USPS Mail Redirection: Sending Mail to Updated Address
Setting Up USPS Mail Forwarding: A Step-by-Step Guide
When moving homes, ensuring that your mail is forwarded to your new address is crucial. USPS offers mail forwarding services to help with this transition. Here's a guide on how to set up USPS mail forwarding online.
The Key Steps
- Visit USPS.com and either sign in or create an account.
- Fill out the change-of-address form online with your old and new address.
- Verify your identity through the provided USPS verification process, which often involves credit-history-based checks.
- Pay the small verification fee, usually around $1.05.
- Submit your request and start mail forwarding, which can be set for a temporary or permanent period.
Additional Information
If you use a virtual mailbox service to manage your mail, you may need to complete USPS Form 1583, which authorizes the provider to receive and open mail on your behalf. This form requires notarization, but some online notary services allow you to complete this step remotely.
What USPS Mail Forwarding Offers
USPS offers various mail forwarding options, including temporary forwarding, permanent forwarding, and Entrepreneur Forwarding. Standard temporary mail forwarding lasts for 12 months.
Tracking Your Mail
You can track your mail with USPS by logging into your USPS.com account or using the tracking number from your confirmation email.
Critical Contacts and Important Documents
To ensure a smooth mail forwarding experience, it's important to notify critical contacts about your address change directly, update government agencies and financial institutions separately, maintain a tracking system for important documents, and check forwarded mail regularly for any missed communications.
International Mail Forwarding
USPS also offers international mail forwarding services, but the process and fees are different and require more documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common mistakes to avoid when setting up mail forwarding include relying only on USPS forwarding, not informing banks, employers, and subscription services personally, and not keeping both digital and physical copies of address change confirmations.
Extension and Cancellation of Mail Forwarding
Extension increments for mail forwarding can be 6, 12, or 18 months. To cancel mail forwarding, you can submit a cancellation request online, visit your local post office, or contact USPS customer support.
Payment Options and Customer Service
USPS accepts payment for forwarding services using major credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards that meet USPS checks. If you need updates on your forwarding request, you can call USPS customer service.
Setting Up Mail Forwarding Takes Time
It takes 3-5 business days to set up mail forwarding online. If you need to update your mail forwarding address, you'll need your current address, your new address, and proof of who you are.
Mail That Can't Be Forwarded
Mail that can't be forwarded is usually sent back to the sender, kept at the post office, or thrown away.
Cost of Mail Forwarding
The cost of mail forwarding varies, with changing your address online costing $1.10. Mail forwarding can be extended online through the USPS website, at a local post office, or by contacting USPS customer service.
In conclusion, setting up USPS mail forwarding online is a straightforward process that requires identity verification, an active USPS account, and a completed online change-of-address form. Notarization is only required when authorizing a third party to handle your mail. By following these steps, you can ensure that your mail is forwarded smoothly to your new address.
- The guide on USPS mail forwarding also highlights the significance of informing personal-finance institutions about your address change to avoid issues with your financial transactions.
- If you are using a third-party mail management service, USPS Form 1583 must be completed, which requires notarization, often through online notary services.
- To manage your mail forwarding costs effectively, consider using temporary mail forwarding options from USPS, as these can be more affordable for personal budgets.
