How long does mail forwarding last (and can it be extended)?

What is USPS mail forwarding?

At its simplest, USPS mail forwarding is a service that redirects your mail when you submit a USPS change of address. Instead of arriving at your old location, letters and packages are rerouted to wherever you’ve asked them to go. It’s designed as a bridge while you settle into a new address, not as a permanent fix.

For businesses, it can buy time, but relying on it long-term usually creates more problems than it solves. That’s especially true for sensitive items, such as when businesses need to mail important documents.

How long does USPS forward mail?

How long does a change of address last once the form is submitted? The duration varies depending on your circumstances. Let’s break it down by the most common scenarios.

Temporary change of address

A temporary change of address lets you forward mail for a set period without updating your permanent record. The minimum is 15 days, and you can extend it up to a year in two phases: an initial period of 185 days, followed by an extension of up to 179 days. Once your end date hits, delivery automatically reverts to your original address. It’s handy for seasonal moves, but not a substitute for a permanent change.

Permanent change of address

A permanent change of address forwards mail from your old address to your new one for a set period. Most classes, including First-Class, Ground Advantage, and Priority Mail, are covered for 12 months.

Periodicals such as magazines only forward for 60 days, while Marketing Mail is hit-or-miss unless the sender specifies forwarding. After the initial forwarding period, USPS either returns items to the sender or stops processing them altogether.

How to extend USPS mail forwarding

If 12 months of forwarding isn’t enough, USPS offers Extended Mail Forwarding. This option lets you add 6, 12, or 18 months to a permanent change of address for a fee. At the time of writing, costs start at $24.50 for 6 months, $36.50 for 12 months, and $48.50 for 18 months.

You can sign up when you first file your change of address online, or add it later with your confirmation code. USPS even sends a reminder email around the 11-month mark so you don’t miss the window. Keep in mind, once purchased, extensions can’t be changed or refunded.

USPS Extended Mail Forwarding mainly covers First-Class, Ground Advantage, and Priority Mail. It’s a practical safety net if you’re still transitioning but want to make sure nothing important slips through the cracks.

How much does a change of address cost?

Filing a change of address with USPS is inexpensive. Online requests come with a $1.25 identity verification fee, processed through your debit or credit card. If you’d rather not pay online, you can fill out PS Form 3575 at your local Post Office.

Be cautious of third-party websites that charge $40 or more to file on your behalf. USPS no longer accepts those submissions, and you won’t get a refund if you’ve paid them. To avoid headaches, always use USPS.com or visit your Post Office directly.

A better alternative to mail forwarding for business

Mail forwarding has its limits. USPS can reroute your mail for a time, but it was never designed to support ongoing business operations. That’s where Postal comes in.

We’re not a third-party change of address service, so you’ll still file your address change directly with USPS. What Postal gives you is something different: a permanent virtual mailbox where your business mail is received, scanned, and accessible online anytime. No forwarding expirations, no missed letters, and no juggling temporary fixes.

For companies that move offices, go remote, or simply want a more reliable setup, a virtual address for business provides extra peace of mind. Start today with Postal.

Frequently asked questions about USPS change of address

Questions about a USPS change of address don’t stop at forwarding timelines or fees. Here are quick answers to common issues people run into when managing the process.

What happens after 12 months if I still need my mail forwarded?

Standard USPS forwarding ends after 12 months. If you still need coverage, you can pay for Extended Mail Forwarding in 6-, 12-, or 18-month blocks. Once that period runs out, mail is either returned to the sender or stopped altogether. At that point, it usually makes more sense to update senders directly or look at a longer-term solution like a virtual mailbox.

How do I know if my mail forwarding is still active?

The easiest way is to check the confirmation email or letter you received when you filed your change of address. It includes your start and end dates. If you’ve misplaced it, you can confirm through the USPS Manage My Move portal with your change of address code. A good signal is whether forwarded mail is still showing up. Once it stops, your request has likely expired.

Does forwarded mail go to the old address first?

Yes, mail is still routed to your old address initially. Once it reaches that local Post Office, it’s marked for forwarding and sent on to your new address. That extra step is why forwarded mail can sometimes take longer to arrive.

How to permanently forward mail to a new address?

Technically, USPS doesn’t offer “permanent” forwarding. A permanent change of address gives you 12 months of forwarding for most mail types, with optional paid extensions. After that, forwarding stops and mail is returned to senders. The long-term fix isn’t extending forever. Rather, update your address directly with banks, vendors, and anyone else who needs it.

What mail cannot be forwarded by USPS?

Not everything makes the trip to your new address. USPS doesn’t automatically forward Marketing Mail unless the sender has requested it, and certain package services may be excluded or require extra postage. International forwarding is also limited. The safest bet is to update your address directly with important senders. It avoids surprises and keeps time-sensitive mail from slipping through the cracks.

How many times can I extend mail forwarding?

USPS lets you extend a permanent change of address in 6-month increments, up to 18 additional months. After that, forwarding ends. Realistically, if you’re relying on extensions that long, it’s usually better to update your address with senders or consider a virtual mailbox for ongoing needs.

How long does it take forwarded mail to get to a new address?

Forwarded mail usually takes a few extra days. It first goes to your old Post Office, gets flagged for forwarding, and then continues on to your new address. The detour adds time, so don’t expect the same speed as regular delivery. If something is truly urgent, it’s smarter to update your address with the sender directly.

Does it cost money to change your address with USPS?

Yes, but not much. The official USPS change of address cost is $1.25 (at the time of writing) when you file online, and that’s just to verify your identity with a credit or debit card. If you prefer, you can avoid the fee by filling out a paper PS Form 3575 at your local Post Office. Anything beyond that (like paying $40 on a third-party site) is not legitimate and won’t get you faster service.