How Many Times Can You Continue to Forward an Address With the Us Postal Service

Moving soon? Whether your upcoming move is a permanent relocation or a temporary address change, we recommend you notify the U.S. postal service either right before or immediately after the move. This way, your letters, packages, bills, magazines and other important mail will make their way to your new home. Forwarding mail is just one of those moving to-dos that everyone needs to take care of as soon as possible.

In all likelihood, it could take months for friends, family, companies and organizations to realize you've moved. Even if you send out a moving announcement with your new address, chances are good that not everyone will get the memo. The easiest way to avoid lost mail and packages is by updating your address online and forwarding your mail once you move. So how long does USPS forward mail? It depends on the type of move. Keep reading for more details on the mail forwarding process.

1. How long does USPS forward mail?
   

   So exactly how long does USPS forward mail? While you won't be able to forward mail forever, you will be able to forward it for a substantial amount of time. USPS can forward mail that includes First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service-Commercial, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Retail Ground, Library Mail and Media Mail for up to 12 months. This is a full calendar year in which you don't have to worry about losing any of your precious packages or letters. Periodicals, such as magazines and newspapers, on the other hand, have a shorter forwarding limit of up to 60 days max. That means you only have a couple of months to update these media sources with your new address if you want to continue your subscriptions.

2. Does USPS ever allow for a mail forwarding extension beyond a year?
   

   Under certain circumstances, the Post Office may extend the forwarding period for one additional year. "To qualify for this extension, the customer must show that financial hardship will ensue if extended forwarding is not granted. The customer must also show that reasonable effort is being made to notify correspondents of the new address."

3. What if I'm just moving somewhere temporarily?
   

   Forwarding your mail when relocating temporarily is extremely convenient. According to USPS, the service can initially forward mail for 15 days to six months (185 days). If customers plan to stay at their temporary address for longer than six months and wish to continue forwarding mail, they must extend the temporary forwarding period. This forwarding period can be extended for up to 12 months max by filling out a second change-of-address order to begin on the first day of the second six-month period. Customers can choose when to expire the mail forwarding request (up to the 364^th day).

4. How long does it take for USPS to begin forwarding mail?
   

   The Post Office advises that you "plan ahead." Though "mail forwarding may begin within three business days of your submitted request, it's best to allow up to two weeks."

5. What mail is forwarded?
   

   The Post Office states that First-Class mail and periodicals (think: newspapers and magazines), Premium shipping services (Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First-Class Package) are all forwarded for free. Though Media Mail and USPS Retail Ground are forwarded, "you must pay the cost of shipping from your local post office to your temporary address." Any USPS Marketing Mail will not be forwarded to your new address.

6. What if I don't notify USPS of my address change?
   

   Assuming the mail builds up in your mailbox or PO Box, your local mail carrier will collect any accumulated mail and bring it to your local Post Office. The Post Office will automatically hold mail for up to 10 calendar days. After that, USPS may return the mail to senders or discard it.

7. How does mail forwarding work?
   

   Need a quick synopsis on how exactly mail forwarding works? Here's the step-by-step process:

   Those moving permanently or temporarily fill out a change of address form to update their address with USPS.

   • Your identity will be verified using a credit card.
   • You will choose a date to begin forwarding your mail. From this start date until your end date, mail sent to your former address will be redirected to your new address.
   • Those wanting a step-up from the regular mail forwarding service can instead opt for Premium Forwarding Service Residential. According to the Post Office, this service offers more flexibility and control over when and where you receive mail. When using this service, USPS will hold your mail, package it and ship it to you each week through Priority Mail service. The service costs $20.10 to enroll online and $21.90 at the Post Office. After that, the service is $21.90 for each week of service. For more information about how mail forwarding works, read How to Forward Your Mail When You Move.

8. How do I change my address online?
   

   To change your address online, go to the Official USPS Change of Address® website and select whether your move is permanent or temporary. Customers pay a $1.05 identity verification fee. Enter the old address, new address and the date you wish to begin forwarding your mail. Once the online form is completed, USPS will email you a confirmation code. The Post Office will then mail a welcome kit with coupons from USPS partners to your new address. Mail will be forwarded to your new address beginning on your start date.

9. How do I change my address at the post office?
   

   Prefer to change your address in person at the Post Office? You won't have to pay the $1.05 fee by changing your address in person. Instead, all you have to do is locate your local Post Office (try Find a Post Office). Once you arrive, request a free Mover's Guide packet and fill out the PS Form 3575 found inside the packet.

10. How do I set up a new PO Box?
    

    Need help setting up a PO Box near your new home? If so, sign up online and find an available PO Box in your new location. Choose the PO Box size you wish to rent and the length of time you wish to rent. Complete the application for a new PO Box and bring the printed form along with your email receipt and two forms of ID to your local post office.

11. Who else should I notify when moving to a new address?
    

    Your USPS change-of-address order doesn't automatically update your bank or other personal records with your new address. Instead, you'll need to make sure that you do this yourself. Here are five examples of who to notify when you move.

    • The IRS –Contact the IRS to change your address using Form 8822, this form allows residents to submit their new address at any point. This way, you'll receive your tax refund and other important IRS mail at your new residence.
    • Your DMV –When you move to a new state, you'll need to obtain a driver's license with your new address as soon as possible. We recommend checking your local DMV's website for details on what to bring with you when you register.
    • Social Security – Those who receive disability benefits, social security retirement or are enrolled in Medicare will need to change their address with Social Security Administration when moving to a new address.
    • Banks and credit card companies –Update all banks and credit card companies with your new billing address as soon as you move. This way, you won't miss any necessary correspondence.
    • Election office – Don't forget to register to vote! Contact your state election office to let them know about your change of address. You'll likely be assigned a new polling place so that you can vote in any upcoming elections.

 Ready to move?

In addition to forwarding your mail, there are many more to-dos when moving to a new home. Fortunately, Moving.com helps organize all of these oh-so-busy moving tasks in our Move Planner, including customizable moving checklists, personal tasks lists, email reminders and coupons. Need help finding a moving company as well? To find the right moving company to handle your next move, check Moving.com's extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured.

If anyone knows how to move, it's Marian White. The South Carolina native spent the last decade living and working in Washington, DC, New York City, Boston and Palm Beach. With every move, she mastered the art of folding bankers boxes, repurposing bubble wrap and unabashedly asking for directions. Before writing for Moving.com, Marian authored "Moving to Palm Beach County: The Un-Tourist Guide," a relocation guide for moving to the Palm Beaches. Marian has an M.A. in Global Marketing Communications from Emerson College and a B.A. from Furman University.View all posts by Marian White

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Source: https://www.moving.com/tips/how-long-does-usps-forward-mail/

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