Mail forwarding

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Post offices and other mail service providers typically offer a mail forwarding service to redirect mail destined for one location to another — usually for a given period of time. (In the case of the United States Postal Service's First Class Mail it is generally for a period of one year, although at least one exception has been made in the case of mail addressed to the World Trade Center.) Customers of such a service usually (but not exclusively) use mail-forwarding when they change addresses or move premises.

The mail forwarding service offered by postal authorities should be distinguished from private mail forwarding services. Private mail forwarding services tend to offer additional services and needs that might not be provided by governmental services, such as mail scanning services, online mailbox management and a selection of domestic and international delivery options. Many people travel for extended periods of time – necessitating mail forwarding services with greater flexibility than those offered by governmental services.

Regulations: UK From 1 October 2007, Councils in London will be able to require local private mail forwarding services to register with them.^{[citation needed]} Registered services will have to obtain evidence of identity from their customers and retain copies of these documents. They will also have to keep records of the customer's name and address/registered office and addresses to which mail is sent.

US USPS form 1583 is required if using a private forwarder.