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How to Set Up Mail Forwarding With Your Postal Service

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Understand what mail forwarding does

    Most postal services offer a mail forwarding option that automatically redirects letters addressed to your old home to your new address for a set period, catching the mail that's easy to lose track of right after a move.

  2. Apply in person at your local post office

    Bring a valid ID to your nearest post office branch and fill out a mail forwarding request form. Your application is typically processed on the spot once your identity is verified.

  3. Apply online through your postal service's website

    Many postal services let you log in online and submit a forwarding request without visiting a branch, entering your old address, new address, and how long you want the service to run.

  4. Check the service period and any fee

    Forwarding is usually offered in fixed blocks of time, such as three or six months, and may come with a fee. You can typically extend it if you need more time.

  5. Check which mail types are excluded

    Certified or registered mail, some parcels, and certain special categories of mail are often excluded from standard forwarding or need a separate process, so ask a postal employee exactly what's covered when you apply.

Mail Forwarding Buys You Time, It Doesn't Replace Updating Your Address

Forwarding is meant as a safety net for the transition period, not a permanent fix. Anything you rely on regularly -- bank statements, bills, subscriptions -- should still get a direct address update with the sender, since forwarding periods expire and are easy to let lapse.

Rules Vary by Postal Service

The exact service period, pricing, and which mail types are excluded differ by country and postal provider, so check your national postal service's own page for the current terms rather than assuming they match what a friend experienced elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does mail forwarding usually last?

It depends on the postal service, but a common default is a block of a few months, often renewable if you need more time -- check your postal provider's specific terms.

Does forwarding cover packages and registered mail too?

Not always. Certain categories like registered or certified mail and some parcels are commonly excluded or require a separate arrangement, so confirm exactly what's covered when you apply.