For how long can mail be forwarded to a new address?

Mail can be forwarded to a new address for a maximum period of 12 months for first-class mail, letters, and packages. This duration allows individuals who have changed their address to continue receiving their mail at the new location, ensuring that they do not miss important correspondence during their transition. After the 12-month period, forwarding will cease unless the individual re-establishes forwarding through the USPS.

This policy helps maintain efficiency in mail delivery while also encouraging recipients to update their address with senders for long-term changes. For other types of mail, such as Periodical publications, the forwarding period may differ, but for the most common classes like first-class mail, the limit is set at 12 months.