A USPS change of address is active for 12 months from the date you submit it

When you file a change of address with USPS, the forwarding period lasts exactly one year from the date you submit the form. After 12 months, mail addressed to your old address stops being forwarded and returns to the sender as undeliverable. You do not receive a warning when the forwarding period is about to end — it straightforward stops working on the anniversary date.

The 12-month window applies whether you file online, by mail, or in person at a post office. USPS does not extend the forwarding automatically. If you need mail forwarded for longer, you must file a new change of address before the first one expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Your change of address forwarding stops exactly 12 months after you submit it, with no automatic renewal or warning notice.
  • Mail sent to your old address after the 12 months ends will be returned to the sender marked undeliverable, not forwarded to your new address.
  • You can file a new change of address before the first one expires to extend forwarding without a gap in service.
  • USPS charges a fee for online changes of address (currently around $1.10) and for mail-in forms, but in-person filing at a post office is free.

What happens when your forwarding period ends

Once the 12 months are up, USPS stops forwarding mail to your new address. Any piece of mail that arrives at your old address after that date is treated as if you no longer live there. The postal carrier marks it undeliverable and sends it back to whoever mailed it, usually with a "Return to Sender" notice.

This matters most for mail you may have forgotten to update — subscriptions, old accounts, or companies you rarely hear from. If you move and do not update your address with them, their mail will bounce back after your forwarding expires. You will not receive it, and they may assume the address is bad.

How to check when your change of address expires

USPS does not send you a reminder email or letter when your forwarding is about to end. You have to track the date yourself. The easiest way is to write down the date you filed the change of address and add 12 months to it.

If you filed online through USPS.com, you can log into your account and view your active change of address orders. The confirmation email you received when you filed also shows the start and end dates. Keep that email or take a screenshot so you know exactly when to file again if you need to.

Filing a new change of address before the old one expires

You can file a new change of address up to 30 days before your current forwarding period ends. This prevents any gap in service. If you file the new one on day 335 of your 12-month period, the new forwarding starts on day 366 and continues for another 12 months.

USPS will not let you file a new change of address for the same old address and new address combination if one is already active. You have to wait until the current one has expired, or you can contact USPS to cancel the active one first and then file a new one when ready.

Permanent vs. temporary change of address

USPS offers two types of forwarding: permanent and temporary. A permanent change of address lasts 12 months and is meant for people who are moving and not coming back. A temporary change of address lasts between 15 days and 12 months and is for people who expect to return to their old address — like someone deployed overseas or taking a long work assignment.

With a temporary change of address, you choose the exact end date when you file. Once that date passes, forwarding stops, and mail goes back to your old address. This is useful if you know you will be gone for a set period and plan to return.

What to do if your forwarding has already expired

If you realize your change of address has expired and mail is still being sent to your old address, you have two options. The first is to file a new change of address right away. It will start forwarding mail when ready for the next 12 months, though mail that arrived and was returned during the gap cannot be recovered.

The second option is to contact the sender directly and ask them to update your address in their system. This is especially important for bills, financial statements, and official documents. Many companies will resend recent mail to your new address if you call and provide it.

Costs and filing methods

Filing a change of address online through USPS.com costs around $1.10 and takes effect within one business day. Filing by mail using USPS Form 3575 is free but takes longer — usually 7 to 10 business days. Filing in person at your local post office is also free and takes effect when ready.

If you are moving and want the fastest service with no fee, go to the post office in person. Bring a valid ID and proof of your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement. The postal clerk will process it on the spot, and forwarding begins the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my change of address before it expires?

Yes. You can file a new change of address up to 30 days before your current one ends. The new forwarding will start when the old one ends, so there is no gap. You cannot file a new one for the same address pair while one is already active, so you may need to cancel the current one first if you want to change the end date.

What if I move again before my 12 months are up?

File a new change of address from your current address to your next address. USPS will forward mail from your original address to your second address through a chain. However, this only works once — if you move a third time, you need to update your address directly with senders rather than relying on forwarding chains.

Does my change of address cover packages and certified mail?

Yes. Packages, certified mail, and regular mail all follow your change of address. However, some mail classes like certain government documents may not forward. If you are expecting important mail, update your address directly with the sender to be sure.

Can I cancel my change of address early?

Yes. You can cancel an active change of address through your USPS.com account or by visiting a post office. Once cancelled, mail sent to your old address will no longer be forwarded. This is useful if you move back or realize you filed by mistake.