How long will a post office forward mail
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will forward mail for a certain period of time, but the exact duration depends on several factors. Here are some general guidelines:
- Permanent Forwarding: If you have a permanent forwarding order in place, the USPS will forward your mail for up to 12 months. This is typically used for individuals who are moving permanently and want to ensure that their mail is forwarded to their new address.
- Temporary Forwarding: If you have a temporary forwarding order, the USPS will forward your mail for up to 3 months. This is typically used for individuals who are moving temporarily, such as for a short-term job or vacation.
- Forwarding for a Specific Period: You can also specify a specific period of time for which you want your mail forwarded. For example, you might want your mail forwarded for 6 months or 1 year.
- Automatic Forwarding: If you have a USPS account, you can set up automatic forwarding for up to 12 months. This means that your mail will be forwarded automatically without you having to request it.
It's important to note that the USPS will not forward mail that is:
- Returned to sender due to an incorrect address
- Undeliverable due to a missing or incomplete address
- Not properly packaged or labeled
- Containing hazardous materials
To set up mail forwarding, you can visit your local post office or complete a change of address form online. Be sure to specify the duration of time for which you want your mail forwarded.