How Long Does USPS Mail Forwarding Last?
Moving or temporarily relocating? Understanding USPS mail forwarding timeframes is crucial for ensuring you don't miss important mail. Here's everything you need to know about temporary vs permanent forwarding and how to extend your service.
Updated •6 min read
Quick Answer:
- • Temporary Forwarding: 15 days to 364 days (most choose 6 months)
- • Permanent Forwarding: 12 months total — first 6 months most mail is forwarded, final 6 months limited to First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and packages
- • Renewals/Extensions: You can buy Extended Mail Forwarding for +6, +12, or +18 months (max +18 months)
- • Cost: Online identity verification $1.25; in person (PS Form 3575) is free
Types of USPS Mail Forwarding
Temporary Mail Forwarding
Perfect for temporary relocations, extended travel, or while searching for a permanent address.
| Duration Option | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 15 days | Short trips, medical stays |
| Standard | 6 months | Most common choice |
| Maximum | 364 days (≈1 year) | Extended relocations |
✅ Temporary Pros
- • Flexible duration (15 days - 1 year)
- • Perfect for uncertain timelines
- • Can be extended or renewed
- • Same cost as permanent
❌ Temporary Cons
- • Requires renewal if needed longer
- • No automatic transition
- • Must remember renewal date
Permanent Mail Forwarding
Best for permanent moves where you know your new address and want comprehensive forwarding.
How Permanent Forwarding Works:
1
Months 0–6: Most classes of mail are forwarded to your new address.
2
Months 6–12: Limited to First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and packages.
3
After 12 months: Standard forwarding ends (you can purchase Extended Mail Forwarding up to +18 months).
✅ Permanent Pros
- • Full year of coverage
- • Automatic phase transition
- • Comprehensive mail types
- • Set-and-forget convenience
❌ Permanent Cons
- • Fixed 1-year duration
- • Can't shorten if plans change
- • Less flexibility than temporary
What Mail Gets Forwarded?
Forwarding by Mail Type:
| Mail Type | Forwarded? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Mail | ✓ Yes | Forwarded up to 12 months (part of standard forwarding). |
| Priority Mail / Priority Mail Express / USPS Ground Advantage | ✓ Yes | Forwarded for free. |
| Periodicals (newsletters & magazines) | ✓ Yes | Forwarded; coverage is more limited than First-Class. |
| Media Mail | ~ It depends | Forwarded, but you pay the forwarding postage from the origin Post Office. |
| USPS Marketing Mail (ads, many catalogs) | ✗ No | Not forwarded. |
USPS Mail Forwarding Costs 2025
Online Setup
$1.25
Identity verification fee
- • 24/7 at USPS.com/move
- • Mobile phone verification
- • Email confirmation & code
In-Person Setup
$0
At your local Post Office
- • Ask for the free Mover's Guide
- • Fill out PS Form 3575
- • Show acceptable photo ID
Premium Forwarding
Weekly fee
Temporary only (2–52 weeks)
- • Weekly Priority Mail® shipments
- • Enrollment + weekly charges
- • Best for trips 2 weeks to 1 year
- • See USPS for current pricing
Note: Standard forwarding includes First-Class and most packages for free; Media Mail is forwarded with postage due; Marketing Mail isn't forwarded.
How to Extend or Renew Forwarding
Extension Timeline:
30~30 days left: USPS emails a reminder to add Extended Mail Forwarding if needed.
0When time ends: Standard forwarding stops; USPS will return mail to sender for ~6 months with a yellow label including your new address.
Extension Options:
🧾 Extended Mail Forwarding (Best Option)
- • Add +6, +12, or +18 months (max +18 months total)
- • Add it during setup or later via your confirmation link
- • Non-refundable once purchased
🌐 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 a label showing your new address.
- 3. Marketing Mail: Not forwarded; usually discarded if undeliverable.
- 4. Packages: Most package classes are forwarded during your active period; after expiration they're handled per the service class and may be returned.
Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder 45 days before expiration to allow time for renewal or to notify senders of your permanent address.
Tips for Successful Mail Forwarding
Before Moving:
✅ Preparation Checklist
- • Set up forwarding 1-2 weeks early
- • Choose start date carefully
- • Keep confirmation number/receipt
- • Verify new address accuracy
- • Consider premium for urgent items
During Forwarding:
📋 Ongoing Tasks
- • Update address with important senders
- • Monitor expiration dates
- • Track which mail is still forwarded
- • Plan renewal or transition strategy
- • Keep forwarding receipts for records
Moving? Don't Miss Important Mail
While USPS forwarding handles your incoming mail, make sure your outgoing mail reaches recipients reliably during your transition.
Send Mail Reliably →