USPS Mail Redirection: Sending Mail to a New Location
### Moving Abroad? USPS Mail Forwarding Can Help Keep Your Correspondence Safe
When relocating internationally, ensuring the safe delivery of important correspondence is crucial. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a mail forwarding service to help protect your mail during the transition.
#### In-Person Requirement and Mail Types Forwarded
To forward your mail internationally through USPS, you must submit your request in person at a local post office. Online requests are only available for domestic moves. USPS will forward most First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and first-class packages for 12 months to an international address. However, some mail classes—such as USPS Retail Ground, Library Mail, Bound Printed Matter, and Media Mail—can only be forwarded to domestic addresses.
#### Form and Information Needed
To initiate USPS mail forwarding, you’ll need to complete PS Form 3575 (Mail Forwarding Change of Address Order), providing details about who is moving, the type of move, current contact information, old and new addresses, and the desired start date for forwarding. There is a fee for this service.
#### Limitations
International forwarding is not always guaranteed. Some mail may not be forwarded due to customs regulations or restrictions in the destination country. The sender can also endorse mailpieces to prohibit forwarding.
#### Alternatives to USPS Mail Forwarding
For those moving abroad, virtual mailbox services can receive mail in the U.S. and forward it internationally. These services typically scan your mail and allow you to choose which items to forward, often offering flexible forwarding options and digital storage. However, international shipping costs can add up, and customs rules may restrict certain items.
#### Key Takeaways
- USPS international mail forwarding requires an in-person visit to the post office and generally covers standard mail and packages for up to a year. - Restrictions apply based on mail class, sender instructions, and destination country customs regulations. - Virtual mailbox services offer a flexible, digital alternative for those needing more control or facing USPS limitations, though at potentially higher cost. - Always verify current rules with USPS or your chosen service provider, as international regulations and USPS policies can change. - For international moves, USPS offers international mail forwarding, but the process and fees are different, requiring more documents and fewer options. - In-person application is necessary for special circumstances, such as international moves. - Both temporary and permanent forwarding options exist. - Temporary mail forwarding lasts 12 months, but can be extended up to a maximum of 18 months in increments of 6, 12, or 18 months. - Online tracking services are available for mail forwarding requests, allowing customers to check the status of their forwarded mail. - The cost of USPS mail forwarding is relatively low, with a fee of $1.10 for changing your address online. - USPS mail forwarding keeps your mail safe during big changes.
[1] Information obtained from:
- For individuals moving abroad, employing a virtual mailbox service can provide a more versatile solution, as they facilitate receiving mail in the US and forwarding it internationally, offering flexible options and digital storage, despite potential higher costs and customs restrictions on certain items.
- When it comes to managing personal-finance matters during an international move, one might consider the inclusion of postage fees when budgeting, as the USPS mail forwarding service charges a fee for ensuring safe delivery of mail during the transition, with the fee for changing your address online amounting to $1.10.
