USPS Mail Forwarding Guide: Start and Manage Forwarding

Introduction

If you use The Letter Pilot, our dashboard shows USPS-provided statuses as your mail moves through the postal system. We offer limited tracking for standard First-Class Mail and more detailed tracking for Certified Mail and Priority Mail. Every status displayed in the dashboard is supplied and updated by USPS.

One status you may encounter, regardless of mail class, is “Forwarded.” This usually means the recipient has moved or has arranged temporary mail forwarding through USPS. If you need to set up forwarding for your own mail, the guide below explains how the process works, what USPS forwards, and common issues to watch for.

What does mail forwarding mean?

Mail forwarding means the Post Office sends your mail from one address to another. USPS basically intercepts mail headed to your old address and sends it to the new one instead.

The way they do it is a little more complicated. Sorting machines scan the address on each piece and check for an active forwarding request. When there's a match, the mail is pulled from its original route and sent to the new address. Your old Post Office also has the forwarding request on file, so mail can be caught before it goes out for delivery.

Choose temporary or permanent forwarding

A Change of Address tells USPS where to route eligible mail. After you enter your contact information, USPS will ask whether you plan to return to your old address. Answer “Yes” to classify the Change of Address as temporary. Answer “No” if the move is permanent and your mail should be routed to the new address on an ongoing basis.

If you plan to return to your address after a short absence, USPS Hold Mail may be easier than forwarding. The service can hold all mail for an address for 3 to 30 days. When the hold ends, you can have the accumulated mail delivered to the same address or pick it up at your local Post Office.

Signing up for mail forwarding won't notify senders that your address has changed. Be sure to update your address with banks, insurance providers, government agencies, subscriptions, and other regular senders so future mail goes to the correct address.

How to set up USPS mail forwarding

Option 1: File online

Going online through the official USPS Change of Address site is the easiest way to set up forwarding to your new address. USPS will first ask for your contact information and whether the forward is permanent or temporary. You'll then choose the date you want mail forwarding to begin.

Option 2: File at a Post Office

There's another form you can use at the Post Office to set up mail forwarding: PS Form 3575. I had heard USPS might be phasing out the paper form and directing everyone online, but it is still available. You can ask for it at your local Post Office and fill it out by hand.

I used this form years ago when I set up my own mail forwarding. It works, but it is a little cumbersome. You're welcome to try it, but I recommend setting up forwarding online when possible for better accuracy and faster processing.

What mail gets forwarded

How long mail forwarding lasts

Temporary forwarding starts with a minimum of 15 days. For a permanent Change of Address, USPS offers paid extensions of 6, 12, or 18 additional months.

Modify or cancel the Change of Address

If you need to change, update, or cancel your request, head over to Manage My Move. Use the confirmation number from the email or letter USPS sent you to make your updates or cancel forwarding. Pretty convenient!

Mail forwarding not working

If your mail forwarding doesn't seem to be working, it doesn't always mean something is wrong. My first recommendation is to give it up to two weeks. There can be a slight delay while USPS gets everything set up.

If it has been more than two weeks, check Manage My Move using the confirmation number USPS sent you. I've had customers reach out about missing forwarded mail, and a few times the new address simply wasn't entered correctly. It happens more than you'd think.

You should also update the people and companies that send you mail regularly. Mail forwarding is a great service, but it isn't foolproof. Some mail can still reach the old address or fail to forward correctly.

Frequently asked questions