Temporary Address Change Facts

If you travel for extended periods, you may want to consider requesting a temporary change of address from the Postal Service. There are a few things to remember when requesting a temporary address change.

Temporary Change of Address

A temporary change of address is also known as mail forwarding. This is when you request that your mail be sent to an address other than your permanent address.

Cost of Mail Forwarding

A temporary change of address is free. However, the post office offers a premium mail forwarding service that will forward your mail on a weekly basis via priority mail.

Duration of Mail Forwarding

You can forward your mail to your temporary address for a maximum of six months.

Mail Forwarding After 6 Months

If you're going to be gone longer than six months, you can apply for an extension. You have to wait until the end of the original six months to apply. This will forward your mail for another six months.

Mail Forwarding After 12 Months

If you need to forward you mail for longer than 12 months, you have to wait 45 days to apply for another temporary change of address.

Where to Request a Temporary Change of Address

A temporary change of address can be requested in person at your post office or online. There may be a fee for using the online service.

References

• United States Postal Service

Resources

• United States Postal Service