(You’re recommended to file your change-of-address form at least 2 weeks prior to your move so your mail starts arriving at your new home immediately after the relocation.) How long does it take for mail to be forwarded to a new address?įirst, you need to consider the date of your mail forwarding request – it can take up to 10-12 business days for the USPS to redirect mail from your old address to your new address, so you need to be sure that enough time has passed after you’ve submitted the request. If you changed your address with the USPS, but your mail is still missing, you need to verify that the request went through. If you don’t file a change-of-address request, your mail will continue to arrive at your old address – so you won’t be getting it after the move.
(See also: How to change your address when moving) Once your request is processed, your mail will be redirected to your new address.
Fortunately, it’s fast and easy to complete – all you have to do is fill out a change-of-address (COA) form, either online or at your local post office. Make sure you changed your address with the USPSĬhanging your address is one of the many important tasks you need to take care of when moving to a new place. Read on to find out what to do if you’re not receiving mail after moving. What can you do then? How to get your mail and prevent further problems? But if all your mail is missing after the move, then something is clearly wrong – most probably, your mail is still going to your old address. Well, the USPS handles millions of mail pieces every day, so it’s easily possible for a letter or package to get lost. Why could that be happening? What could be the reason for not getting mail after moving? It’s been a week or so after the move and you haven’t received a single letter or package at your new address. You have unpacked your items and set up your new place, met the neighbors and explored your new surroundings – everything is as it should be.Įxcept you get no mail. You can apply for a Refund of the Certified Fee ($3.45) and the Return Receipt Electronic fee ($1.50) if you purchased it at the time you created your label.So, your move is finally over and you’re ready to start your new life in your new home. You will need to fill out a PS Form 3533 and submit it to your local Post Office. If USPS cannot locate or Deliver your letter, you can request a refund from USPS for services not rendered. Provide them with the Certified Mail article number and explain that your letter is still pending Delivery. If you wish to look into where your letter may be, your best bet would be to call the Post Office located in the zip code of the last recorded scan or the Post Office in the zip code of the delivery point address and ask to speak to the Post Master. If your letter has not been delivered after four to five weeks, it is possible that the letter is “missing.” It is not uncommon for a piece of Certified Mail to go several weeks without a Delivery Scan. USPS will hold the letter at the local Post Office for 15 business days before they will mark the letter “Unclaimed” and return the letter to the sender. At the first delivery attempt, if there is no authorized recipient available to sign for the letter, USPS will leave a Notice (PS Form 3849) informing the recipient that a piece of Certified Mail is waiting to be received/signed for at their local Post Office.
Typically, the first attempt to deliver the letter will occur within three to five business days. Certified Mail requires a signature upon Delivery. What can I do if my Certified Mail is not Delivered? Can I get a Refund?