USPS Change of Address Lasts 12 Months

A USPS change of address form stays active for 12 months from the date you submit it. After that year ends, mail stops being forwarded to your new address and returns to the sender instead. You do not need to do anything to let it expire — it happens automatically.

The 12-month window applies whether you file online, by mail, or in person at a post office. The clock starts the day USPS processes your form, not the day you submit it. If you submit online, processing usually takes one business day. If you mail the form, processing takes about 7 to 10 days after it arrives at the post office.

Key Takeaways

  • Your change of address lasts exactly 12 months from the processing date, then stops working without any action on your part.
  • You can renew your change of address at any time during that 12 months, and the new 12-month period starts from the renewal date.
  • Mail forwarding costs $1.10 for online submission and $1.10 for in-person filing at a post office; mail-in forms are free but take longer to process.
  • If you move again before the 12 months end, file a new change of address form — the old one does not automatically transfer to your newest address.

When Your Forwarding Stops

On the date your 12-month period ends, USPS stops forwarding mail to your new address. Any mail that arrives after that date and is addressed to your old address will be marked "Return to Sender" and sent back to whoever mailed it. This includes bills, packages, and personal mail.

You will not receive a notice that your forwarding has expired. If you want to keep forwarding mail, you need to renew your change of address before the 12 months are up. You can renew at any point during that year, and the new 12-month period begins on the date you renew, not on the original expiration date.

How to Renew Before It Expires

To renew, file a new change of address form using the same method you used originally. Go to USPS.com, visit your local post office, or mail a form to the address listed on USPS.com. When you submit the renewal, treat it as a brand-new request — the system does not carry over your old forwarding; it creates a fresh 12-month period starting from the renewal date.

If you renew online, the new forwarding usually takes effect within one business day. If you renew in person at the post office, it takes effect the same day. If you mail a renewal form, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. During the gap between your old forwarding ending and the new one starting, any mail sent to your old address will not reach you.

What Happens If You Move Again

If you move to a third address before your first 12 months end, your original change of address does not automatically forward mail to your newest location. You must file a new change of address form for the second move. The first forwarding order stays active for its remaining time, but it only sends mail to your first new address, not beyond.

For example: you move from Address A to Address B and file a change of address on January 1. On June 1, you move to Address C. If you file a new change of address on June 1 for the move to Address C, mail sent to Address A between January 1 and June 1 goes to Address B. Mail sent to Address A after June 1 goes to Address C. Mail sent to Address B after June 1 does not automatically forward anywhere unless you file another change of address for that move.

Costs and Processing Times

Filing online at USPS.com costs $1.10 and takes one business day to process. Filing in person at a post office costs $1.10 and takes effect the same day. Mailing a paper form is free but takes 7 to 10 business days to process after it arrives at the post office.

The $1.10 fee applies each time you file or renew. If you file multiple changes of address (for example, one for mail and one for packages), each one costs $1.10 and lasts 12 months separately. Most people file one change of address that covers all mail types.

Temporary vs. Permanent Forwarding

USPS offers two types of change of address: temporary and permanent. A temporary change of address lasts up to 6 months and costs $1.10 online. A permanent change of address lasts 12 months and also costs $1.10 online. If you choose temporary, your forwarding stops after 6 months instead of 12.

Most people file permanent forwarding because it lasts longer. Temporary forwarding is useful if you are moving for a short time — for example, a 6-month job assignment — and expect to return to your original address. After the temporary period ends, mail goes back to your old address unless you file a new change of address.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is assuming your change of address renews automatically. It does not. You must file a new form before the 12 months end, or forwarding stops. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for 11 months after you file so you have time to renew before the important date.

Another mistake is filing a change of address and then moving again without filing a second form. Your first forwarding does not follow you to your next address. You also should not assume that notifying your bank, employer, or subscription services is the same as filing with USPS — those organizations update their records, but USPS only forwards mail if you file a form with them directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my change of address beyond 12 months without filing a new form?

No. Your forwarding stops exactly 12 months after the processing date. You must file a new change of address form to continue forwarding. You can renew at any time during the 12-month period, and the new 12-month period starts from the renewal date.

What happens to mail that arrives after my 12 months end?

Mail addressed to your old address is marked "Return to Sender" and sent back to the sender. You will not receive it unless the sender has your new address and resends it. This is why renewing before the important date matters.

Do I have to pay $1.10 every time I renew?

Yes. Each change of address form, whether new or a renewal, costs $1.10 if you file online or in person. Mailing a paper form is free but takes longer to process. The fee is a one-time charge per form, not a monthly subscription.

If I file a temporary change of address, can I convert it to permanent later?

No. You must file a new permanent change of address form. The temporary form lasts 6 months and then stops. If you want to switch to permanent forwarding before the 6 months end, file a new permanent form, which costs $1.10 and lasts 12 months from the filing date.

Does my change of address cover packages and mail equally?

Yes. A single change of address form forwards all mail types — letters, packages, magazines, and bills — to your new address for the full 12 months. You do not need separate forms for different mail types unless you want different forwarding periods for some reason.