How long does us post office forward mail

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a mail forwarding service that allows you to receive mail and packages at a temporary or permanent address, and then forward them to a new address. The length of time that the USPS will forward mail depends on the type of forwarding service you choose and the specific circumstances.

Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Permanent Forwarding: If you have a permanent forwarding order, the USPS will forward your mail for a minimum of 12 months. You can request a permanent forwarding order online or by visiting a post office.
  2. Temporary Forwarding: If you have a temporary forwarding order, the USPS will forward your mail for a minimum of 3 months. You can request a temporary forwarding order online or by visiting a post office.
  3. Forwarding for a Specific Period: If you need to forward mail for a specific period, such as during a move or a vacation, you can request a forwarding order for a specific number of months (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, etc.).
  4. Automatic Forwarding: If you have a forwarding order in place, the USPS will automatically forward your mail for the specified period. You don't need to take any additional action.

After the forwarding period ends, the USPS will return any undeliverable mail to the sender. If you need to continue receiving mail at the new address, you'll need to update your address with the USPS and any relevant parties (e.g., banks, credit card companies, etc.).

Keep in mind that the USPS may not forward mail that is:

It's always a good idea to check with your local post office or the USPS website for specific information on mail forwarding services and requirements.