Address Change
An address change occurs when a person or entity moves from one location to another. Typically, when this happens, you must notify your new Post Office immediately. By doing so, you ensure they update your address in their system without delay. Furthermore, Ancillary Service Endorsements offer one of the three ways for mailers to comply with the Move Update standard requirement. Fortunately, implementing this process remains straightforward and hassle-free.
Understanding USPS® Ancillary Endorsements
Below, you will find different address change services along with details on how to use them.
Forwarding Service Requested
First-Class Mail
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| NO | NO |
What Does It Do?
This service ensures that your mail piece reaches the addressee’s new address within 12 months of moving, assuming that a change-of-address order exists.
When Do I Use It?
In most cases, there are very few reasons to use FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED. Specifically, it does not provide updated addressee information, nor does it comply with the Move Update standard.
Should I Use It?
Since you will not receive any address change details unless USPS® deems the mail piece undeliverable, we strongly advise against using FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED.
- Addressee Moved within Past 12 Months: The mail piece successfully reaches the addressee’s new address (No Charge).
- Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months: The mail piece returns with the updated address (No Charge).
- Addressee Moved Over 18 Months Ago: The mail piece returns undelivered, potentially with a reason for non-delivery.
Marketing Mail(Commercial Bulk & Non-profit)
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| NO | POSSIBLE |
What Does It Do?
This service ensures that your mail piece reaches the addressee’s new address within 12 months of moving, provided that a change-of-address order exists.
When Do I Use It?
Although available, there are very few reasons to use FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED. Most importantly, it does not provide updated addressee information, nor does it ensure Move Update compliance.
Should I Use It?
Since you will not receive address change details unless the mail piece is undeliverable, we do not recommend using FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED.
- Addressee Moved within the Past 12 Months: The mail piece reaches the addressee’s new address (No Charge).
- Addressee Moved within the Past 13 – 18 Months: The mail piece returns with an updated address. Additionally, a "Weighted Fee" applies, calculated using a 2.472 multiplier on the single-piece cost. For instance, if a 1 oz. First-Class letter costs $0.50, the fee would be $1.24, payable by the sender.
- Addressee Moved Over 18 Months Ago: The mail piece returns, and the same "Weighted Fee" applies as described above.
Return Service Requested
First-Class Mail
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | NO |
What Does It Do?
This service ensures that your mail piece returns to the sender’s address if the addressee is not at the location, regardless of whether a change-of-address order exists.
When Do I Use It?
Many mailers consider this the most cost-effective method for complying with the USPS® Move Update standard.
Should I Use It?
By default, this service applies automatically to First-Class Mail at no charge.
- Addressee Moved within Past 12 Months: The mail piece returns, regardless of change-of-address order.
- Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months: The mail piece returns, regardless of change-of-address order.
- Addressee Moved Over 18 Months Ago: The mail piece returns, regardless of change-of-address order.
Marketing Mail(Commercial Bulk & Non-profit)
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | YES |
What Does It Do?
Your mail piece returns to the sender’s address if the addressee no longer resides at the location, regardless of a change-of-address order.
When Do I Use It?
Many mailers consider this the most affordable way to comply with USPS® Move Update requirements.
Should I Use It?
This service offers a premium alternative to "Return Service Requested" because it includes an additional returned notification card. If you manage a high-value donor list, this endorsement may be useful. However, we do not recommend using it for flat-rate mailings, only for 1 oz. letters or postcards.
- Addressee Moved within Past 12 Months: The mail piece returns at the Single-Piece First-Class Postage Charge, payable by the sender (e.g., $0.50 for a 1 oz. First-Class Letter) with a reason for non-delivery.
- Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months: The mail piece returns at the Single-Piece First-Class Postage Charge, payable by the sender, with non-delivery details.
- Addressee Moved Over 18 Months Ago: The mail piece returns at the Single-Piece First-Class Postage Charge, payable by the sender, with non-delivery details.
Address Service Requested
First-Class Mail
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | POSSIBLE |
What Does It Do?
This service provides two benefits:
- USPS® forwards the mail piece to the addressee’s new address.
- The sender receives a USPS®-sent postcard, called Form 3547 (Notice to Mailer of Correction in Address), containing the new address or reason for non-delivery.
When Do I Use It?
You should use Address Service Requested if you need both the updated recipient address and want the mail piece forwarded.
Should I Use It?
If you send First-Class Mail at least once per year and use an in-house data list, we highly recommend this service. However, be cautious when mailing over 1-ounce items like event invitations, as Weighted Fee charges apply. For purchased address lists, Return Service Requested may be a better option for compliance.
- Addressee Moved within Past 12 Months: USPS® forwards the mail piece at no charge and returns a postcard (Form 3547) to the sender, costing $0.59.
- Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months: USPS® returns the mail piece at no charge, with handling details labeled on the item.
- Addressee Moved Over 18 Months Ago: USPS® returns the mail piece at no charge, with handling details labeled on the item.
Marketing Mail(Commercial Bulk & Non-profit)
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | YES |
What Does It Do?
