To create a USPS account, go to https://reg. usps. com/ and click the “Create Account” button.

Even if you’re going to be gone for more than 30 days, you can still have your mail held for a shorter period if you prefer. Just make sure the end date coincides with the date when you’ll return home so you’ll be there to get your accumulated mail. The period of your request is measured in calendar days, not postal business days.

If you choose to let your mail carrier deliver the accumulated mail when the hold ends, they will only deliver as much as will fit in your mailbox. Any excess mail will be delivered at a later date.

The downloadable form isn’t fillable, so you’ll have to print it out and fill it out by hand. Write neatly in blue or black ink. If you submit your request online, you’ll enter the same information you would normally enter on the authorization form. Even though you are providing your name, USPS holds mail for the entire address during the period requested — not just the mail addressed to you. If you have roommates, make sure they’re okay with the request before you submit it.

Although your credit report is accessed, your credit score is not affected in any way by the identity verification process. If the USPS is unable to verify your identity online, you’ll have to submit your request in person.

To locate the post office that delivers to your home, go to https://tools. usps. com/find-location. htm? and enter your city and state or ZIP code. Submit an in-person request at least 1 business day before you want the hold to start. Postal business days are Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. [8] X Research source You can also make a Hold Mail Request by calling the USPS Customer Service number at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). [9] X Research source

If you submit your request online, the confirmation number will be generated on-screen. You might want to take a screencap of the page. You’ll also get an email with the confirmation number. If you don’t see this email in your inbox within a few minutes, check your spam folder.

If you cannot find your confirmation number, you won’t be able to change your Hold Mail request online at all. Without a confirmation number, USPS agents can only extend the period during which your mail is held. They cannot change the start date or move the end date to an earlier date.

Acceptable forms of primary identification include any government-issued photo ID, such as a state ID card, driver’s license, university ID, or passport. In addition to your primary identification, bring a document to prove your address, such as a copy of your lease or mortgage, your voter or vehicle registration card, or a utility bill addressed to you at your address. [13] X Research source If you want to cancel your Hold Mail request, you can simply pick up your accumulated mail at your local post office. Once you pick up your accumulated mail, the Hold Mail request will automatically be canceled and regular mail delivery will resume.

You can also extend your request online through your USPS account, provided you have your confirmation number. To get the phone number for your local post office, go to https://tools. usps. com/find-location. htm? and enter your city and state or ZIP code.

The letter doesn’t have to be long or complex. Simply write “I authorize [First Name Last Name] to pick up my accumulated mail. " Print your name under your signature and provide your address. You might also include your phone number just in case a USPS agent wants to contact you. The person who comes to pick up your mail must have a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, military ID, university ID, or passport.

You can use COA for a period as short as 15 days or as long as a year. However, if you’re going to be gone for fewer than 30 days, it’s typically better to have USPS hold your mail. Mail forwarded through COA may take a week or two to arrive at your temporary address. Keep this in mind when you set the duration for forwarding.

If you have a USPS account online, you’ll get an email notification with the tracking number for your weekly mail package.

Go to https://reg. usps. com/ and click “Create Account” if you don’t already have an account with USPS. If you do have an account, simply enter your username and password. You only need one account to access any USPS online services. When you request a COA, your credit or debit card will be charged $1. 05. Although there is no charge for a COA, this charge is used to verify your identity. For premium residential forwarding, use a major credit or debit card to pay the enrollment fee and weekly fees for the duration of your request. As of 2019, the enrollment fee is $19. 95 if you enroll online, plus $21. 10 for each week of service.

If you’re not sure which post office to use, visit https://tools. usps. com/find-location. htm? and enter your city and state or ZIP code. For in-person forwarding requests, use cash, personal check, or a major credit or debit card to pay the enrollment fee and weekly fees for the duration of your request. As of 2019, the enrollment fee is $21. 10 for in-person requests, plus $21. 10 for each week of service. There is no charge for a COA request made in person.