USPS change of address orders last 12 months

A USPS change of address (also called a mail forwarding order) stays active for 12 months from the date you submit it. After 12 months, USPS stops forwarding your mail to the new address and returns undeliverable pieces to the sender. If you need mail forwarded beyond that point, you must submit a new change of address order.

The 12-month window applies whether you file online, by mail, or in person at a post office. USPS does not automatically renew forwarding orders, so you are responsible for resubmitting before the original order expires if you still need mail sent to your new address.

Temporary forwarding orders (lasting 15 days) are available if you are moving for a short time and plan to return to your original address. These cost less than the standard 12-month order but cover a much shorter period.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard USPS forwarding lasts exactly 12 months from submission and does not renew automatically.
  • After 12 months, mail stops being forwarded and returns to senders as undeliverable unless you file a new order.
  • You can check your forwarding order's expiration date by logging into USPS Informed Delivery or calling 1-800-275-8777.
  • Temporary 15-day forwarding is cheaper than 12-month forwarding and works for short-term moves.
  • Resubmitting a new order before expiration ensures no gap in mail forwarding to your new address.

What happens when your forwarding order expires

When your 12-month forwarding period ends, USPS stops redirecting mail to your new address. Mail addressed to your old address will be returned to the sender marked "moved, left no address" or similar language. Senders then have the responsibility to update their records or contact you for your current address.

This can cause problems if you forget to renew before the expiration date. Bills, tax documents, bank statements, and other important mail may be returned to senders, and you might not realize you are missing critical correspondence. Some senders may not attempt to reach you again, leaving you unaware of account changes or important date.

To avoid this, mark your calendar about a month before your forwarding order expires so you have time to submit a new one if needed.

How to check when your forwarding order ends

You can find your forwarding expiration date through USPS Informed Delivery, which is a free online tool. Log in with your USPS account, and your active forwarding orders will display with their end dates. This is the fastest way to confirm how much time remains on your current order.

If you do not use Informed Delivery, you can call USPS customer service at 1-800-275-8777 and provide your name and old address. A representative can tell you when your forwarding order expires. You can also visit your local post office in person and ask a clerk to look up the information.

Keep a record of your submission date when you first file a change of address so you can calculate the 12-month expiration yourself if needed.

Renewing your forwarding order before it expires

To renew, submit a new change of address order through the same method you used originally: online at USPS.com, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your post office. You can submit the new order up to 30 days before your current order expires, which gives you a buffer to avoid any gap in forwarding.

If you submit a new order before the old one ends, the new order takes effect when ready after the previous one expires, with no interruption in mail forwarding. If you wait until after expiration, there may be a delay of a few days before the new forwarding begins, and mail received during that gap will not be forwarded.

Each new order costs the same as the original and covers another 12 months from the submission date of the new order.

Temporary forwarding for short moves

USPS offers a 15-day temporary forwarding option for people who are moving temporarily or need a very short forwarding period. This costs less than the standard 12-month order and is useful if you are relocating for a job, staying with family, or moving to a temporary address before your permanent move.

After 15 days, temporary forwarding stops, and mail returns to the original address or is marked undeliverable. You cannot extend a temporary order; you must submit a new standard 12-month order if you need forwarding beyond the 15 days.

What mail does and does not get forwarded

USPS forwards most first-class mail, including letters, bills, and personal correspondence. Magazines and newspapers are forwarded for 60 days only, even if your forwarding order is still active. Packages and parcels are forwarded for the full 12 months.

Some mail is not forwarded at all: government documents, court papers, and mail marked "do not forward" will be returned to the sender. Forwarding also does not explore to mail addressed to a business at your old address unless you specifically set up business forwarding, which has different rules and costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my forwarding order past 12 months without submitting a new one?

No. USPS does not extend or renew orders automatically. You must submit a new change of address order before or after the 12-month period ends. Submitting up to 30 days early prevents any gap in forwarding.

What happens if I move again before my forwarding order expires?

You can submit a new change of address order for your second move at any time. The new order will forward mail from your original address to your newest address. Your first forwarding order will be cancelled, and the new one takes over.

Do I get a refund if I do not need forwarding for the full 12 months?

USPS does not refund unused portions of a forwarding order. If you know you will only need forwarding for a few months, the 15-day temporary option may be more cost-effective, though you would need to renew it multiple times.

Can someone else renew my forwarding order for me?

You can renew online or by mail using Form 3575 without being present. If renewing in person, the person on the original order should submit the renewal, though a household member may be able to renew on your behalf with proper identification at the post office.

Will my forwarding order work if I move to a different state?

Yes. USPS forwarding works across all 50 states and US territories. The 12-month period and renewal process are the same regardless of distance or state lines.