www.usps.com/umove

The www.usps.com/umove page, or simply the “USPS Change of Address” service, is an indispensable online tool for individuals and businesses transitioning to a new location.

Moving can be a complex process, and ensuring that mail continues to reach you at your new address is paramount.

This dedicated portal streamlines the official change of address process with the United States Postal Service.

Purpose of www.usps.com/umove

The primary purpose of this section of the USPS website is to provide a reliable, efficient, and official way for customers to inform the Post Office of their new mailing address.

Once processed, the USPS will forward mail from the old address to the new one for a specified period, typically six months to a year, depending on the mail class.

• Mail Forwarding: The core service is forwarding eligible mail from your old address to your new one.
• Official Notification: It serves as the official notification to the USPS, updating their delivery records.
• Temporary or Permanent: Users can choose between a temporary change of address (e.g., for a seasonal move or extended vacation) or a permanent change.
• Individual, Family, or Business: The service supports changes for an individual, an entire family at the same address, or a business.

How to Use www.usps.com/umove

The online change of address process is designed to be user-friendly, although it requires careful attention to detail.

1. Access the Page: Go directly to www.usps.com/umove or search for “Change of Address” on usps.com.
2. Select Move Type: Choose whether you are moving as an individual, family, or business. You will also select if it’s a temporary or permanent move.
3. Provide Old and New Addresses: Carefully enter your previous mailing address and your new, current mailing address. Accuracy is critical here to ensure mail is forwarded correctly.
4. Specify Move Date: Indicate the effective date for mail forwarding to begin.
5. Verify Identity: This is a crucial security step. USPS requires identity verification to prevent fraudulent mail forwarding. This typically involves:
   • Credit Card Verification: A small, non-refundable fee (e.g., $1.10) is charged to a credit or debit card. This transaction helps verify your identity and address through your financial institution.
   • In-Person Verification (Less Common for Online): While less common for the online process, it’s an option for some situations.
6. Confirm and Submit: Review all entered information for accuracy, then submit the request. You will usually receive a confirmation email.
7. Welcome Kit: USPS often sends a “Welcome Kit” to your new address, which contains coupons and useful information for movers, as well as a confirmation of your change of address. This also serves as another layer of verification that the mail is being forwarded to the correct new address.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

• Timing: It’s recommended to submit your change of address request at least 2 weeks before your desired move date to allow ample processing time. The USPS processes millions of change of address requests annually, highlighting the service’s high volume.
• Security Fee: Be aware of the small identity verification fee. This is legitimate and helps protect against fraud. Any site claiming to be USPS and asking for a larger fee is likely a scam.
• Direct Mailers: The change of address service only forwards mail handled by USPS. It does not automatically notify banks, credit card companies, magazines, or other businesses of your new address. You must update these entities directly. The welcome kit often includes forms to help with this.
• Forwarding Duration: Understand the duration of mail forwarding (e.g., 12 months for First-Class Mail® and Priority Mail®). After this period, mail may be returned to the sender.
• Junk Mail: USPS will not forward bulk mail or junk mail. these items are usually disposed of or returned to the sender.
• Fraud Prevention: The identity verification step is vital. Scammers often attempt to reroute mail to commit identity theft. By requiring a credit card verification fee, USPS adds a layer of security.

The www.usps.com/umove portal is an indispensable resource for managing mail during a residential or business relocation, providing a secure and official channel to ensure your mail continues to follow you.

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