# How Long Will USPS Forward Mail? A Comprehensive Guide
The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a valuable service for individuals and businesses who are relocating: mail forwarding. This service ensures that your mail continues to reach you even after you’ve moved to a new address. Understanding the duration and nuances of USPS mail forwarding is crucial for a smooth transition and to avoid missing important correspondence. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, the USPS mail forwarding system is designed to bridge the gap between your old and new residences.
The standard duration for USPS mail forwarding is 12 months for both First-Class Mail® and Priority Mail® services. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the type of mail and the specific forwarding service requested. It’s important to note that while the USPS will forward most mail, certain classes of mail, such as periodicals and marketing mail (like junk mail or flyers), may not be forwarded, or may only be forwarded for a shorter period. This distinction is vital for recipients to manage their expectations and ensure they don’t overlook critical communications.
| Category | Details |
|—|—|
| **Service Type** | Mail Forwarding |
| **Provider** | United States Postal Service (USPS) |
| **Standard Forwarding Duration** | 12 months for First-Class Mail® and Priority Mail® |
| **Eligible Mail Classes** | First-Class Mail®, Priority Mail®, First-Class Package Service®, Priority Mail Express® |
| **Ineligible/Limited Forwarding** | Periodicals, Marketing Mail (Standard Mail®), Package Services (other than First-Class Package Service®) |
| **International Mail** | Not forwarded by default; typically returned to sender or handled according to international agreements. |
| **How to Request** | Online via USPS.com or in person at a Post Office. Requires a Change of Address (COA) request. |
| **Cost** | Free for official Change of Address requests. An optional $1.10 identity verification fee applies for online requests. |
| **Forwarding Limit** | 12 months for most mail types. Some exceptions apply. |
| **Official Reference** | [USPS Official Change of Address Information](https://www.usps.com/move/) |
## Understanding the Mail Forwarding Process
When you submit a Change of Address (COA) request with the USPS, your mail is typically handled in one of two ways: it’s either forwarded to your new address or returned to the sender with a “Not Forwardable” or “Return to Sender” sticker. For the first 12 months, First-Class Mail and Priority Mail will be forwarded. After this period, mail addressed to your old address will generally be returned to the sender.
### Types of Mail and Forwarding Eligibility
The USPS categorizes mail into different classes, each with its own forwarding rules:
* **First-Class Mail®:** This includes letters, postcards, and small packages. It is forwarded for 12 months.
* **Priority Mail® and Priority Mail Express®:** These faster services are also forwarded for 12 months.
* **First-Class Package Service®:** Packages sent via this service are generally forwarded for 12 months.
* **Periodicals (Newspapers and Magazines):** These may be forwarded for 60 days. After that, they are usually returned to the publisher.
* **Marketing Mail (Junk Mail/Flyers):** This type of mail is generally not forwarded. It is often discarded or returned to the sender at the sender’s expense if they pay for such a service.
* **Package Services:** Mail classes like USPS Ground Advantage (formerly Parcel Select) are typically not forwarded and will be returned to the sender.
#### What Happens to Non-Forwardable Mail?
If a piece of mail is not eligible for forwarding, it will be returned to the sender. For businesses, this means they receive undeliverable mail back, allowing them to update their mailing lists. For individuals, it means you’ll need to proactively contact senders to update your address for any non-forwardable items.
## How to Initiate Mail Forwarding
Initiating mail forwarding is a straightforward process. You can do this either online through the USPS website or in person at any Post Office.
### Online Change of Address
1. Visit the official USPS Change of Address website.
2. Fill out the online Change of Address form. You will need to provide your old address, new address, and the effective date of the move.
3. There is a small fee for online verification to prevent fraudulent changes of address. This fee is typically around $1.10 and is charged to a credit or debit card.
4. You will receive a confirmation email once your request is processed.
### In-Person Change of Address
1. Visit your local Post Office.
2. Ask for the Mover’s Guide packet, which contains the PS Form 3575, Change of Address Order.
3. Fill out the form completely and submit it to a postal clerk.
4. There is no fee for submitting a Change of Address form in person.
> **Factoid:** The USPS processes over 35 million change-of-address requests annually, making it one of the largest address management systems in the world.
## Extending and Managing Mail Forwarding
While the standard forwarding period is 12 months, there are limited circumstances and mail types where extensions or special arrangements might apply, though generally, the 12-month rule is firm for most common mail.
### Business vs. Residential Forwarding
* **Residential:** Standard 12-month forwarding applies.
* **Business:** Generally, the same 12-month forwarding period applies. However, businesses may need to be more vigilant with their mailing lists and sender notifications, as some bulk mail or specific package services might not be forwarded at all.
### What if You Need Mail Forwarded Longer?
If you require mail to be forwarded for longer than 12 months, you must submit a new Change of Address request. However, the USPS policy is that mail will only be officially forwarded for 12 months. After this period, mail addressed to the old address will be returned to the sender. Thus, it is imperative to notify all senders of your new address directly to ensure continuous delivery.
> **Factoid:** The USPS uses a sophisticated address validation system to help ensure mail is delivered correctly, even after a move. When you submit a Change of Address, your old address is flagged for forwarding.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q1: How do I know if my mail is being forwarded?**
A: For First-Class Mail and Priority Mail, you should receive your mail at your new address within about 7-10 business days after submitting your Change of Address request.
**Q2: Can I forward mail to a different state?**
A: Yes, USPS mail forwarding works for moves to different states.
**Q3: Is there a limit to how many pieces of mail can be forwarded?**
A: No, there is no limit to the number of mail pieces that can be forwarded, as long as they are eligible mail classes.
**Q4: What happens to mail addressed to my old name?**
A: Mail addressed to your old name at your old address will generally not be forwarded unless you specifically include a request for name forwarding with your Change of Address, which can be complex and is often not supported for all mail types. It’s best to have mail sent to your current legal name.
**Q5: Can I forward mail internationally?**
A: No, USPS does not automatically forward international mail. International mail is typically returned to the sender or handled according to specific international postal agreements.
**Q6: How long does it take for mail forwarding to start?**
A: It usually takes 7-10 business days for mail forwarding to begin after you submit your Change of Address request. However, if you are moving locally, it might start sooner.
**Q7: What if I forget to change my address and my mail goes to my old place?**
A: For the first 12 months, eligible mail will be forwarded. If you realize you forgot to change your address and you’ve already moved, submit a Change of Address request as soon as possible. Mail sent after the request is processed will be forwarded. Any mail that was delivered to your old address before you submitted the request would have already been delivered there.
