So you planned ahead and submitted your USPS mail forwarding request two weeks ahead of time like you were supposed to, but then something changed. Maybe your move got delayed or your vacation plans fell through.
Whatever has happened, there’s no need to worry! USPS makes it easy for you to cancel or change your mail forwarding request, so check out this guide to figure out how to do it!
How Do I Stop Mail Forwarding at USPS In [currentyear]?
USPS allows customers to stop or edit their mail forwarding requests online, even if mail forwarding has already started in [currentyear]. To do so, visit the USPS website, fill in your confirmation code, and enter your new zip code. Once you’ve entered your information, you can view, edit, or cancel your request.
If you need step-by-step instructions for how to stop mail forwarding, then read on for more useful information on this subject!
How Do I Cancel USPS Forwarding Online?
To cancel your USPS mail forwarding request online, you’ll need two things: your new zip code, and the 16-digit confirmation number you received when you initially made your request.
For change-of-address forms submitted online, this code is located in your confirmation email.
This code is also printed on the change-of-address order confirmation that was mailed to your new address (for forms filled out online or at the post office).
If you cannot locate your code, head to your local post office, and an associate will be able to look up the number for you.
Once you have this information available, head to USPS’ Change-of-Address page.
Enter the information, then click “Get Started.” After you’ve logged in, make any necessary changes. For example, you can do the following:
- Change your mail forwarding start date
- Change your mail forwarding end date
- Change your email address or phone number
- Switch from a temporary move to a permanent one
- Switch from a family move to an individual one (though not from individual to family)
- Cancel your address change order
Be aware that you can only make two modifications per day.
If you try to make more than two changes in a day, you will see the error message “You have exceeded the amount of changes that you can make within the same day. Please try again in 48 hours.”
How Do I Stop USPS Mail Forwarding in Person?
If you’re having trouble updating your change-of-address request online, then head to your local post office to get things sorted out.
In order to cancel your change-of-address request, the post office requires two things.
First, you need to show two forms of identification, and one needs to be a photo ID. Any of the following are acceptable forms of photo ID:
- Identification card issued by a federally or state-recognized tribal nation
- S. permanent resident or other identification card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Uniformed Service ID card
- S. Armed Forces card
- Non-driver’s identification card
- State-issued driver’s license
- Passport
Second, you’ll need some form of evidence proving that you live at the primary address. Here are some documents you can use to prove residency:
- Mortgage agreement
- Lease agreement
- Deed of trust
- Voter registration card
- Vehicle registration card
- Home insurance policy
- Car insurance policy
- Utility bill
- Form I-94
How Do I Stop Premium Mail Forwarding?
Premium Forwarding Service (PFS) is a USPS service that allows customers to receive their forwarded mail once a week via Priority Mail.
In order to stop PFS, you’ll need to cancel in the same way you submitted your initial request.
For example, if you made your request online, then you can only make changes online.
To cancel an online request, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your usps.com account
- Hover over your name in the Top Navigation Bar and click “My Profile”
- Click “Activity History” from the left navigation
- Find the PFS Residential order and click “Cancel Order”
- A pop-up will ask you to verify that you want to cancel the PFS, and click “Yes”
After submitting your request, you’ll receive a confirmation email about the cancellation. Your credit card will not be charged for the upcoming week’s payment.
If you enrolled in PFS at a post office, make a visit in person, or contact the post office by phone to cancel your request.
Note that you’ll need to show a photo ID before the post office associate can proceed.
If you’re canceling early, request a refund for the unused weeks of PFS in person. You’ll fill out a form, and the postal worker will give you a no-fee money order on the spot.
How Long Does It Take to Stop Mail Forwarding?
As with anything dealing with mail forwarding, there’s no hard and fast rule about how long it takes for your cancellation to take effect.
For example, it could take as little as three business days, or it could take up to two weeks. Overall, it really depends on how busy USPS is at a given time.
Because the delay can vary so much, it’s best to stop your mail forwarding request as soon as you realize that your plans have changed.
Giving yourself as much lead time as possible will ensure that your mail delivery service won’t be interrupted too much.
How Much Does It Cost to Stop Mail Forwarding?
Editing or canceling your mail forwarding request doesn’t cost any money.
When it comes to change-of-address requests, you’ll only be asked to pay when you initially submit the form.
For online change-of-address requests, USPS charges $1.10 for identity verification purposes.
Additionally, requests made in person are free of charge.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on why is USPS mail forwarding not working, how long does USPS forward mail, and what is proof of delivery at USPS.
Conclusion
Stopping mail forwarding is just as easy, if not easier, than the initial sign-up process.
Therefore, whether you need to stop your standard mail forwarding service or your Premium Forwarding Service, USPS simplifies the process.
