USPS Mail Forwarding Not Working? Here's How to Fix It (2025)
You filed a Change of Address but mail is still going to your old address—or not arriving at all. Here's why USPS mail forwarding fails and how to fix common forwarding issues after moving.
Quick Troubleshooting Steps
- Check timing: Forwarding takes 7-10 business days to start
- Verify name: Must match exactly as it appears on mail
- Confirm addresses: Check both old and new addresses for errors
- Check mail type: Some mail cannot be forwarded
- Contact USPS: Call 1-800-ASK-USPS with your confirmation number
Why Mail Forwarding Isn't Working
1. Forwarding Hasn't Started Yet
USPS mail forwarding takes 7-10 business days to become active after you submit your Change of Address. This is the most common reason new forwarding orders "don't work."
Fix: Wait until after your effective date plus 7-10 days. Check your confirmation email for the start date.
2. Name Doesn't Match
Mail forwarding is name-specific. If mail is addressed to "Robert Smith" but your COA is filed as "Bob Smith," that mail won't forward.
Fix: File additional COA requests for name variations, nicknames, and maiden names. Each name variation needs its own forwarding order.
3. Mail Type Not Forwardable
Not all mail is forwardable. Marketing mail, some periodicals, and mail marked "Do Not Forward" will be discarded or returned.
Fix: Update your address directly with important senders (banks, subscriptions, etc.) rather than relying on forwarding.
4. Forwarding Order Expired
Standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months. Periodicals forward for only 60 days. After expiration, mail returns to sender or is discarded.
Fix: File a new COA if you still need forwarding, or extend with Premium Forwarding Service.
5. Address Entry Errors
A typo in your old or new address can prevent forwarding from working. Even small differences (Ave vs Avenue, missing apartment number) cause issues.
Fix: Verify both addresses in your COA confirmation. If wrong, file a new COA with correct information.
6. Sender Used "Do Not Forward"
Some senders (especially banks and government agencies) mark mail as non-forwardable for security. This mail returns to sender.
Fix: Contact the sender directly to update your address in their system.
Mail That Cannot Be Forwarded
Non-Forwardable Mail Types
- • Standard Mail/Marketing Mail: Typically not forwarded and may be discarded or returned to sender
- • Periodicals (after 60 days): Magazines only forward for 60 days
- • Mail marked "Address Service Requested": Returned to sender with new address
- • Mail marked "Do Not Forward": Returned to sender
- • Packages from other carriers: USPS can only forward USPS packages—not UPS, FedEx, or Amazon shipments
- • Names not on COA: Only names included on your forwarding order are forwarded
How to Fix Mail Forwarding Issues
Gather Your Information
- • COA confirmation number (from email or receipt)
- • Old address (exactly as filed)
- • New address (exactly as filed)
- • Names included on forwarding order
- • Effective date of forwarding
Contact Your Local Post Office
Visit in person with your ID and COA confirmation. The supervisor can:
- • Verify your forwarding order is active
- • Check for address or name mismatches
- • Notify carriers of the forwarding order
- • File corrections if needed
Call USPS Customer Service
If visiting the post office doesn't resolve the issue:
- • Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
- • Have your confirmation number ready
- • Ask them to verify the forwarding order status
- • Request escalation if needed
File a New Change of Address
If all else fails, file a new COA to override the existing one:
- • Go to USPS.com/move
- • Double-check all addresses and names
- • Pay $1.10 identity verification fee
- • Allow another 7-10 days to take effect
Prevent Future Forwarding Problems
Best Practices
- ✓ Update address with senders directly — Don't rely solely on forwarding
- ✓ Include all name variations — Maiden names, nicknames, Jr./Sr.
- ✓ File 2 weeks before moving — Gives time to activate
- ✓ Keep COA confirmation — You'll need it to troubleshoot or cancel forwarding later
- ✓ Sign up for Informed Delivery — See what mail is coming before it arrives
- ✓ Track important mail — Use Certified Mail for critical documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my USPS mail forwarding not working?
The most common reasons include: your forwarding hasn't activated yet (it takes 7-10 business days), certain mail types aren't forwardable (like marketing mail or magazines after 60 days), your name doesn't match exactly as it appears on the mail, or your forwarding period expired. Some senders also mark mail "Do Not Forward" for security.
How long does it take for mail forwarding to start?
After you file your Change of Address, USPS mail forwarding typically becomes active within 7-10 business days. During this processing window, some mail may continue going to your old address.
What mail cannot be forwarded by USPS?
USPS typically won't forward mail marked "Do Not Forward," periodicals and magazines (after 60 days), Standard Mail and marketing mail (usually discarded), packages shipped via non-USPS carriers, and mail addressed to names not included on your forwarding order.
How do I fix mail forwarding that isn't working?
Start by contacting your local post office or calling 1-800-ASK-USPS with your COA confirmation number. Have them verify your forwarding order is active, check that your name matches exactly as it appears on mail, confirm your effective date has passed, and review both addresses for errors. If needed, you can file a new Change of Address to override the existing one.
Can USPS forward packages to my new address?
Yes, USPS can forward packages sent through USPS services (Priority Mail, First-Class Package, etc.) during your forwarding period. However, packages from other carriers like UPS, FedEx, or Amazon cannot be forwarded by USPS—you'll need to update your shipping address directly with those services.
Need Proof of Delivery?
Certified Mail provides tracking and proof of delivery or attempted delivery for important documents—helpful when you can't rely on standard forwarding.