How To Transfer Your Mail to a New Address

The Post Office handles mail forwarding, not your individual mail pieces

When you move, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) can redirect mail sent to your old address to your new one. This is called mail forwarding. You set it up through USPS directly — not through your landlord, utility company, or anyone else. The process takes a few days to start working, and it lasts for a set period you choose when you sign up.

Mail forwarding is not automatic. If you do not set it up, mail sent to your old address will either be returned to the sender or sit at your old address. You need to start the process before you move or very soon after, because forwarding does not reach back into the past — it only catches mail arriving after your forwarding order takes effect.

Key Takeaways

USPS mail forwarding starts a few days after you set it up and catches mail sent to your old address for the period you choose (typically 6 or 12 months).
You can set up forwarding online at USPS.com, by phone, or in person at your local post office — online is fastest and costs less.
Mail forwarding does not cover packages from retailers or mail from senders who use special delivery services, so you still need to update your address with banks, employers, and subscription services.
Forwarding takes about 3 to 5 business days to set up, so set it up before your move date if possible.
After forwarding expires, any mail sent to your old address will no longer reach you, so update your address with important senders before the forwarding period ends.

Setting up mail forwarding online through USPS

The fastest way to set up forwarding is through the USPS website at USPS.com. Go to the "Mail & Packages" section and look for "Change of Address." You will need your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. You can choose forwarding for 6 months or 12 months. USPS charges a fee for online forwarding (currently $1.10 for a single address change, though this varies by year). You pay with a credit or debit card.

After you submit your order online, USPS sends a confirmation email. Forwarding typically starts within 3 to 5 business days. During that waiting period, mail sent to your old address will still arrive there — it will not be forwarded yet. Once forwarding is active, mail carriers will redirect pieces addressed to your old address to your new one.

If you set up forwarding online, USPS may send a confirmation postcard to both your old and new addresses. This is normal and confirms the forwarding is in place. You do not need to do anything with these postcards.

Forwarding by phone or at your local post office

You can also set up mail forwarding by calling USPS at 1-800-275-8777. A representative will walk you through the process and take payment over the phone. This route takes longer than online — you may wait on hold, and processing can take a few extra days.

You can also visit your local post office in person and fill out a change-of-address form (Form 3575). Bring a photo ID and proof of your new address (a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The post office charges a fee for in-person forwarding, similar to the online fee. Processing takes about the same time as online — 3 to 5 business days.

What mail forwarding does and does not cover

USPS forwarding catches regular mail — letters, bills, magazines, and standard packages. It does not catch mail sent through FedEx, UPS, or other private carriers. It also does not catch mail from senders who use USPS special services like Certified Mail or Priority Mail Express if those services require a signature.

Forwarding also does not reach back in time. If a bill was mailed to your old address before your forwarding start date, it will not be forwarded. This is why you should update your address with banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services before you move — do not rely on forwarding to catch everything.

Forwarding is temporary. After your 6-month or 12-month period ends, mail sent to your old address will no longer be forwarded. If you need forwarding to continue, you must set up a new forwarding order before the first one expires.

Updating your address with banks, employers, and other senders

While mail forwarding is active, you should still update your address directly with the organizations that send you important mail. This includes your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, employer, student loan servicer, and any subscription services. Forwarding is a safety net, not a replacement for updating your address.

Start with financial institutions first — banks, credit card companies, and investment firms. Then update your address with your employer's payroll department and HR office. Next, contact your insurance companies (auto, home, health, and life). Finally, update subscription services, magazines, and any memberships you hold.

Many organizations let you update your address online through your account portal. Others require a phone call or a form. Keep a list of who you have updated so you do not miss anyone. This process usually takes a few hours spread over a few days, but it prevents mail from going to the wrong place and protects you from missing important documents.

What to do if you move again before forwarding expires

If you move a second time while your first forwarding order is still active, you have two options. You can set up a new forwarding order from your second address to your third address. USPS will forward mail from your old address to your second address, and then forward it again to your third address. This creates a chain and can slow delivery.

The better option is to cancel your first forwarding order and set up a new one from your original address directly to your final address. To cancel, contact USPS online, by phone, or in person. Provide your confirmation number (from your original forwarding order) and request cancellation. Then set up new forwarding from your original address to your current address.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is waiting too long to set up forwarding. If you set it up the day after you move, mail sent to your old address during those first days will not be forwarded. Set up forwarding a week or two before your move date if possible, or within a day or two after if you cannot do it earlier.

Another mistake is assuming forwarding covers everything. It does not catch packages from Amazon, FedEx shipments, or mail from senders using special USPS services. Update your address with major retailers and shippers separately.

A third mistake is forgetting to renew forwarding when it expires. Mark your calendar 30 days before your forwarding period ends so you can set up a new order if you need it. After forwarding expires, mail sent to your old address will no longer reach you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for mail forwarding to start working?

Mail forwarding typically starts within 3 to 5 business days after you submit your order. During this waiting period, mail sent to your old address will not yet be forwarded. Once it is active, new mail pieces will be redirected to your new address.

Can I set up mail forwarding for someone else?

No. The person moving must set up forwarding themselves using their own ID. USPS requires the person whose name is on the mail to authorize the forwarding order. If you are moving a family member or elderly parent, they will need to complete the process, though you can help them do it online or at the post office.

What happens to mail after my forwarding period ends?

Once your forwarding order expires, mail sent to your old address will no longer be forwarded to you. The mail carrier will mark it "return to sender" and send it back to the sender, or it may be discarded. This is why updating your address directly with important senders before forwarding expires is critical.

Does mail forwarding cost money?

Yes. USPS charges a fee for mail forwarding (currently $1.10 for online orders, though this may vary). In-person and phone forwarding may cost slightly more. This is a one-time fee for the forwarding period you choose (6 or 12 months).

Will my packages from Amazon and other retailers be forwarded?

Packages shipped through FedEx or UPS will not be forwarded by USPS. Packages shipped through USPS may be forwarded, but retailers often use tracking services that do not automatically update. Update your address with Amazon, eBay, and other retailers you use regularly to avoid delivery problems.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.