Frequently asked questions about receiving mail at your new address.
Which form do I need to fill out to have my mail forwarded?
The Change of Address Order form.
Do I need to fill out a form for each person in my home?
If your entire family is moving to the same address and each member has the same last name, you need to fill out only one Change of Address Order form. For all other cases, each individual moving must fill out a separate form.
When should I fill out my Change of Address Order form?
This should be done at least 30 days before you move or as soon as you know your new address and the date of your move. The post office will forward to your new address mail that has your old address on it beginning on the "Start Date" you included on the Change of Address Order form.
How long will it take before I get forwarded mail at my new address?
If you send in your Change of Address Order form 30 days before you move, it could take three to five days after your indicated "Start Date" for your mail to be forwarded from your old address to your new one, depending on how far you've moved. This delay will be longer if you wait until the week of your move or until after your move before sending in your Change of Address Order form.
How will the Postal Service verify that it received a Change of Address Order from me?
The Postal Service will promptly mail you a confirmation letter to the address you are leaving, regardless of the date of your move. (For your privacy, it will not mention what your new mail forwarding address will be.) Another confirmation letter will be sent to you at your new address after the date of your move.
How long will the post office forward my mail and what are the costs?
First-Class, Priority, and Express Mail: All forwarded for 12 months at no charge, except for mail marked "Do Not Forward." Periodicals [Second-Class]: Forwarded for 60 days at no charge. Includes newspapers and magazines. Standard Mail (A) [Third-Class]: Not forwarded unless requested by the mailer. Includes circulars, books, catalogs, and advertising mail weighing less than 16 ounces. Standard Mail(B) [Fourth-Class Parcel Post]: Forwarded locally for 12 months at no charge. Forwarding charges paid by you if you move outside the local area. Includes packages weighing 16 ounces or more not mailed as Priority Mail.
When is the best time to inform magazine and newspaper publishers and other business mailers of my move?
You should let all publishers and other business mailers know at least four to six weeks before you move. Follow the publisher's change of address instructions and the change of address instructions noted on billing statements you receive.
How can I help my mail arrive at my new address as quickly as possible?
At least 30 days before you move, notify everyone who sends you mail what your new address will be and the date of your move. Many bills and statements have an area for making an address change notification. Ensure you use proper addressing. You can also get free Notification Postards (Form 3576) at your post office to Notify Your Mailers of the Move.
What about the mail that has the endorsement "Do Not Forward"?
For permanent moves, mail marked "Do Not Forward" is returned to the sender along with your new address information. However, if your move is only "temporary" (you'll be returning home in less than 12 months), this mail is returned to the sender without your new address information. Therefore, Temporary movers need to notify their mailers directly to inform them of their new address.
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