Why is My USPS Mail Forwarding Not Working in 2024?
If you recently moved and set up mail forwarding with the United States Postal Service (USPS), you may be wondering why some or all of your mail is still going to your old address. Despite being a helpful service for movers, mail forwarding is far from foolproof. In fact, according to USPS data, nearly 15% of forwarded mail experiences issues reaching the new destination.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the common reasons your mail may not be forwarding properly and actionable tips to get those postal hiccups resolved.
Overview of How USPS Mail Forwarding Works
Before digging into what can go wrong, let’s overview how mail forwarding is supposed to work when you submit a change of address form with USPS:
- You notify USPS of your move by filling out a form online or at your local post office
- Mail forwarding kicks in 3-4 business days after USPS processes your request
- Any first-class letters, flats, postcards, packages, or magazine subscriptions sent to your old address will be automatically rerouted to your new address
- Forwarded mail will have a yellow sticker indicating your new address
- Timeframe for forwarding lasts between 2 weeks and 1 year, depending on what you select when submitting the form
Seems simple enough, right? Unfortunately, there are a few common hiccups that can disrupt this process and prevent your mail from seamlessly following you to your new home.
Why Is My Mail Not Being Forwarded?
Based on USPS data and my own experience troubleshooting mail forwarding problems, here are the top reasons your mail may not be reaching you after you move:
Incorrect Change of Address Form
If you make an error when filling out the form, such as switching two digits in your new zip code or listing the wrong street number, your mail is going to hit a dead end once it reaches the post office. I recommend triple checking your form before submitting.
Ineligible Mail Types
Certain categories of mail are not able to be forwarded due to policies, regulations, or service limitations. See the table below for a breakdown:
| Mail Type | Forwardable? |
|---|---|
| First Class Letters/Flats | Yes |
| First Class Packages | Yes |
| USPS Marketing Mail | No |
| Mail from DMV | No |
For non-forwardable mail, you’ll need to contact the sender directly to update your address.
"Do Not Forward" Requested by Sender
Some organizations, like banks or insurance companies, will include a “do not forward” request to prevent sensitive mail from being redirected. This mail will get returned back to the sender with your new address attached. Follow up with them to ensure they have your updated information.
Expired Timeframe
The mail forwarding request expires after the end timeframe you select, which can be anywhere between 2 weeks and 1 full year. Once expired, any lingering mail pieces going to your old address will be returned to sender rather than forwarded.
Magazines Only Forward for 60 Days
Unlike first class letters which forward for the full timeframe you select, magazines will only forward for 60 days before going back to the sender. So you’ll need to directly update your magazine subscriptions.
Tips for Fixing USPS Mail Forwarding Problems
If you notice certain mail is not getting forwarded as expected, here are some tips to troubleshoot:
Confirm Submission and Check for Errors
- Verify you received a confirmation email or letter from USPS after submitting your change of address.
- Double check for accuracy – a minor typo can derail forwarding.
Contact Individual Senders
- For anything non-forwardable like bills or government mail, call ASAP to update your address.
- Ask them to resend any missing mail. Make this a priority to avoid fees or penalties.
Renew Your Change of Address
- If it has been over a year, resubmit a forward request to catch any lingering mail.
Submit Monthly COA Checks
- Set calendar reminders to check in with USPS monthly about change of address accuracy and renew if nearing expiration. Staying on top of it will help avoid lapses!
Update Accounts Proactively
Don’t rely on mail forwarding alone – take a proactive approach to update your address with key accounts right away before you move.
