Forward mail at post office
The convenience of forward mail at the post office!
What is forward mail?
Forward mail, also known as mail forwarding or mail redirection, is a service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows you to receive mail and packages at a new address while keeping your old address as the mailing address. This service is useful when you're moving to a new home, traveling, or living abroad, and you want to ensure that you receive important mail and packages.
How to set up forward mail at the post office:
To set up forward mail at the post office, follow these steps:
- Gather required documents: You'll need to provide identification, such as a valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license, passport), and proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
- Choose the type of forward mail: You can choose from three types of forward mail services:
- Forward Mail: This service forwards mail and packages to a new address for a specified period (up to 12 months).
- Hold Mail: This service holds your mail and packages at the post office for a specified period (up to 30 days).
- Return to Sender: This service returns undeliverable mail and packages to the sender.
- Fill out the application: Complete the USPS Form 1583, "Application for Forwarding and Return of Mail," which is available at your local post office or online.
- Pay the fee: The fee for forward mail services varies depending on the type of service and the length of time you need it. The current fee for forward mail is $20.50 for 12 months.
- Submit the application: Take the completed application and required documents to your local post office and submit it to the clerk.
- Wait for confirmation: The post office will review your application and contact you if there are any issues. Once approved, you'll receive a confirmation letter with your new forwarding address.
Tips and considerations:
- Notify your banks, creditors, and other relevant parties: Inform your banks, creditors, and other relevant parties of your new address to ensure that your mail and packages are forwarded correctly.
- Keep your old address active: Keep your old address active for at least 30 days to ensure that any mail or packages sent to that address are forwarded to your new address.
- Check with your local post office: Some post offices may have specific requirements or restrictions for forward mail services, so it's a good idea to check with your local post office before setting up the service.
By setting up forward mail at the post office, you can ensure that you receive important mail and packages at your new address, even if you're not physically there to receive them.