How Long Does USPS Mail Forwarding Last?
Moving or temporarily relocating? Here are the official USPS timeframes for USPS mail forwarding—both temporary mail forwarding and permanent USPS Change of Address—including what gets forwarded when forwarding mail to a new address, costs, and how to extend service.
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- • Temporary USPS Mail Forwarding: 15 days to 364 days (initial 15–185 days, then extend to a max of 364 days). Keep mail reliable when forwarding your mail with our online mail service.
- • Permanent USPS Change of Address: 12 months total for most mail; Periodicals typically 60 days.
- • Extensions: Extended USPS Mail Forwarding available in +6, +12, or +18 months (max +18 months beyond the initial period).
- • Cost to file USPS mail forwarding online: $1.25 identity verification (in‑person PS Form 3575 is free). For reliable mail delivery to your new address, use our send letter online service.
Types of USPS Mail Forwarding
Temporary Mail Forwarding
Best for travel or short‑term moves. For important mail during your move, use our Certified Mail online service for tracking.
| Duration Option | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 15 days | Short trips |
| Standard | 6 months | Common choice |
| Maximum | 364 days | Extended relocations |
Permanent Mail Forwarding
Best for full address changes.
How it works
How USPS Mail Forwarding Works (Step-by-Step)
Setting up USPS mail forwarding is straightforward. Whether you're moving permanently or need temporary mail forwarding, here's how to redirect mail to your new address:
USPS Mail Forwarding Process
Submit Your USPS Change of Address Request
Visit USPS.com/move to file online ($1.25 identity verification fee) or visit your local Post Office to fill out PS Form 3575 for free. Choose between temporary mail forwarding or permanent USPS Change of Address.
Verify Your Identity
USPS requires identity verification for online USPS mail forwarding requests. You'll receive a confirmation email and may need to verify via mobile phone or credit card information.
USPS Begins Forwarding Mail
Your USPS mail forwarding typically starts within 7–10 business days of your requested start date. Mail arriving at your old address will be forwarded to your new address according to USPS forwarding policies.
Update Your Address with Senders
While USPS is forwarding your mail, update your address with banks, subscriptions, and other important senders. Remember that USPS Marketing Mail is not forwarded, so you'll need to notify those senders directly.
Monitor and Extend If Needed
USPS will send reminders before your mail forwarding expires. If you need to continue forwarding mail to your new address, you can purchase Extended Mail Forwarding for up to +18 additional months. If you still depend on important physical mail, consider sending key documents through our online mailing service instead of just relying on forwarding.
USPS Mail Forwarding vs USPS Address Change
Many people use "USPS mail forwarding" and "USPS Change of Address" interchangeably, but there are important distinctions:
| Aspect | USPS Mail Forwarding | USPS Change of Address |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The service that physically redirects mail from your old address to your new address | The formal request you file with USPS to activate mail forwarding |
| How to Activate | Submit a USPS Change of Address form (PS Form 3575) | File online at USPS.com/move or in-person at Post Office |
| Duration Options | Temporary (15–364 days) or Permanent (12 months for most mail) | Specify temporary or permanent when filing |
| Cost | Standard forwarding is free (included with Change of Address); Extended Mail Forwarding costs extra | $1.25 online identity verification or free in-person |
| What It Does | Actually moves your mail from Point A to Point B | Updates USPS records and triggers the forwarding service |
In Simple Terms
USPS Change of Address is the form you file to tell USPS you're moving.
USPS Mail Forwarding is the service USPS provides after you file that form—actually forwarding your mail to your new address.
What Mail Gets Forwarded?
Forwarding by Mail Type
| Mail Type | Forwarded? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First‑Class Mail | ✓ Yes | Forwarded up to 12 months. |
| Priority Mail / Priority Mail Express | ✓ Yes | Forwarded for free during the active period. |
| Packages (incl. USPS Ground Advantage) | ✓ Generally | Most packages forward for free while your order is active; some classes may incur postage‑due per DMM. |
| Periodicals (magazines, newsletters) | ✓ Yes (limited) | Typically forwarded for 60 days. |
| Media Mail / Library Mail | ~ It depends | Often forwarded postage‑due at the single‑piece price if forwarded; policies vary by class and time window. |
| USPS Marketing Mail (ads, many catalogs) | ✗ No | Not forwarded unless the mailer pays for an ancillary endorsement. |
USPS Mail Forwarding Costs 2025
Online Setup
Identity verification fee
- • 24/7 at USPS.com/move
- • Mobile phone verification
- • Email confirmation & code
In‑Person Setup
At your local Post Office
- • Ask for the free Mover's Guide
- • Fill out PS Form 3575
- • Bring photo ID
Premium Forwarding
Temporary only (2–52 weeks)
- • Weekly Priority Mail® shipments
- • Enrollment + weekly charges
- • Best for trips 2 weeks to 1 year
How to Extend or Renew Forwarding
Extension Timeline
Extension Options
🧾 Extended Mail Forwarding
- • Add +6, +12, or +18 months (max +18 months total)
- • Add during setup or later via your confirmation link
- • Fees per USPS Notice 123 (non‑refundable)
🌐 Update Online
Use the edit link from your USPS confirmation email/code.
