A USPS change of address is active for 12 months

When you submit a change of address with the United States Postal Service, the forwarding order lasts for 12 months from the date you submit it. After that year ends, mail stops forwarding to your new address and returns to the sender or goes to the dead letter office instead.

The 12-month period is fixed — you cannot extend it by renewing early or requesting extra time. If you need mail forwarded beyond that date, you must submit a new change of address form before the first one expires.

Key Takeaways

  • A USPS change of address lasts exactly 12 months from the submission date, then stops automatically with no warning.
  • You can submit a new change of address up to 30 days before the old one expires to avoid a gap in forwarding.
  • Temporary forwarding orders (for moves lasting less than a year) expire on the date you specify, not after 12 months.
  • The USPS does not send a reminder when your forwarding order is about to expire, so you must track the date yourself.
  • Mail from government agencies, banks, and subscription services may not forward even during the active 12 months if the sender has a "do not forward" restriction in place.

Permanent vs. temporary forwarding orders

The USPS offers two types of change of address: permanent and temporary. A permanent order lasts 12 months and is the standard choice for people moving to a new home they plan to stay in. A temporary order is for moves you know will be short — you set an end date when you submit the form, and forwarding stops on that date instead of after 12 months.

Temporary orders are useful if you are moving for a job that ends on a specific date, staying with family for a set period, or living in temporary housing while your permanent home is being built. You choose the end date yourself, anywhere from 1 to 12 months in the future. Once that date arrives, forwarding stops, regardless of how much time has actually passed.

What happens when your forwarding order expires

On the day your 12-month period ends, the USPS stops forwarding mail to your new address. Mail addressed to your old address will no longer reach you. Instead, it either returns to the sender with a "moved, left no address" notice, or it goes to the postal service's dead letter office if the sender cannot be identified.

The USPS does not send you a notice when your forwarding order is about to expire. You will not receive a warning email, letter, or text message. If you miss the important date and do not submit a new change of address, you may lose mail from creditors, employers, government agencies, and other important senders.

How to renew before your order expires

You can submit a new change of address up to 30 days before your current order expires. This prevents any gap in forwarding. For example, if your order expires on March 15, you can submit a new one starting February 14.

To renew, visit USPS.com, go to the change of address tool, and submit a new form. You can also visit a post office in person or call 1-800-275-8777. The new order will begin on the date your old one ends, so mail forwarding continues without interruption. If you submit the new order after the old one has already expired, there will be a gap, and mail sent during that time may not reach you.

Why some mail does not forward even during the active period

Even while your change of address is active, certain types of mail will not forward. Government agencies, banks, insurance companies, and subscription services often place a "do not forward" restriction on mail. This means the USPS will not forward it — instead, it returns to the sender marked "moved, left no address."

This happens because these senders need to know your current address for legal, financial, or regulatory reasons. If they cannot reach you at your old address, they may flag your account, suspend service, or take other action. You must contact these senders directly and provide your new address yourself. Do not rely on the change of address to reach them.

Tracking your expiration date

Write down the exact date your change of address will expire and set a reminder on your phone or calendar for 30 days before that date. This gives you time to submit a new order before the old one runs out. Many people forget the expiration date and discover the problem only when important mail stops arriving.

If you submitted your change of address online through USPS.com, you can log back into your account to see the expiration date. If you submitted it in person or by mail, check the confirmation notice you received — it will show the start and end dates. Keep this confirmation in a safe place for reference.

What to do if your forwarding order has already expired

If you realize your change of address has expired and mail is no longer reaching you, submit a new one when ready. The new order will take effect within 3 to 5 business days for online submissions. Any mail that arrived at your old address after the expiration date and before you submitted the new order will not be recovered — it has already been returned to senders or sent to the dead letter office.

Contact important senders — your bank, employer, insurance company, and government agencies — and provide your new address directly. Ask them to update their records so future mail reaches you. This is especially important for financial and legal documents that cannot be replaced by forwarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The USPS does not offer extensions. Your order expires automatically after 12 months, and you must submit a new change of address form to continue forwarding. You can submit the new form up to 30 days before the old one expires to avoid a gap.

Does the USPS send a reminder before my change of address expires?

No. The USPS does not send email, text, or mail reminders. You must track the expiration date yourself and submit a new order before it runs out. Check your confirmation notice for the exact end date.

What if I move again before my current change of address expires?

Submit a new change of address with your latest address. The new order will override the old one. Mail will forward to your newest address instead. You do not need to cancel the first order — the new one replaces it automatically.

Will my change of address forward mail from the IRS or Social Security?

The IRS and Social Security Administration typically do not forward mail even during an active change of address period. You must contact them directly and update your address in their systems. Visit IRS.gov or SSA.gov to update your information, or call their customer service lines.

How much does it cost to renew a change of address?

Submitting a change of address through USPS.com costs $1.10 for online submission. Submitting in person at a post office is free. You pay the fee each time you submit a new order, whether it is your first one or a renewal.