What is Temporary Mail Forwarding?
- Duration: You can forward your mail for a minimum of 15 days and up to 1 year.
- Mail Types: First-Class Mail, periodicals, and Priority Mail are forwarded for free. However, USPS Marketing Mail is not forwarded.
- Process: You can request this service online or in person at your local post office.
- Identity Verification: You need to verify your identity, usually by paying a small fee and providing a valid ID.
Duration of Temporary Mail Forwarding
The duration for temporary mail forwarding typically ranges from 15 days to 6 months. If you need the service for longer, you can extend it up to a maximum of 12 months.
How to Extend or Modify Temporary Mail Forwarding?
- Visit the USPS Website: Go to the USPS Change of Address page.
- Log In: Use the same account you used to set up the original forwarding request.
- Access Your Request: Enter your confirmation code and new ZIP code to access your existing request.
- Modify or Extend: You can update your forwarding address, extend the duration, or make other changes as needed.
- Submit Changes: Confirm and submit your changes. You may receive a confirmation email with the details.
What Happens After Temporary Mail Forwarding Ends?
- Update Your Address: Make sure to update your address with any important contacts, such as banks, employers, and subscription services, to ensure you continue receiving your mail.
- Check Your Old Address: If possible, check your old address periodically to collect any mail that might still be sent there.
- Permanent Forwarding: If you need to continue forwarding your mail, consider setting up a permanent change of address with the postal service.
Alternatives to Temporary Mail Forwarding
- Virtual Mailbox Services: Companies like Anytime Mailbox, Earth Class Mail, and Traveling Mailbox offer virtual mailbox services. These services provide you with a real street address where your mail is received, scanned, and uploaded online for you to view. You can then choose to have the mail forwarded, shredded, or stored.
- PO Box: Renting a PO Box at your local post office is another option. You can have your mail sent to the PO Box and pick it up at your convenience. This is a good option if you need a secure place to receive mail but don’t need it forwarded to a different address.
- Friends or Family: If you have trusted friends or family members nearby, you can ask them to receive your mail and either hold it for you or forward it to your current location.
- Mail Holding Services: Some postal services offer mail holding options where they will hold your mail at the post office for a specified period. You can then collect it when you return.
- Third-Party Mail Forwarding Services: There are several third-party companies that specialize in mail forwarding. These services often offer more flexibility and additional features compared to standard postal services.