What happens to your mail if you don't change your address?

Asked by: Maria Ward V  |  Last update: August 1, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (9 votes)

If no Change of Address is Filed
Your local Post Office will automatically hold any accumulated mail for up to 10 calendar days. After that, most mail items are returned to sender(s); items that cannot be forwarded or returned back to the sender will be discarded.

What happens to your mail if you move and don't change your address?

Even if you don't know where you're moving, you can still get mail sent to you with USPS mail forwarding. It's different from a permanent change of address because it's short-term. The free version applies only to certain types of mail (like letters, newsletters, magazines and Priority Mail® packages).

What happens if mail goes to old address?

All you need to do is write “RETURN TO SENDER” on the front of the envelope and put it back in your mailbox. Your postal worker will take care of it for you from there.

What happens if you dont forward your mail?

The mail just keeps piling up and never stops. If you do not set up mail forwarding with USPS before you move, all your mail will be going to your previous address. The same goes for changing your address with all the private companies and government agencies you pertain to.

How do I stop mail from going to my old address?

Please visit USPS Hold Mail Service to submit a request online. You will need to sign in to or create a USPS.com® account to begin an online USPS Hold Mail request. Online USPS Hold Mail requests submitted before 2:00 A.M. Central Time can begin on the same Postal business day.

You've Got (no) Mail: how change of address fraud can easily steal your identity

15 related questions found

How long will USPS forward mail?

Standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months. You can pay to extend mail forwarding for 6, 12, or 18 more months (18 months is the maximum). To purchase Extended Mail Forwarding, you can add it when you first submit your change-of-address request or if you later edit your request.

What kind of mail will not be forwarded?

Standard Mail A (circulars, books, catalogs, and advertising mail) is not forwarded unless requested by the mailer.

What happens after 12 months if I still need my mail forwarded?

You will receive an email confirmation of the Extended Mail Forwarding service purchase. Customers with an existing, active permanent Change of Address request (which lasts 18 months) can purchase Extended Mail Forwarding at their local Post Office or via managemymove.usps.com on usps.com.

Will USPS forward mail twice?

Note: You will be able to make no more than 2 (two) changes in a single day*, one of which can be street address line related. After two changes, you will receive an error message that says: "You have exceeded the amount of changes that you can make within the same day.

Will USPS forward mail temporarily?

If your move is temporary, the USPS can forward your mail from your old address to a new one for 15 days to one year. To get started, fill out an official USPS change of address form. This covers questions about the type of move, the mail forwarding start and end date, and more.

How does USPS return to sender?

When you return to the sender, the mail item is returned as the same mail class used to send it. For example, if the letter or package you received came as Priority mail, they will return it like that.

Can you be fined for not changing your address on your driving Licence?

Research from insurer Direct Line shows that millions of motorists have failed to update their address with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. As reassuring as it can be to know you're not alone, the news shouldn't stop you from taking action. As you rightly point out, you could receive a fine.

How long does USPS forward mail for free?

According to USPS, the service can initially forward mail for 15 days to six months (185 days). If customers plan to stay at their temporary address for longer than six months and wish to continue forwarding mail, they must extend the temporary forwarding period.

What do you do with mail in between houses?

How to set up temporary mail forwarding with USPS in 8 easy steps
  1. Step 1: Go online to the MYMOVE & USPS Change-of-Address form. ...
  2. Step 2: Tell MYMOVE & USPS who's moving. ...
  3. Step 3: Let the postal service know that it's a temporary move. ...
  4. Step 4: Fill out your old and new addresses, and submit the form.

Is it legal to have two mailing addresses?

You can establish each residence with the United States Postal Service. Send a piece of mail to your second home. According to the United States Postal Service publication 508, mail is delivered as addressed, not according to the name on the mail. You can receive mail at any address you wish.

Why did USPS charge me $40 to change my address?

The Postal Service charges $1.05 to verify identification of customers who change an address online. Websites with domain names that appear to be associated with the Postal Service, but are not, charge customers up to $40 to change an address and, in some cases, the change never gets made.

Why did the Post Office charge me $100 to change my address?

The U.S. Postal Service charges only $1.10 for an online change-of-address filing. This credit card charge is necessary for identity verification and, in turn, fraud protection.

Can you extend mail forwarding past one year?

Customers may extend a permanent change-of-address order for up to an additional 18 months of forwarding by purchasing Extended Mail Forwarding service at a Post Office or online through the Change of Address Application (MoversGuide) on USPS.com.

How long can mail be held?

USPS Hold Mail® service can hold your mail safely at your local Post Office facility until you return, for up to 30 days. To hold your mail longer or to reroute your mail, please sign up for a forwarding service. You can make your request up to 30 days in advance or as early as the next scheduled delivery day.

Does mail from the IRS get forwarded?

Most IRS correspondence is not routinely forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service to a new address, and in this regard certified mailings are returned to the IRS if they are not claimed.

Does my post office forward government checks?

(a) Federal law does not allow the United States post office to forward checks that are issued by the federal government.

How do you check if your mail is being forwarded?

Call 1-800-ASK-USPS and ask to be transferred to the post office in the city where you previously lived if you have not begun to receive your forwarded mail. Talk to the postmaster or clerk in that office to check the status of your address change.

Does all mail get forwarded when you change your address?

Once you select a date to begin forwarding your mail, all mail that is sent to your previous address will be re-directed to your new address. Those forwarding their mail will receive a packet in the mail containing coupons that are helpful when moving.

How long does a change of address stay in effect?

How long does a temporary Change of Address last? Mail forwarding for a temporary Change of Address can last anywhere from 15 days to 6 months. However, since you can choose when the forwarding service will start and end, mail forwarding for a temporary Change of Address will last until your specified end date.

Can the Post Office hold my mail without permission?

Yes, A postman can initiate a hold on mail for a number of reasons, including safety issues, mail is piling up, leading to suspicion that the addressee has moved, left no forwarding order, and not limited to just those. Theft of postal property falls under safety.