The United States Postal Service handles mail forwarding and redirection for deceased persons. When someone dies, an executor or family member can forward the deceased's mail to a new address. Mail forwarding for a deceased person must be requested in person at a Post Office with court-issued documentation.

Death notification

USPS does not have a death-notification system and does not receive death reports from other agencies. Mail continues to be delivered to the address indefinitely unless someone takes action. To forward a deceased person's mail, USPS requires documented proof that you are the appointed executor or administrator authorized to manage the deceased's mail, submitted in person at a Post Office; a death certificate alone is not enough. Court-issued Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration are the documents that establish this appointment.

Deadline: No deadline; mail continues to the address until forwarding is requested

Survivor benefits

The USPS offers 2 benefits for surviving family members.

Mail Forwarding for Deceased Persons

An executor or administrator can forward all of the deceased's mail to a new address (such as the executor's address or the estate's address) for up to 12 months. Extended forwarding is available for 6, 12, or 18 additional months at an additional cost. After forwarding expires, First-Class Mail is returned to sender for 6 additional months with the new address on the label.

Individual Piece Forwarding (Shared Address)

If you shared an address with the deceased, you can forward individual pieces of their mail without visiting the Post Office. Cross out the printed address, write "Forward to" with the new forwarding address on the front, and leave in your mailbox for carrier pickup, drop in a blue collection box, or take to a Post Office lobby drop.

When someone dies

Notifying the USPS after a death

5-step process, 3 required documents, and 2 survivor benefits.

View details →

Frequently asked questions

Standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months. Extended forwarding is available for 6, 12, or 18 additional months at an additional cost. After forwarding expires, First-Class Mail is returned to sender for 6 additional months with the forwarding address on the label.

First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and USPS Ground Advantage items are forwarded at no charge for 12 months. Periodicals (magazines, newsletters) are forwarded for 60 days. Media Mail and Library Mail are forwarded, but the recipient pays the forwarding postage from the local Post Office to the new address. USPS Marketing Mail (advertising, bulk mail) is not forwarded by default and is discarded. After forwarding expires, First-Class Mail is returned to sender for 6 additional months with the new address on the label.