It isn’t easy to envision a world without mail. We rely on the postal system to keep our lives going smoothly, from birthday cards to bills.
What will happen to your mail if you need to leave the country for a while?
Types of Mail that USPS Forwards:
USPS will not forward any mail from certain government agencies or financial institutions or mail where return service is requested. If you have moved, ensure they have your current address. That way, you won’t have to worry about losing your mail or spending time tracking it.
Will USPS Forward Government Mail?
USPS will forward government mail unless the piece has a “Do not forward” or “Return to Sender” endorsement.
Government agencies may use these endorsements to prevent sensitive information from being disclosed, especially in the case of confidential information.
For example, if a government agency receives an old form that needs to be returned to another agency, it may use these endorsements to send it back without re-entering all of its data into the new form.
Will USPS Forward DMV Mail?
The United States Postal Service will not forward DMV mail.
Even if you are serving in the military or temporarily living outside of the country, your DMV mail will not be forwarded by USPS. Instead, you must ensure that your address is up-to-date before requesting documents from the DMV.
You can update your address online at USPS.com or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
You can also visit your local post office to update your address. You will need to bring two forms of identification and proof of residency.
Will USPS Forward IRS Mail?
Unfortunately, not all post offices forward all IRS mail. This is because the IRS does not require USPS to forward mail.
Rather, it is up to the discretion of local post offices whether or not to forward mail.
To be safe, update your address with the IRS and include an alternate address in case your mail gets returned.
It’s also a good idea to check with your local post office before moving to ensure that they will continue to forward your mail after you move.
Will USPS Forward Magazines?
If you are a subscriber to a magazine, the most crucial thing to know is that USPS will not forward those magazines to your new address.
You must use the USPS forwarding service to ensure you receive your magazines at your new location.
USPS will continue to forward your subscription for up to 60 days after you move. After that period has elapsed, USPS will stop forwarding magazines to your new address.
If you want your magazine subscriptions forwarded to a different address than the one listed on the label, contact the publication directly and ask them how they handle forwarding requests.
Will USPS Forward USCIS Mail?
Unfortunately, USPS will not forward USCIS mail.
If you move and want your USCIS letters forwarded to your new address, you will need to contact them directly and ask them if they offer this service.
If not, your mail will either be delivered to your old address or returned to the sender.
Read also: Does USPS Check Packages Weight & Dimensions? We found out for you!
Will USPS Forward Junk Mail?
While the United States Postal Service does forward most mail, it does not forward junk mail.
Junk mail is any non-billable advertising or promotional matter unsolicited and addressed to multiple persons or households at a single address. This includes catalogs, coupons, postcards, circulars, flyers, and other direct mail that is not addressed to you personally.
Because junk mail has become so common, some people choose not to receive any direct mail because they find it annoying.
In addition, there are many environmental concerns with the amount of paper used for junk mailings each year.
Nevertheless, if you receive someone else’s junk mail, cross out the barcode and write “Not at this Address: Return to Sender.” You can also cross out the barcode and write “Return to Sender.”
Will USPS Forward Bank Mail?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will forward bank mail, but it depends on how the bank endorses mail.
For the most part, banks tend to endorse mail to be returned to the sender and not forwarded for security purposes.
If you’ve changed addresses, update your information with your bank. You’ll want them to send any important documents or statements directly to your new address, so they don’t get lost in transit.
Will USPS Forward Certified Mail?
USPS Certified Mail is a great way to send important documents.
However, if you’re the recipient of USPS Certified Mail and you’ve moved, you’ll need to request a forwarding service. Once the USPS has confirmed that your new address is correct, they will forward the certified mail to your new location.
In addition, certified mail will be forwarded so long as the sender did not request return service.
This means that if someone sends you something via certified mail and says they want it returned to them, if it can’t be delivered, it won’t be forwarded.
Will USPS Forward International Mail?
USPS will forward international mail, but it’s not cheap.
If you want to get your international mail forwarded through the United States Postal Service (USPS), you’ll have to pay a weekly fee—and there’s no way around it.
In addition, items shipped via Priority Mail also incur an extra shipping fee.
Will USPS Forward Mail to Canada?
It is possible to forward mail to Canada with USPS.
However, there are a few crucial things to consider before getting started.
First, you’ll need to know that USPS charges a weekly fee for this service. If you’re sending a few pieces of mail, this fee may not be worth it.
However, if you’re planning on sending multiple items at once and don’t want to deal with tracking them down later or paying extra fees at customs, it may be worth looking into this option.
Read also: Does USPS Open Or Inspect Packages? We explain here!
Will USPS Forward Mail Overseas?
USPS is a good option if you’re forwarding mail overseas. The only issue is that it’s pretty expensive.
You’ll be charged weekly, and there are additional fees for Priority Mail, so make sure to factor that into your budget.
Will USPS Forward Priority Mail?
When you request a change of address, the state or your records are not automatically updated.
You are responsible for keeping your voter registration, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and bank information up to date.
USPS will forward Priority Mail. However, forwarding is not automatic. You must request it at least 2 weeks before the date you want your mail forwarded.
You can submit your request to change your address either online or by filling out a form at any Post Office location.
Will USPS Forward Mail From a PO Box?
If you have a USPS PO Box, you can request that your mail be forwarded from one location to another by filling out and submitting PS Form 3575, Change of Address Order.
You can also use this USPS form to request a change of address. You can also go online to complete the form.
Sources:
USPS – Standard Forward Mail & Change of Address
Boston Irish – Keep Your Address Current With Us Immigrant Authorities
US Global Mail – Mail Forwarding (The Why, How, and What in 2022)