How to Forward Mail to a PO Box (USPS Step-by-Step Guide)

MelanieM Written By Melanie Morris
  • Updated: February 24, 2026
  • Published on February 23, 2026
    • Woman reading forwarded mail at a PO box facility.

    Mail forwarding lasts up to 12 months, so you have plenty of time to change your address when you move. But moving timelines don’t always line up, and you might find your mail is rerouted before you’re around to collect it. During these transitions, forwarding your mail to a PO Box can be a reliable way to keep important letters and packages safe.

    Typically, you can expect forwarded mail to start arriving at your new address in as little as 3 days or, in some cases, up to 2 weeks. USPS will send confirmation letters after you submit your request, so you know everything’s on track. But if that timeframe doesn’t work for you, then this article is here to explain how USPS mail forwarding works, how to set it up for a PO Box, and what to watch out for along the way. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make this part of your move seamless.

    Author

    Melanie Morris

    Melanie Morris is an editor and writer at MovingPlace, where she uses her observational skills honed from over 7 years of experience (and too much detective fiction) to demystify moving and make sure typos remain at a minimum. Moving from the southwest to head up and down the west coast and back again has also given her plenty of moving experience. Now, she makes sure that even if you’re just moving down the block, you have the accurate tips and know-how to make your relocation a breeze.

    Understanding USPS Mail Forwarding Services

    USPS gives you two options when you need to reroute your mail: temporary or permanent Change of Address (COA).

    • Temporary mail forwarding: A temporary COA works if you expect to return to your original address within a year. Your mail can be redirected for a minimum of 15 days and up to 12 months. This is a good fit if you’re going away to school or on a short-term work relocation.
    • Permanent mail forwarding: Choose a permanent COA if you’re moving for good and not returning to your original address. Keep in mind that mail forwarding changes your address with the post office only. You’ll need to update your address with government agencies, banks, insurance, and other organizations.

    You can forward mail to either a street address or a PO Box set up in your name. Many people choose a PO box because their mail is held safely at the Post Office, and this is helpful if they can’t pick up their mail for a while once forwarded.

    Forwarding vs Hold Mail vs PO Box

    There are a few options for managing your mail when you’re on the go. Consider whether your move is temporary or permanent and whether you’ll be available to collect your mail right away. 

    Here’s a quick guide to help you decide between mail forwarding, hold mail, and PO Box services:

    • Mail forwarding: Consider mail forwarding if you’re away for an extended period of time or moving permanently. Your mail is redirected to a PO Box or street address. 
    • Hold Mail Service: If you’re away for a short period of time and don’t need mail rerouted, the Post Office can hold your mail for up to 30 days. You may pick up your mail at the end of the hold period or arrange for delivery.
    • PO Box: A PO Box enables you to receive mail at the Post Office instead of your home. This is an ideal solution if you want to pick up mail at your convenience, ensure your mail is secure, or keep your street address private.  
    • Mail forwarding to a PO Box: With this option, mail is rerouted from your old address and kept securely at the Post Office until you can collect it. This is helpful if you’re moving out and don’t have a permanent address yet or if there’s an extended gap before your move-in date.

    Step-by-Step Process to Forward Mail to a PO Box

    To forward mail to a PO Box, the general steps are to rent a PO Box and then submit a change of address request. Both steps can be done online or in person at your local post office. Here’s an overview of what you need to do for each step:

    Rent a PO Box

    Begin by setting up the PO Box you’ll be using. The box should be active and in your name before you complete your mail forwarding.

    • Apply online at USPS.com or stop by your local post office.
    • Pick the size of box that works best for you, depending on how much mail and packages you receive. 
    • Go to the post office to pick up your keys or lock combination and bring two pieces of ID to complete the paperwork. 
    • Pay the box rental fee, which covers a term of 3, 6, or 12 months. 
    • Receive your PO Box number once your box is active.

    Gather Required Information

    Before you fill in the change of address request, you’ll need to have some important information on hand. That includes your full name, the address you’re moving from, the PO Box number you’ll be forwarding to, and a way to confirm your identity — usually a driver’s license or other photo ID.

    Submit a Change of Address Online

    Most people take care of this step at USPS.com, but you can also go to the post office and complete PS Form 3575.

