Can certified mail be forwarded to new address

In the United States, certified mail can be forwarded to a new address under certain circumstances. Here are the details:

General Rule: The United States Postal Service (USPS) will forward certified mail to a new address if the recipient has not claimed the mail and the forwarding request is made within a reasonable time frame.

How to request forwarding:

  1. The recipient or the sender can request forwarding by contacting the USPS at 1-800-275-8777 or by visiting a local post office.
  2. The recipient must provide the new address and a reason for the forwarding request (e.g., moving, change of address).
  3. The USPS will verify the new address and update the certified mail record.

Time frame for forwarding:

  1. The USPS will forward certified mail to a new address within 12 months from the original mailing date.
  2. If the certified mail is not claimed within 12 months, it will be returned to the sender as "undeliverable."

Additional requirements:

  1. The certified mail must be properly addressed and have a valid return address.
  2. The sender must have used the correct postage and completed the certified mail form (PS Form 3800) correctly.
  3. The USPS may require additional documentation or proof of identity to verify the forwarding request.

Important notes:

  1. Forwarding certified mail is not guaranteed, and the USPS may not be able to forward the mail if the new address is invalid or the recipient has not claimed the mail.
  2. If the certified mail is forwarded, the recipient will receive a new certified mail receipt with the updated address.
  3. The sender should keep a record of the certified mail, including the tracking number and the original mailing date, in case the mail is not forwarded or is returned as "undeliverable."

I hope this information helps!