Forwarding your mail with the United States Postal Service (USPS) is a straightforward process that helps ensure important letters, bills, and packages follow you to your new address. Whether you’re moving across town or to a new state, understanding the right method, timelines, and requirements can save time and prevent missed deliveries. This guide covers the official USPS options, how to submit them, timelines, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
What Is USPS Forwarding And Why It Matters
USPS forwarding is a service that redirects mail from your current address to a new one for a defined period. The standard Change of Address (COA) request covers most mail types, while Premium Forwarding provides a temporary, consolidated shipment service for households that relocate for a longer period. Understanding the difference helps ensure you select the best option for your move and minimize disruptions in mail delivery.
Two Main Options For Forwarding Mail
Standard Change Of Address (COA)
The standard COA redirects most first-class mail, marketing mail, periodicals, and packages from your old address to your new one. This option is typically free when completed online or in person. It’s ideal for the majority of moves and has a duration designed to cover most transition periods. You can choose a temporary period or keep the forwarding active for up to 12 months for primary address relocations and 6 months for military and certain other addresses.
Premium Forwarding Service (PFS-FAST)
PFS-FAST is a paid service that provides weekly home delivery via a single, consolidated shipment of priority mail and first-class parcels. It is best for movers who expect ongoing mail volume or want a predictable delivery pattern during a temporary relocation. Fees apply, and enrollment requires submitting a COA as part of the setup process. The service typically runs for a set period, with declared limits on shipment weight and frequency.
How To Submit A Change Of Address
Submit Online
Online COA submission is the most convenient option for most Americans. It can be completed in minutes and provides immediate confirmation. You’ll need to verify your identity, pay any applicable fees (if required for certain services), and confirm the move date. After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation number for tracking and update any linked accounts with your new address.
- Visit the USPS Change Of Address page
- Enter your current address, new address, and move date
- Select the COA type (Permanent, Temporary, or Military)
- Choose Standard COA or Premium Forwarding Service if applicable
- Complete identity verification and submit
Tip: Use a current USPS account email to monitor progress and receive confirmation notices. If you plan multiple moves within a year, consider keeping the COA active only for the needed period to avoid overlaps.
Submit In Person
Visiting a local Post Office with a valid government-issued photo ID can also process a COA. This option is useful if you don’t have reliable online access or want to ask questions directly. You’ll fill out PS Form 3575 (Change of Address Order) and hand it to a postal worker. The in-person process mirrors the online option but may take slightly longer due to in-person processing.
Required information includes your full name, old address, new address, move date, and a preferred COA type. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license or state-issued ID.
Key Forms And Verification
PS Form 3575 is the standard change-of-address form used in paper submissions at a Post Office. For online COA submissions, the USPS portal guides users through the digital version of the same information. Identity verification is an essential step to prevent fraud, and some scenarios may require additional verification.
What Happens After You Submit
Once submitted, USPS routes mail to the new address based on the selected plan. For standard COA, most mail begins forwarding within 3–5 business days, though seasonal delays can occur. Premium Forwarding shipments follow a weekly pickup and delivery pattern as defined by the service terms. Monitoring your COA status via the confirmation number helps ensure a smooth transition and alerts you to any needed corrections.
How Long Will Forwarding Last?
Typical durations are as follows: Standard COA can be active for up to 12 months for some moves and up to 6 months for military dispositions, with extensions available under certain circumstances. Premium Forwarding Service lasts for a fixed period defined at enrollment, usually several weeks, and can be renewed if needed. It’s important to update or cancel the COA as your move progresses to avoid misdirected mail or unexpected charges.
Common Pitfalls To Avoid
- Submitting inaccurate addresses or move dates, which can delay forwarding.
- Forgetting to update bank accounts, subscription services, and utility bills that rely on your address for billing and communications.
- Not considering mail that is already in transit before the COA takes effect.
- Neglecting international mail issues, as USPS forwarding is primarily domestic and has limitations for international destinations.
Tips To Ensure A Smooth Transition
- Update critical accounts (banks, lenders, insurers) with your new address ahead of the move when possible.
- Set up mail redirection at least one week before your move date to cover processing time.
- Ask family members and employers to notify you of mail or packages that may be sent to the old address during the transition.
- Consider a temporary address for temporary moves, especially if you are relocating for work or school.
- Keep mail forwarding active for the minimum necessary duration to reduce the risk of misdirected mail and to minimize potential identity theft concerns.
Tracking And Managing Your Forwarded Mail
After submission, use the USPS confirmation number to track the status of your COA. You can also check updates via your USPS account online or visit a local Post Office for assistance. If mail is not arriving as expected, verify that your move date and new address were correctly entered and that your COA is still active.
What If You Move Again Or Return To Your Original Address
If you relocate again, you can file a new COA for the new residence. If you plan to return to your previous address, you may leverage the existing record if still active or file a new COA as needed. Remember that changing addresses may affect bill payments and service setups, so plan ahead to prevent late payments or service interruptions.