How to forward mail to someone else
Forwarding mail to someone else can be a convenient way to keep in touch with friends and family who have moved away, or to receive important documents and packages on behalf of someone else. Here are the steps to forward mail to someone else:
Method 1: Forwarding Mail through the US Postal Service
- Go to the US Postal Service website (usps.com) and click on "Hold Mail" or "Forward Mail" under the "Mail & Ship" tab.
- Fill out the "PS Form 3817" (Application for Forwarding Mail) with the following information:
- Your name and address (the sender's address)
- The name and address of the person you want to forward the mail to (the recipient's address)
- The date you want the forwarding to start and end
- Attach a valid form of identification (such as a driver's license or passport) to the form.
- Take the completed form and identification to your local post office or mail carrier.
- Pay the forwarding fee, which is currently $1.05 per package or $0.65 per piece of mail.
Method 2: Forwarding Mail through a Mail Forwarding Service
- Choose a reputable mail forwarding service, such as EarthClassMail, Mail Forwarding Service, or The UPS Store.
- Sign up for the service and provide the required information, including your name and address, and the name and address of the person you want to forward the mail to.
- The service will provide you with a unique mailbox address, which you'll use as the sender's address on your mail.
- Mail will be scanned and uploaded to your online account, where you can view and forward it to the recipient.
- Pay the service fee, which varies depending on the provider and the type of service you choose.
Tips and Considerations
- Make sure to notify the sender of the new address and the forwarding arrangement.
- Keep in mind that forwarding mail can take some time, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and allow for a few days or weeks for the mail to arrive at its destination.
- Some mail forwarding services may have restrictions on the types of mail they can forward, so be sure to check the service's policies before signing up.
- If you're forwarding mail for someone else, be sure to get their permission and keep their personal information confidential.