    • You’ll be asked to choose whether your forwarding is temporary or permanent, then prompted for your old and new addresses. Make sure to list the PO Box as your destination address. 
    • There are several types of mail forwarding. Choose “Individual” for one person, “Family” for more than one person sharing the same last name, or “Business” for mail addressed to a business.
    • The site will guide you through online identity verification, sending you a confirmation email with a verification code or mobile phone link. There’s a small fee ($1.25) for this service, and the billing address on your credit card must be the same as your old or new address.
    • If you’re unable to verify your identity online, you’ll get an email with a barcode. You can complete the verification by taking the email and an acceptable photo ID to a local post office.

    Confirm and Track Your Request

    Once you’ve completed your submission, a few things will happen:

    • USPS will send a Move Validation letter to your old address confirming the change of address request.
    • About 5 business days before the post office begins forwarding your mail, it will send a Customer Notification letter with a confirmation code to your PO Box.
    • Forwarding may start in as little as 3 business days, but allow up to 2 weeks.
    • Use the confirmation code to modify or cancel your request. If something seems off, contact USPS early so there’s no gap in your mail delivery.

    Visit Your Local Post Office (Optional)

    You can also visit your local post office and ask for the Change of Address form (PS Form 3575), which comes as part of the USPS Mover’s Guide. The helpful bundle of information includes tips and coupons to make your move easier. 

    All you have to do is fill out the COA form, show your ID, and submit it to the clerk. The in-person option doesn’t require the online verification fee and can be a good way to double-check everything with a USPS representative.

    Be mindful that mail forwarding doesn’t last forever. For a detailed list of every address you’ll need to update, see our Complete Change of Address Checklist.

    Timeline and Costs for Forwarding Mail to a PO Box

    USPS recommends putting in your change of address request about 2 weeks before you move, so everything is in place by the time you arrive. Moving requires a lot of attention to detail, so take a look at our Moving Checklist and Timeline for tips on what to do and when.

    Most of your mail will be forwarded to your PO Box as it’s received, but there are a few exceptions. Here’s how different types of mail are treated for a permanent Change of Address:

    • First‑Class Mail, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and USPS Ground Advantage: Forwarded for 12 months.
    • Periodicals: Forwarded for 60 days. 
    • USPS Marketing Mail (catalogs, flyers, newsletters, and advertising): Not forwarded.
    • Educational items shipped by Media Mail: Forwarded, but you must pay for the shipping from your old post office to your new one.

    How Long Does Mail Forwarding Last?

    Permanent change of address forwarding lasts for 12 months. After this, any items still being sent to your old address for the next 6 months are returned to the sender with a label informing them of your new address. 

    USPS will remind you that your mail forwarding is expiring about 1 month before it’s up. You can purchase Extended Mail Forwarding for up to 18 more months if you want to be sure nothing goes astray. However, there are no cancellations or refunds. 

    Benefits of Forwarding Mail to a PO Box

    Forwarding your mail to a P.O. Box can ease worries during a move. First, it’s an easy way to keep your address private and your mail secure. Sensitive items, like bank statements or legal papers, stay locked up at the Post Office until you’re ready to collect them.

    Secondly, a PO Box gives you reliable access to your mail if you’re relocating across the country or to an area where home delivery is less predictable. Everything is collected in one place, so you don’t have to worry about anything important getting lost or delayed.

    Lastly, using a P.O. Box is a great option if your move is happening in stages. Maybe you’re waiting to close on a house or staying somewhere temporarily. Having a P.O. Box gives you a consistent address to use until life is more settled.

    Limitations and Common Pitfalls 

    Using a P.O. Box does come with some limits. Knowing these up front can help you plan and make the most of your forwarding service. 

    Types of Mail That Won’t Be Forwarded

    Mail addressed to “Current Resident” or “Occupant” won’t be rerouted to your new destination. The same goes for items sent in bulk as USPS Marketing Mail, including promotional postcards, coupons, flyers, and catalogs. 

    Certain government checks, including some Social Security or retirement payments, need the address updated directly with the issuing agency. Rather than relying on mail forwarding, be proactive and ensure important checks and mail don’t get lost. Begin the change of address process about 4 weeks before your move, as mentioned in our Ultimate Moving Planning Guide.

