How to Check to See If Your Mail Is Forwarded With USPS

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When it comes time for you to move into a new home or apartment, don't forget to update your address. All you have to do is fill out a change-of-address (COA) form online or at the post office through the United States Postal Service (USPS). However, if you've already changed your address with USPS, but appear to not be receiving some of your mail, here's how to verify that your change of address (COA) went through.

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Step 1

Visit the United States Postal Service's official change-of-address site here. A small caveat: if you are changing your address to a P.O. box, you need to rent the box first. You can find more information about that process here.

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Step 2

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the link entitled "View or Edit" next to the question "Have you already changed your address?"

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Step 3

Fill out the fields for your unique confirmation number and new zip code. After you finish your electronic COA, check your email for your confirmation number, or the notification letter that was mailed to you. You can also find it in the USPS welcome kit sent to you, if you filed a paper COA. Click "Get Started" after typing in your information.

Step 4

After modifying your COA request, you can expect your mail to begin arriving at your new address within seven to 10 USPS business days from the COA start date. If you run into any issues when checking your COA status, check the USPS's FAQ section or contact the Customer Care Center for assistance. If you've lost your confirmation code, visit your local post office to make any COA changes.

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Note that USPS will only forward periodicals, such as magazines and newsletters, to your new address for 60 days. Mail will only be forwarded for 12 months. In the meantime, it is your responsibility to notify all senders that your address has been changed. If you want to check what mail pieces will be coming your way, try this secret hack on the USPS website.

You might also like these brilliant hacks so you never need to wait in line at the post office again.

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