Is mail forwarding the same as change of address

While both mail forwarding and change of address are related to updating your mailing address, they serve different purposes and have distinct differences.

Change of Address:

A change of address is a process where you notify the United States Postal Service (USPS) of a permanent or temporary change in your mailing address. This is typically done when you move to a new home, apartment, or office. When you file a change of address, the USPS updates your address on their records, and mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new address.

Mail Forwarding:

Mail forwarding, on the other hand, is a service offered by the USPS that allows you to receive mail and packages at a new address, even if you're not physically present there. This service is often used by individuals who:

  1. Are traveling or living abroad for an extended period.
  2. Are in the military or have a temporary assignment.
  3. Are moving to a new location, but need to receive mail at an old address.
  4. Are experiencing a temporary disruption in their mail service.

With mail forwarding, you can receive mail and packages at a new address, and then forward them to your current location. The USPS will hold your mail for a specified period (usually 30 days) before returning it to the sender or disposing of it.

Key differences:

  1. Purpose: Change of address is for permanent or temporary updates to your mailing address, while mail forwarding is for receiving mail at a new address, even if you're not physically present there.
  2. Duration: A change of address is typically permanent or temporary, while mail forwarding is usually for a specific period (e.g., 30 days).
  3. Mail handling: With a change of address, the USPS will forward your mail to your new address. With mail forwarding, the USPS will hold your mail at the new address and allow you to forward it to your current location.

In summary, if you're moving to a new address and want to receive mail there, you'll need to file a change of address. If you need to receive mail at a new address, but won't be physically present there, you may want to consider mail forwarding.