    These other organizations should also have your new address as soon as possible:

    • Government benefit programs
    • Department of Motor Vehicles
    • Employers
    • Banks
    • Insurance companies

    Packages, Oversized Parcels, and Private Carriers 

    PO Boxes are built for letters and small parcels, so anything too large to fit will either be held behind the counter at the Post Office or returned to the sender if no other arrangements are made.

    Not every company relies on USPS forwarding, so update your address directly with online retailers, subscriptions, and service providers. Otherwise, parcels shipped by private carriers may show up at your old address.

    Post Office Box Street Addressing 

    Carriers such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, and Amazon usually don’t deliver to P.O. boxes and require a street address. If available in your location, you can use Post Office Box Street Addressing (PBSA) for package deliveries. 

    PBSA enables you to combine your post office box number and the street address of the post office location to create a street-style address. For example, if you’re renting PO Box 1450 and the box is located at 123 Main Street, you could use “123 Main Street, #1450” as your street address. The Post Office will accept mail addressed to your traditional PO Box address or your street-style address as long as both are properly formatted.

    This option is only available at certain post offices, however. If you expect a lot of deliveries from private carriers, it’s best to confirm PBSA is an option before relying on a PO Box for mail. PBSA is optional, and you must sign an agreement to use this feature.

    PO Box vs Street Address Forwarding: A Comparison

    When deciding where to forward your mail, think about what will make life easiest during the move. Some people prefer using a P.O. Box, especially if they’re not moving in right away. Knowing your mail is locked up at the Post Office can be a big relief when you can’t collect it immediately.

    Forwarding straight to a street address works once you’re in your new place and ready to receive everything there. Packages, courier deliveries, and regular mail come right to your door, and you don’t have to pay for a box or make extra trips to fetch it.

    Below, you can compare how the options stack up so you can decide which feels right for you:

    PO Box Forwarding:

    • Keeps home address private 
    • Mail held securely at the Post Office
    • Limited by box size; some carriers can’t deliver
    • Packages aren’t forwarded
    • Requires a rental fee for the box
    • May not be accepted by banks or DMV
    • Best for transitional moves, privacy, rural access

    Street Address Forwarding: 

    • Home address is visible on mail 
    • Mail delivered to home mailbox or front door 
    • Accepts all package sizes and carriers 
    • No additional cost beyond forwarding request 
    • Accepted for all purposes 
    • Best for permanent moves, full package delivery

    Frequently Asked Questions

    USPS will forward First‑Class Mail, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, Media Mail (with postage), and periodicals. Marketing mail and mail addressed broadly (such as “Current Resident”) isn’t forwarded. Government checks often require a change of address with the issuing agency rather than forwarding.

    You can set up temporary forwarding for a minimum of 15 days and up to 12 months. Permanent forwarding lasts 12 months and may be extended up to an additional 18 months. You must pay for an extension before the forwarding period expires.

    Yes, you must have an active PO Box registered under your name. Set this up before completing the COA form to avoid delays.

    USPS will forward packages shipped via its service if they fit into your box. Larger parcels may not fit. Courier packages like UPS or FedEx typically can’t be delivered to a PO Box unless the post office offers a PBSA (Post Office Box Street Address) service.

    Yes. Using your confirmation code, you can modify or cancel forwarding online or at your post office. Extensions or date changes must happen before the original start date or within the first year for extended service.

    An individual change of address applies if one person is moving. Family forwarding covers multiple people with the same last name who are moving together. Choose Business forwarding to redirect mail addressed to a business name.

    Mail forwarding can start within 3 business days, but may take up to 2 weeks. Watch for a Move Validation letter sent to your old address and a Customer Notification letter at your PO Box to confirm everything is on track.

    USPS will notify you about a month before mail forwarding ends, and you can extend the service for a maximum of 18 months. After that, items sent to your old address will be returned to sender for 6 months, along with a label advising of your new address.

    Hold Mail is best if you’re away for a short period of time and returning to the same address. USPS will hold your letters and packages for 3 to 30 days, so they’re safe while you’re away.

    If you have trouble verifying your identity when setting up mail forwarding online, you’ll receive an email from USPS with a bar code and further instructions. You can complete the identity verification process in person at a post office.