ByHow Long Does USPS Forward Mail for Permanent Address Change?
How long will the USPS forward your mail when requesting a permanent address change? There is a lot on your to-do list. One thing commonly forgotten is changing the address where your mail goes because you want to make sure that you do not miss a piece of important mail. In order to avoid a lapse in mail delivery service, you must file an official change of address with the United States Postal Service. This is your guide to changing your mailing address, how long USPS forwards mail for a permanent address change, and one costly pitfall you want to avoid.
What Does It Mean to Change Your Address with the USPS?
A Change of Address (COA) is a request made to USPS requesting that they reroute your mail to a different address, which you must specify. You have two choices. A change of address can be either:
- Temporary
- Permanent
In most cases, address changes are permanent.
How Can You Make a COA Request?
A COA request can either be made:
- Online
- In-person
If you choose to complete the request online, follow the prompts and answer the questions. On the other hand, if you decide to make the request in person, you must fill out the PS Form 3575. You must pick it up from your local post office as it can no longer be printed from a home computer.
What is the Cost?
If you choose to make a change of address request in person at your local post office, the cost is zero. It's free. However, if you make it online, there is a cost of $1.10, which is an identity validation fee. Since you must use a debit or credit card and a billing address, USPS can verify your identity with the issuing bank. If you do not want to use a debit or credit card or incur a cost, your best option is to fill out a PS Form 3575 at the post office.
How Long is Mail Forwarded?
When requesting a permanent address change, USPS will forward mail for 12 months. Please keep in mind that this does not include large packages or marketing material. This is only for letters, bills, etc. Periodicals are forwarded for only 60 days. So, it is important to contact any periodical issuers soon after moving to your new address to avoid uninterrupted service.
During the 12 month period, it is crucial to formally change your mailing address with all pertinent companies such as your internet service provider, bank, cable provider, power company, etc.
Additional Information
| Choosing Your Start Date | The start date of your change of address can either be 30 days in the past or up to 90 days in the future. It is entirely up to you and your unique situation. Keep in mind, if you know you are going to move, it is easier to go ahead and notify everyone of your address change beforehand instead of relying solely on mail forwarding services. |
| Moving to a Foreign Country | If you are moving from the United States to a foreign country, you cannot file for a change of address online. You must visit the post office in person. |
| Informed Delivery | During the request process, you will have the option to sign up for the Informed Delivery Feature. If you opt-in, you will receive the mornings you are expecting mail showing you pictures of the pieces expected in the mail that day. This is an extremely handy feature if you want to ensure that nothing goes missing from your mailbox. |
| Welcome Kit | Once you've completed your COA request, you will receive a customer notification letter with a confirmation code and a welcome kit. The welcome kit contains coupons, promotions, and deals to help you with your move. Some of the deals may come from:
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Avoid This Costly Mistake
There are a number of third-party websites that facilitate your change of address for a fee of $40.00 or more. They have the same look and feel as the USPS site. However, if you look closely at the URL and the bottom of the website, you will notice they are not affiliated with USPS. Here's what to look for to make sure you are on the official USPS website:
- Check the URL. A third-party website will not have USPS in the URL
- Check the footer of the website. Third-party websites will say they are not a part of the USPS
- If the cost is $1.10 you are not on USPS's website.
If you decide to file a change of address request online, be sure that you are on the official USPS site. Keep in mind that it should only cost you $1.10. If you accidentally file a request with a third-party website, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to receive a refund. Although completely , these websites are masquerading as USPS in order to convince unsuspecting visitors that they are the real deal.
5 Easy Steps to Forward Your Mail Using DoNotPay
If you want to file a change of address but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 5 easy steps:
1. Tell us the new address and when you want to start forwarding your mail
2. Tell us who is moving (is it just you, your family, or your business)
3. Select whether it's a temporary move or permanent
4. Add the option to extend your mail forwarding period beyond 12 months (you can get your mail delivered from your old address for up to 2.5 years)
5. And that's it! DoNotPay will take care of the rest on your behalf. You should receive a confirmation email from USPS after your request is completed.
Protect Your Money with DoNotPay
It's your money, and you work hard for it. If you feel like you've been wrongly charged or not receiving the services you paid for by either USPS or a third party, take action. DoNotPay is the world's first robot app. You can fight the largest corporations or send demand letters to anyone with the touch of a button from the comfort of your home. It is fast, easy, and most importantly successful! knowing you can cancel at any time!
What Else Can DoNotPay Do?
DoNotPay doesn't just handle mailing address changes. There is a whole host of things we can help you with:
- Addressing stalking and harassment
- Filing a complaint against any company
- Helping you negotiate bills and pay them online
- Dealing with neighbor complaints in no time
- Canceling any unwanted services or subscriptions on your behalf