If you’re planning on moving or temporarily changing your address, you may be wondering how long your forwarded mail will be sent to your new address by the United States Postal Service (USPS). There are specific policies in place regarding mail forwarding, so it’s important to understand how long your mail will be forwarded before it stops being delivered.
When you submit a change of address request with the USPS, your mail will be forwarded to your new address for a specified amount of time. By default, the USPS forwards mail for 12 months, but you can choose to extend the forwarding period for up to 18 months if needed.
During the forwarding period, the USPS will send any mail addressed to your old address to your new address. This includes First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and packages. However, it’s important to note that not all mail will be forwarded. A few examples of mail that won’t be forwarded include periodicals, bulk mail, and certain government mail.
It’s also worth mentioning that standard mail forwarding is free of charge, but if you want to receive mail at both your old and new addresses for an extended period of time, you may need to pay for a premium forwarding service.
After the forwarding period expires, any mail still addressed to your old address will be returned to the sender with a label indicating your new address. This means that it’s crucial to update your address with businesses, friends, and family members to ensure that your mail reaches you in a timely manner.
If you need to extend the forwarding period beyond the initial 12 months, you can do so by visiting the USPS website or by visiting your local post office. Keep in mind that you’ll need to provide proof of your new address and pay a nominal fee for the service.
In conclusion, the USPS forwards mail for up to 12 months by default, with the option to extend the forwarding period for an additional 6 months. It’s essential to update your address with all relevant parties to ensure that your mail reaches you without any delays. If you have any questions or concerns about USPS mail forwarding policies, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local post office for assistance.