Mail commonly forwarded
USPS says First-Class Mail, Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage are forwarded without a forwarding charge. Periodicals such as magazines and newsletters are forwarded for a more limited period. Some other package-service items may require postage due.
Mail that may not reach the new address
- USPS Marketing Mail generally is not forwarded unless the mailer requests forwarding.
- A piece may be returned when the sender used an endorsement directing USPS to return it instead of forwarding it.
- Some services and destinations have separate rules; package forwarding to a domestic address can differ from forwarding abroad.
- Forwarding expires. Permanent orders do not reroute every class indefinitely.
Important government and financial mail
A government agency, bank, or other sender may use an endorsement that prevents forwarding. Update the address directly with every important sender and monitor each confirmation. A USPS order changes the postal forwarding record; it does not change the address held by the IRS, SSA, USCIS, a motor vehicle agency, an election office, or a benefit program.
What to do
- Submit the official USPS change of address if eligible.
- Notify important senders directly before the move when possible.
- Use the sender's official service if an expected item does not arrive; USPS does not publish an estimated delivery time for each forwarded piece.