (2025): Complete Overview
Moving to a new address? USPS mail forwarding ensures you receive mail sent to your old address. This complete guide covers everything from setting up forwarding to extending and canceling it. For important documents, use our Certified Mail service with tracking.
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Open the estimatorWhat Is USPS Mail Forwarding?
Mail forwarding is a USPS service that redirects mail from your old address to your new address when you move. Instead of going to your former residence, mail is automatically sent to your current location. The forwarding itself is free once your Change of Address is on file.
How It Works
You file a Change of Address (COA) with USPS
Mail arrives at your old address
USPS systems detect the forwarding order
Mail is redirected to your new address
You receive mail at your new location (can add several extra days, often up to about a week)
How to Set Up Mail Forwarding
There are three ways to file a Change of Address with USPS:
Temporary vs. Permanent: When filing your COA, you'll choose between a temporary forward (up to 6 months, ideal for seasonal moves) or a permanent forward (up to 12 months, for permanent relocations). See our temporary vs permanent COA guide for details.
Option 1: Online at USPS.com
The fastest method. Visit USPS.com/move to file your Change of Address.
- • Takes effect in 7-10 business days
- • Small identity verification fee (~$1–$1.25; check USPS for current pricing)
- • Instant confirmation email
- • Can schedule up to 3 months in advance
Option 2: In Person at Post Office
Visit any post office and fill out PS Form 3575. Completely free with ID verification.
- • No fee
- • Requires valid photo ID
- • Takes effect in 7-10 business days
- • Best if you don't have a credit/debit card
Option 3: Mail PS Form 3575
Pick up PS Form 3575 at any post office, fill it out, and drop it in any mailbox.
- • No fee
- • Slowest method (mail transit + processing time)
- • Can take 2-3 weeks to take effect
- • See our COA by mail guide
Mail Forwarding Costs
The Forwarding Service Itself Is Free
Once your Change of Address is on file, USPS redirects your mail at no additional charge for the entire forwarding period. The only potential cost is the small identity verification fee if you file online.
| Method | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online (USPS.com) | ~$1–$1.25 | Identity verification fee (check USPS) |
| In Person | Free | Requires ID at post office |
| By Mail (PS Form 3575) | Free | Slowest option |
What Mail Gets Forwarded
Forwarded (Yes)
- • First-Class Mail (12 months)
- • Priority Mail (12 months)
- • Priority Mail Express (12 months)
- • Packages (12 months)
- • Certified Mail (12 months)
- • Registered Mail (12 months)
- • Periodicals/magazines (60 days)
NOT Forwarded
- • Standard Mail / Marketing Mail
- • Bulk mail
- • Catalogs (most)
- • Flyers and circulars
- • Mail marked "Do Not Forward"
- • Mail after forwarding expires
Note: Standard mail and marketing mail are discarded—not returned to sender. Only First-Class Mail is returned after forwarding expires.
How Long Mail Forwarding Lasts
| Mail Type | Forwarding Period | After Expiration |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Mail | 12 months | Returned to sender |
| Packages | 12 months | Returned to sender |
| Periodicals | 60 days | Discarded |
| Standard/Marketing Mail | Not forwarded | Discarded |
For more details, see our mail forwarding duration guide.
Extending Mail Forwarding
Premium Forwarding Service
USPS offers Premium Forwarding Service Residential (PFSR) to extend forwarding beyond 12 months. This is a paid service.
- • Weekly shipment of all accumulated mail
- • Ships via Priority Mail
- • Enrollment fee plus weekly shipment fee (check USPS for current pricing)
- • Maximum 1 year extension
For more information, see our extend mail forwarding guide.
Better option: Update your address with all senders before forwarding expires. This is free and permanent.
Canceling Mail Forwarding
You can cancel forwarding if you return to your original address or no longer need the service:
Visit Your Post Office
Bring valid ID and request to cancel your forwarding order.
Call USPS
Contact 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to request cancellation.
File New COA
If returning to your original address, file a new Change of Address back to the original address. This overrides the previous forward.
For detailed instructions, see our cancel mail forwarding guide.
Troubleshooting Forwarding Issues
Mail Not Being Forwarded?
- • Too early: Allow 7-10 business days for forwarding to start
- • Name mismatch: Forwarding only works for names on the COA
- • Mail type: Standard mail isn't forwarded
- • Expired: Forwarding may have ended after 12 months
See our fix forwarding issues guide.
Contact USPS
If forwarding isn't working after 2 weeks:
- • Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
- • Visit your local post office with your COA confirmation
- • Bring ID to verify your identity
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up USPS mail forwarding?
Set up mail forwarding online at USPS.com/move (fastest, requires a small identity verification fee), in person at any post office (free, requires ID), or by mailing PS Form 3575 (free). Online requests take effect in 7-10 business days.
How much does USPS mail forwarding cost?
Mail forwarding itself is free. However, online Change of Address requests require a small identity verification fee (around $1–$1.25; check USPS for current pricing) charged to a credit or debit card. In-person and mail-in requests are completely free but require ID verification.
How long does USPS mail forwarding last?
Standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months for First-Class Mail. Periodicals are forwarded for 60 days. Package forwarding lasts 12 months. After these periods, mail is returned to sender unless you extend forwarding.
What mail types are forwarded?
First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, packages, and periodicals (60 days) are forwarded. Standard mail, marketing mail, and bulk mail are NOT forwarded unless the sender pays extra postage.
Sending Mail to Someone Who Moved?
Certified Mail provides tracking even if the mail gets forwarded to a new address.