Does USPS Mail Forwarding Intercept and Redirect Incoming Mail to Your New Address?
When moving to a new home, updating your mailing address is crucial. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a mail forwarding service to help ensure that your mail arrives at your new location.
How Does USPS Mail Forwarding Work?
USPS mail forwarding is a straightforward process. After submitting a change of address form, USPS will forward all your mail from the old address to the new one for a specified period, usually 12 months. During this time, any mail addressed to your old address will be redirected to your new address.
What Types of Mail Does USPS Forward?
USPS mail forwarding includes various mail items, such as:
- First-Class Mail (letters, postcards, flats)
- Standard Mail (bulk mail, marketing materials)
- Periodicals (magazines, newspapers)
- Packages (up to 13 ounces)
Some exceptions apply, and these mail types will not be forwarded:
- Certified Mail
- Registered Mail
- Express Mail
- Money Orders
- Passports
- Social Security cards
How Long Does Mail Forwarding Last?
The USPS mail forwarding service generally lasts for 12 months. You can extend this service for an additional 12 months by submitting a new change of address form. If you wish to stop the service, you can do so anytime with a cancellation form.
How Much Does Mail Forwarding Cost?
Mail forwarding through USPS is affordable. The current cost for a 12-month subscription is \$1.10 per day, totaling \$401.50 for the year.
How Do I Sign Up for Mail Forwarding?
To sign up for USPS mail forwarding, visit your local post office or submit a change of address form online. You'll need to provide your old address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to begin.
Does Mail Forwarding Catch All Incoming Mail to My Old Address?
The USPS mail forwarding service is effective in capturing and redirecting most types of mail. In rare cases, a piece of mail may not be forwarded if it is addressed incorrectly or if the sender did not use USPS postage.
What Should I Do If I Don't Receive a Piece of Mail That Was Supposed to Be Forwarded?
If you don't receive mail that should have been forwarded, take these steps:
- Contact the sender to verify the mail was sent to your old address.
- Visit your local post office for inquiries.
- File a missing mail search request with USPS.
USPS mail forwarding is a useful service for those moving to a new home. The process is easy and ensures that you do not miss important correspondence during your transition.