- • Confirm identity online ($1.25) or visit the Post Office free
What Happens When Forwarding Expires?
After Forwarding Ends
- 1. Immediately: USPS stops forwarding new mail.
- 2. Next ~6 months: First‑Class items are typically returned to sender with your new address label.
- 3. Marketing Mail: Not forwarded; usually discarded if undeliverable.
- 4. Packages: Handled per class and may be returned once forwarding ends.
Tips for Successful Mail Forwarding
Make the most of your USPS mail forwarding service with these expert tips:
📅 File Your USPS Change of Address Early
Submit your USPS mail forwarding request at least 2 weeks before your move. USPS typically takes 7–10 business days to activate forwarding, so filing early ensures no mail is missed during the transition.
✉️ Update Important Senders Directly
Don't rely solely on USPS mail forwarding. Update your address with banks, employers, insurance companies, and government agencies directly. Remember that USPS Marketing Mail is not forwarded, and some time-sensitive mail may be delayed during the forwarding process.
🔔 Set Expiration Reminders
USPS temporary mail forwarding lasts up to 364 days, and permanent forwarding lasts 12 months. Set calendar reminders 30-45 days before expiration to either purchase Extended Mail Forwarding or ensure all senders have your new address.
📦 Understand What Gets Forwarded
First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and most packages are forwarded free. However, Periodicals are only forwarded for 60 days, and USPS Marketing Mail isn't forwarded at all. Plan accordingly for subscriptions and marketing correspondence.
💳 Keep Your Confirmation Details
Save your USPS Change of Address confirmation email and code. You'll need these to modify your USPS mail forwarding dates, upgrade to Extended Mail Forwarding, or make changes to your forwarding service.
🏢 Consider Premium Forwarding for Temporary Moves
If you need temporary mail forwarding for 2–52 weeks (like extended travel or a seasonal relocation), USPS Premium Forwarding service sends your mail in weekly Priority Mail shipments. While there's a weekly fee, it's ideal for maintaining reliable mail delivery when you can't access your new forwarding address regularly.
Need Reliable Mail Service During Your Move?
While USPS mail forwarding handles incoming mail, you may need to send important documents during your transition. The Letter Pilot makes it easy to send letters and Certified Mail online, with tracking and delivery confirmation—no trip to the Post Office required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I forward my mail with USPS?
File a USPS Change of Address at USPS.com/move ($1.25 online) or visit your Post Office to fill out PS Form 3575 for free. Choose temporary mail forwarding (15–364 days) or permanent (12 months). USPS begins forwarding within 7–10 business days.
How long does USPS forward mail to a new address?
Temporary mail forwarding lasts 15–364 days. Permanent USPS Change of Address forwards mail for 12 months (Periodicals for 60 days). Extend with Extended Mail Forwarding for up to +18 additional months.
Is USPS mail forwarding free?
Standard USPS mail forwarding is free after filing a Change of Address (filing online costs $1.25; in-person is free). First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and most packages forward at no charge. Extended Mail Forwarding and Premium Forwarding have additional fees.
How long does USPS temporary mail forwarding last?
Temporary forwarding can be set from 15 days up to 364 days (approximately 12 months) using an initial request plus an extension.
How long does USPS permanent mail forwarding last?
A permanent Change of Address forwards eligible mail for 12 months. Periodicals are typically forwarded for 60 days.
Can I extend USPS mail forwarding?
Yes. You can purchase Extended Mail Forwarding for +6, +12, or +18 months (maximum +18 months beyond the initial period).
What happens when mail forwarding expires?
Forwarding stops. First-Class items are typically returned to sender with your new address on the label; USPS Marketing Mail is not forwarded.
For step-by-step setup of forwarding, visit USPS.com. Our services help with sending mail during your move.