If you or your company has moved to a new location, submitting a USPS Change of Address request, also known as setting up USPS mail forwarding, is an essential step. This service ensures that mail sent to your old address is automatically rerouted to your new one, helping you stay organized and avoid missing important documents.
Changing your address with USPS sets up temporary mail forwarding for up to a year. It acts as a safeguard while you update your address with senders like banks, clients, and government agencies.
In this blog, we’ll cover what mail forwarding is, how USPS mail forwarding works, how to set it up, and what to know about forwarding packages.
What is mail forwarding?
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail forwarding service is a way to redirect your mail when you or your business has a new address.
If someone sends mail to your old address, USPS automatically forwards it to your new one after processing it through their internal system. This helps catch bills, notices, checks, and letters from senders who may not yet know your updated address.
Some senders — like banks, state agencies, or the IRS — take extra time to process your new details, so mail forwarding acts as a backup.
How does mail forwarding work?
When you submit a USPS Change of Address request, USPS updates its system with your old and new addresses. Starting from your selected effective date, USPS automatically reroutes your mail from the old address to the new one.
This includes letters, magazines, and certain types of packages sent through USPS. Forwarding typically begins within 3–7 business days and lasts:
- 12 months for most First-Class Mail and Priority Mail
- 60 days for periodicals and magazines
Mail forwarding applies only to items handled by USPS. If you receive packages through FedEx, UPS, or DHL, you’ll need to update your address directly with those carriers.
Mail forwarding vs change of address: what’s the difference?
In short, USPS mail forwarding is a temporary safety net, while a full change of address in the US requires you to update each organization directly. Using both ensures you don’t miss important correspondence.
Does USPS mail forwarding include packages?
USPS mail forwarding does include packages, but there are limits you should be aware of. It includes packages shipped via:
- First-Class Package Service
- Priority Mail
- Priority Mail Express
Packages sent via USPS Marketing Mail, Parcel Select, or from non-USPS carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL) are not forwarded.
If you regularly receive packages for your business, it’s best to update the shipping address directly with vendors or clients to avoid delays.
Limitations with USPS mail forwarding
It is important to note that a USPS mail forwarding service is not a sure fire way to change your mailing address across the board because it does have its limitations. For example, if the piece of mail isn’t being sent to you or your business’s specified name on file, then USPS’s internal system may not catch that the piece of mail should be forwarded.
In addition, setting up a USPS Change of Address mail forwarding service will only redirect mail that is being sent through USPS. This means that mail that is being sent via UPS, Fedex, DHL, or any other mail carrier will not get rerouted.
For these reasons, a USPS forward mail service should not be the only action you take when changing business addresses or your private residential address. You should consider changing your business address directly with the vendors or services that you work with as well.
How do I set up USPS Change of Address mail forwarding?
There are two ways you can set up a general US Post Office mail forwarding service.
Option 1: Submit a USPS Change of Address online
The easiest way would be to visit the USPS Change of Address online website. You’ll need to provide:
- Who’s moving (Individual, Family, or Business)
- Old and new addresses
- Contact and verification details
There’s a $1.10 identity verification fee, payable by a card with either your old or new address as the billing address. This confirms your identity and prevents fraud.
For detailed instructions, see the USPS step-by-step guide on their website.
Option 2: Submit a USPS Change of Address in person at the post office
The second way to set up this service so USPS can forward mail to a new address is to submit a PS Form 3575 at your local US post office.
Since you can no longer print this form out on your home computer, you will need to visit your local Postal Office, ask for a “Mover’s Guide” that will contain the PS 3575 form and instructions, fill it out, and then submit it in person.
Note: There is no fee to fill this form out in person and you can also set up forwarding to an international address this way.
More information on submitting a PS Form 3575 can be found here.
USPS mail forwarding limitations
While convenient, USPS mail forwarding isn’t a perfect substitute for updating your address everywhere. There are limitations that you should consider to choose what is best for your business:
- Mail forwarding only applies to mail addressed under the exact names listed on your form
- It doesn't forward mail from other carriers
- Some types of mail (bulk or marketing mail) may not qualify for forwarding
Because of these limitations, always update your address directly with key senders like financial institutions, utility companies, and government agencies.
Tip: Submit your USPS Change of Address request at least 7–10 days before your move to ensure uninterrupted service.
Never file another USPS Change of Address again
Moving locations and changing addresses is stressful! However, utilizing services like the USPS mail forwarding service is a great way to minimize the headache that can come with changing addresses — especially if you don’t want to miss out on any important business or personal mail.
If you’re tired of updating your address every time you move or open a new office, a virtual address with Stable is a smarter, permanent solution.
With Stable, you’ll get:
- A real business address in locations across the US that doesn’t change — even if your business location does
- Secure digital access to every piece of mail via your virtual mailbox
- The ability to forward, scan, shred, or even electronically deposit checks for your business online
- Automate mail management with our AI-powered tools
Save time, stay compliant, and ensure your mail always finds you, without relying solely on USPS forwarding.
Get your permanent business address with Stable in under 3 minutes.
Disclaimer: Stable is not a legal or accounting firm, therefore we cannot provide legal or tax advice. You should consult legal and tax professionals for advice on how to meet ongoing obligations that apply to you and your company.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a USPS Change of Address?
It’s an official request that tells USPS to forward your mail to a new address for a set period.
How does mail forwarding work?
USPS redirects eligible mail from your old address to your new one using internal routing systems, starting from your chosen start date.
Does USPS mail forwarding include packages?
Yes, for most USPS-handled packages like Priority Mail and First-Class parcels — but not for UPS or FedEx deliveries.
How long does mail forwarding last?
Up to 12 months for First-Class and Priority Mail, and 60 days for periodicals.
What’s the difference between mail forwarding and a change of address?
Mail forwarding is temporary rerouting, while a change of address permanently updates your contact details with senders.
How far in advance should I file my USPS Change of Address?
Ideally 7–10 business days before you move to avoid interruptions.
Can a virtual address replace the need for filing a USPS Change of Address?
Yes, a virtual address gives your business a permanent mailing address that stays the same even if you move locations, work remotely, or expand to new states. With a service like Stable, all mail sent to your virtual address is digitized and accessible online, reducing the need to file repeated USPS Change of Address forms. Get started here.
