USPS mail forwarding lets you redirect your mail to a new address for a set period, and you can start the process online, by mail, or in person at your local post office

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers mail forwarding through its Postal Service mail forwarding program, which costs $1.10 for a single piece of mail or a flat fee depending on the forwarding duration and address type. You can set up forwarding online at usps.com, which is the fastest method and requires a valid payment card, or you can complete a paper form at your post office. The entire process takes about one business day to set up once USPS processes your request, though mail may take several days to begin arriving at your new address.

Mail forwarding is particularly useful when you move, change jobs, or need mail sent to a temporary location. It protects you from missing bills, bank statements, tax documents, and other financial mail that affects your budget and credit. Without forwarding, important documents can pile up at your old address or be returned to senders, creating gaps in your financial records and potentially triggering late fees or account holds.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS mail forwarding costs $1.10 per piece online or a flat fee at the post office, and you can set it up in minutes at usps.com with a credit or debit card.
  • You need your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start, plus a valid ID to verify your identity in person.
  • Online forwarding takes about one business day to set up; mail-in and in-person requests may take longer depending on post office processing time.
  • Forwarding covers most mail types but not packages from retailers, magazines, or mail sent to old addresses before your forwarding start date.
  • You can set forwarding for 3, 6, or 12 months, or extend it later if you need mail redirected for a longer period.

Step 1: Gather Your Information Before You Start

Before you log in to usps.com or visit your post office, collect the details you will need. Have your current address, your new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin. USPS requires a valid ID — a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. If you are setting up forwarding online, you will also need a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card to pay the forwarding fee.

Write down the exact spelling of both addresses, including apartment or unit numbers, because errors in address entry are one of the most common reasons forwarding fails or delays. If you are moving to a temporary address and then to a permanent one later, note both dates now so you can plan whether to set up one forwarding order or two separate ones.

Step 2: Choose Your Forwarding Method and Duration

USPS offers three ways to set up forwarding: online at usps.com (fastest), by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your local post office. Online forwarding is the most common route because it activates within one business day and you can complete it from home. Mail-in and in-person requests may take 5 to 10 business days to process, depending on how busy your post office is.

You also need to choose how long you want forwarding to last. USPS offers 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month forwarding periods. The cost is $1.10 per piece of mail if you pay per item online, or a flat fee if you use the post office counter — flat fees vary by duration and address type. If you are unsure how long you will need forwarding, start with 3 months; you can extend it later without restarting the process.

Step 3: Set Up Forwarding Online at USPS.com

Go to usps.com and look for the "Mail Forwarding" link, usually found under "Moving" or in the main navigation menu. Click "Start Your Mail Forwarding" and select the type of forwarding you need: individual, business, or seasonal. For most people moving to a new home, individual forwarding is the right choice. You will then enter your current address and new address, making sure every detail matches your official documents.

Next, select your forwarding start date and duration (3, 6, or 12 months). USPS will show you the cost before you pay. Enter your payment information — credit card, debit card, or prepaid card — and confirm your identity by answering security questions or providing additional verification. Once you submit, USPS sends a confirmation email with your forwarding order number. Save this number in case you need to check the status or make changes later.

Step 4: Complete a Paper Form at Your Post Office

If you prefer not to use the website or do not have a payment card, you can fill out USPS Form 3575 at your local post office. read the form from usps.com or pick up a copy at the counter. Fill in your current address, new address, forwarding start date, and forwarding duration. Sign and date the form, and bring a valid ID to verify your identity.

Hand the form and your ID to the postal clerk, who will process it and collect payment. The clerk will give you a receipt with your forwarding order number. Processing time is typically 5 to 10 business days, though it can be longer during busy periods like the end of the month or during peak moving season. Ask the clerk for an estimate of when your forwarding will set up.

Step 5: Verify Your Forwarding Is Active

After you submit your forwarding request, USPS sends a confirmation email (if you set it up online) or gives you a receipt (if you used a paper form). Your forwarding order number appears on both. Check your email for the confirmation, and save it along with your order number. If you do not receive an email within 24 hours of setting up online forwarding, log back into usps.com and check the status under "Manage My Mail Forwarding."

Your forwarding becomes active on the date you specified, not on the date you submitted the request. For example, if you submit on January 5 but select January 15 as your start date, mail will not begin forwarding until January 15. Mail sent to your old address before your start date will not be forwarded. Mail that arrives at your old address after your start date should reach your new address within 3 to 5 business days, though some mail may take longer.

Step 6: Update Your Address With Banks, Employers, and Creditors

Mail forwarding is a safety net, not a permanent solution. While your forwarding is active, contact your bank, credit card companies, employer, insurance provider, and any other organization that sends you important mail. Give them your new address directly so they update their records. This prevents mail from being sent to your old address in the first place and ensures you do not miss time-sensitive documents like tax forms, account statements, or billing notices.

Pay special attention to financial institutions and government agencies. Banks and credit card companies need your current address for account security and fraud prevention. The IRS, Social Security Administration, and your state tax authority all use your address on file to send tax documents. If these organizations mail to your old address and your forwarding has expired, you may not receive critical documents. Updating them directly takes 15 minutes and prevents weeks of delay.

What Mail Forwarding Does and Does Not Cover

USPS mail forwarding covers most first-class mail, including letters, bills, bank statements, and tax documents. It also covers some periodicals and marketing mail. However, forwarding does not cover packages from online retailers like Amazon or UPS/FedEx shipments — those require separate forwarding through the carrier. Magazines and newspapers may or may not forward depending on the publisher's agreement with USPS; contact the publisher directly if you want to update your subscription address.

Forwarding also does not cover mail addressed to "Occupant" or "Current Resident," and it does not cover mail sent to your old address before your forwarding start date. If someone has your old address and sends mail after your forwarding expires, that mail will not reach you. This is why updating your address directly with banks, employers, and government agencies is so important — it ensures they send mail to your current address even after forwarding ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does USPS mail forwarding cost?

Online forwarding costs $1.10 per piece of mail. At the post office, you pay a flat fee that varies by forwarding duration and address type — typically $1.10 for a single piece or higher for business or multiple-address forwarding. Ask your postal clerk for the exact price before you pay.

Can I extend my forwarding after it expires?

Yes. Log back into usps.com or return to your post office before your current forwarding ends and request an extension. You can extend for another 3, 6, or 12 months and pay the forwarding fee again. USPS will not automatically renew, so you must request the extension manually.

What if I move again before my forwarding expires?

You can set up a second forwarding order from your new address to your next address. USPS allows multiple forwarding orders at the same time. Mail will follow the chain: old address to first new address, then first new address to second new address. This can add delays, so update your address directly with senders if possible.

How long does it take for mail to start arriving at my new address?

Mail typically arrives within 3 to 5 business days after your forwarding start date, but some mail may take longer depending on the sender and postal processing. Mail sent before your start date will not be forwarded. If you do not receive expected mail within two weeks, contact USPS with your forwarding order number.

What happens to mail that arrives after my forwarding expires?

Mail sent to your old address after your forwarding expires will not be forwarded and will be returned to the sender or held at your old post office. This is why updating your address directly with banks, employers, and government agencies is critical — it ensures they send mail to your current address even after forwarding ends.