USPS "Forwarded" Meaning: What It Means for Your Mail (2025)
"Forwarded" in USPS tracking means your mail is being redirected to a different address. This guide explains why this happens, how long forwarded mail takes to arrive, and what to do if you're expecting mail. We also cover what to do if tracking shows "Forwarded" but not delivered yet, or if forwarding seems delayed.
Quick Answer
"Forwarded" means USPS detected a Change of Address (COA) for the recipient and is redirecting your mail to their new address.
- • What happens: Mail goes to new address instead of original
- • Extra time: Add 2-5 business days to normal delivery
- • Tracking: Will show "Delivered" at the forwarded address
- • If it seems stuck: "Forwarded" can show for a few days before updating to "Delivered"
What Does "Forwarded" Mean?
When you see "Forwarded" in USPS tracking, it means:
The Recipient Filed a Change of Address
The person you mailed to submitted a Change of Address (COA) form with USPS. This tells USPS to redirect all their mail from the old address to the new one.
USPS Detected the Address Match
When mail arrives at the original address, USPS systems check for active forwarding orders. If a match is found, the mail is redirected to the new address.
Mail Is Being Rerouted
Your mail is sent through USPS processing facilities to reach the new address. This adds transit time but ensures delivery.
How Long Does Forwarded Mail Take?
| Mail Type | Normal Delivery | With Forwarding |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Mail | 1-5 days | 3-10 days |
| Priority Mail | 1-3 days | 3-7 days |
| Priority Mail Express | 1-2 days | 2-5 days |
| Certified Mail | 3-5 days | 5-10 days |
Note: Forwarded mail travels to the original destination first, then is redirected. This essentially doubles the transit path, adding 2-5 extra business days.
What Mail Gets Forwarded?
Forwarded (Yes)
- • First-Class Mail (letters, cards)
- • Priority Mail
- • Priority Mail Express
- • First-Class Packages
- • USPS Ground Advantage
- • Certified Mail
- • Registered Mail
- • Periodicals (60 days only)
Not Forwarded (No)
- • Standard Mail / Marketing Mail*
- • Bulk mail and catalogs*
- • Mail marked "Do Not Forward"
- • Mail after forwarding expires
- • Periodicals after 60 days
- • Packages after 1 year
*Unless sender pays forwarding postage
If You're the Sender
What "Forwarded" Means for You
Your mail will still be delivered—just to a different address than you expected. The recipient has moved and set up mail forwarding.
- • Expect 2-5 extra business days for delivery
- • Tracking will eventually show "Delivered"
- • Consider updating your records with their new address
Getting the New Address
If you need the recipient's new address:
- • Ask the recipient directly
- • Use "Address Service Requested" endorsement on future mail
- • The new address will be printed on returned mail with ASR
If You're the Recipient
Forwarding Is Working
If you filed a Change of Address and see "Forwarded," it means your forwarding order is active and working correctly.
Allow extra time for forwarded mail to arrive. It takes a longer route to reach you.
Update Your Address
While forwarding works, it's temporary. Update your address directly with important contacts:
- • Banks and credit cards
- • Insurance companies
- • Subscriptions and memberships
- • Government agencies (IRS, SSA, DMV)
- • Medical providers
What If Forwarding Isn't Working?
If your mail isn't being forwarded as expected, here are the most common causes. For a complete troubleshooting guide, see mail forwarding not working.
Forwarding Order Expired
Standard forwarding lasts 12 months. Package forwarding lasts 1 year. After that, mail is returned to sender. See our forwarding duration guide or learn how to extend mail forwarding.
Name Doesn't Match
Forwarding only works for names listed on the COA form. Mail for other household members may not forward unless they're included. See how to forward mail for someone else.
Mail Class Not Eligible
Standard mail, bulk mail, and some catalogs aren't forwarded unless the sender pays extra. Ineligible mail may be returned to sender or discarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Forwarded" mean in USPS tracking?
"Forwarded" means USPS is sending your mail to a different address than originally intended. This happens when the recipient has a mail forwarding order (Change of Address) on file. The mail will be delivered to their new address.
How long does forwarded mail take to arrive?
Forwarded mail typically takes 2-5 extra business days beyond normal delivery time. The mail must be redirected through USPS processing facilities to the new address.
Why was my mail forwarded?
Mail is forwarded when the recipient filed a Change of Address (COA) with USPS, either permanent or temporary. USPS automatically redirects mail addressed to the old address to their new location for 12 months (or shorter for temporary forwards).
Can all mail be forwarded?
Most First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and packages are forwarded. Standard mail (advertisements, bulk mail) is typically not forwarded unless the sender pays extra postage. Periodicals are forwarded for 60 days only.
Sending Important Mail?
Certified Mail provides tracking through the entire journey—including if it gets forwarded.