If a customer wants to change their address permanently, how long will the filing remain active?

When a customer submits a request to change their address permanently, the filing remains active for a duration of 18 months. This allows the Postal Service to forward any mail that is sent to the previous address for a reasonable period, ensuring that important correspondence still reaches the customer at their new location. After 18 months, the address change is no longer forwarded, and mail sent to the old address will not be redirected.

This timeframe is established to balance the need for efficient mail delivery and the services offered by USPS, while also recognizing that most individuals will settle into their new address within that period. This ensures that customers receive a sufficient transition period to ensure they don't miss out on important mail.