How Long Does USPS Change Of Address Last? (Full Guide)

Moving is always stressful- there’s packing to do, shipping to do, unpacking to do, and typically your mail is the last thing on your mind!

Luckily, USPS has a change of address form- but how long does that change of address last, and how do you do it? Here is what I discovered!

How Long Does USPS Change Of Address Last?

USPS typically only forwards your mail for 12 months after a change of address form is completed. After that point, you are responsible for updating your address with your friends, family, and businesses you receive mail from. You can get a change of address form from USPS most reliably online, however, your local post office may have some handy as well.

We already know moving is stressful- so be sure to take a look at the rest of the article to see what else you can do to take some stress off your plate when changing your address!

How To Request a Change Of Address With USPS

A change of address form is a way of letting USPS know ahead of time that you’ll need your mail forwarded to a new address while you get your affairs in order.

A change of address form is not permanent- it only lasts for a year tops to allow you time to update your address with friends, family, and any businesses you receive mail from.

To request a change of address form, you can go to your local post office or fill out the change of address form online.

It’s important to note, however, that when you fill out a change of address form online, there can be some fees associated with the form.

You are typically charged $1 for filling out the form and are charged an additional $1 for forwarding business mail. This also applies to any mail that has an alias listed (for example, mail you receive that lists a maiden name).

If you wish to avoid any extra charges when changing your address, you can print out Form PS 3575.

To get this form from your post office, you can request a free Mover’s Guide packet, and Form PS 3575 will be inside and ready for you to fill out.

You can also find Form PS 3575 online, which is able to be printed out free of charge.

Once you fill out your change of address form and submit it, you can expect to receive a validation letter in the mail confirming that USPS has received the form, and a welcome kit/customer notification will arrive up to 5 days before the change of address takes place.

How Long Does It Take For USPS To Process a Change Of Address Form?

How Long Does It Take For USPS To Process A Change Of Address Form? USPS

Typically it takes 7-10 business days after the change of address start date for USPS to begin sending mail to your new address.

To avoid any lapse in receiving mail, you can fill out the change of address form and put a start date about a week earlier than you’ll actually be moving.

The reason it can take USPS a few days or more to begin sending mail is that they must verify the new address and the old address, as well as locate any mail that was being sent to your old address to reroute it to the new location.

You can expect a lapse in your mail to last a bit longer than 7 days if you’re moving further away.

For example, if you’re moving from Florida to California, the mail you typically receive will have to be rerouted across the country and caught in various stages of shipping to be redirected to the West Coast.

Keep in mind as well that all of your mail doesn’t typically originate from the same place- so be sure to be patient as USPS makes this transition along with you!

What Else Can I Do To Make Sure My Address Is Changed Permanently?

After filling out the change of address form, it’s important to keep in mind that it doesn’t last forever.

USPS will only continue rerouting your mail for a year, and after that point, it’s up to you to make sure that everywhere and everyone you receive mail from begins sending that mail to your new address.

The best way to ensure that your address is changed permanently and you’ll receive all of your mail is by reaching out to any businesses or friends and family and letting them know you’ve moved.

To learn more about USPS, you can also read our posts on whether or not USPS charges for a change of address, what happens if USPS is delivered to the wrong address, and whether USPS delivers to the door.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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