This service forwards your mail piece to the addressee’s new address within 12 months of their move, provided that a change-of-address order is on file with USPS®.
When Do I Use It?
Use Forwarding Service Requested only if forwarding mail is your primary goal. However, keep in mind that this service does not provide updated recipient address details, nor does it ensure compliance with the Move Update standard.
Should I Use It?
Since you will not receive any address change information unless USPS® deems the mail piece undeliverable, we generally do not recommend using Forwarding Service Requested for marketing mail.
- Addressee Moved within the Past 12 Months: USPS® forwards the mail piece to the addressee’s new address at no charge.
- Addressee Moved within the Past 13 – 18 Months: USPS® returns the mail piece to the sender with an updated address. Additionally, a "Weighted Fee" applies, calculated using a 2.472 multiplier on the single-piece cost. For example, if a 1 oz. First-Class letter costs $0.50, the fee would be $1.24, payable by the sender.
- Addressee Moved Over 18 Months Ago: USPS® returns the mail piece to the sender. Furthermore, the same "Weighted Fee" applies, calculated using the 2.472 multiplier on the single-piece cost.
Change Service Requested
First-Class Mail
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | YES |
What Does It Do?
This electronic service is available exclusively to mailers using IM® barcodes while enrolled in the USPS® ACS (Address Change Service) program. Essentially, it provides address correction without forwarding or returning the mail piece. Instead, USPS® discards the undeliverable mail and promptly sends the sender updated address details electronically.
When Do I Use It?
You should only use this service if you are actively participating in the USPS® ACS program and utilizing an IM® barcode participant number.
Should I Use It?
For most mailers, Change Service Requested may not be necessary. However, if applicable, this cost-effective solution offers lower rates compared to traditional Ancillary Service Endorsements.
- Addressee Moved within Past 12 Months: Not Applicable
- Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months: Not Applicable
- Addressee Moved Over 18 Months Ago: Not Applicable
Marketing Mail(Commercial Bulk & Non-profit)
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | YES |
What Does It Do?
This electronic service applies exclusively to mailers who use IM® barcodes while actively participating in the USPS® ACS (Address Change Service) program. Essentially, it corrects addresses without forwarding mail or returning the mail piece. Rather than sending it back, the system destroys the undeliverable mail and immediately sends the sender updated address data or a non-delivery reason.
When Do I Use It?
Use this service only if you are actively enrolled in the USPS® ACS program. Additionally, you must configure a participant number within the IMbc (Intelligent Mail barcode) system. Since it operates electronically, you can activate it at any time.
Should I Use It?
For most mailers, this service is not necessary. Nevertheless, if applicable, consider using it since it is significantly more affordable than other Ancillary Service Endorsements. Additionally, this service does not apply to Cornerstone clients, because they already receive Data Quality Reports (DQRs) for each mailing or upon request. Despite the slightly higher cost for Marketing Mail compared to First-Class Mail, it remains a practical and budget-friendly option.
- Addressee Moved within Past 12 Months: N/A
- Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months: N/A
- Addressee Moved Over 18 Months Ago: N/A
Temp-Return Service Requested
First-Class Mail
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | POSSIBLE |
What Does It Do?
This service provides two possible outcomes. First, if the mail piece is undeliverable, USPS® returns it to the sender. Alternatively, if the recipient has a temporary Change of Address (COA), USPS® forwards the mail at no cost. However, the sender does not receive the temporary forwarding address.
When Do I Use It?
Since this service is rarely used, it primarily benefits areas with large student populations, seasonal residents, or stable communities that temporarily relocate.
Should I Use It?
Before choosing this option, consult your local post office or the regional Bulk Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) that processes discounted mail. For large-volume mailers, USPS® offers this service under the Address Change Service (ACS) guidelines.
- Addressee Moved within Past 12 Months: USPS® returns the mail piece at no charge if undeliverable. However, if the recipient has a temporary address change, USPS® forwards it at no cost.
- Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months: USPS® returns the mail piece free of charge, providing the return reason. However, minor fees apply for ACS participant mailers.
- Addressee Moved Over 18 Months Ago: USPS® returns the mail piece as undeliverable, providing a reason for non-delivery if available.
Marketing Mail(Commercial Bulk & Non-profit)
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
What Does It Do?
This service does not apply to Marketing Mail.
When Do I Use It?
N/A
Should I Use It?
Not available for Marketing Mail.
- Addressee Moved within Past 12 Months: N/A
- Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months: N/A
- Addressee Moved Over 18 Months Ago: N/A
Electronic Service Requested
First-Class Mail
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | YES |
What Does It Do?
This service directs the mail piece to a Computerized Forwarding System (CFS) or a Postal Automated Redirection System (PARS) for processing. Notably, USPS® exclusively offers this service to high-end mailers participating in the ACS (Address Change Service) Program.
When Do I Use It?
Most mailers do not use this service because it requires predefined setup within the ACS mailer profile data.
Should I Use It?
If you handle a large mail volume, fully understand Intelligent Mail barcode configurations, and actively participate in the ACS program, then this service makes sense.
- Addressee Moved within Past 12 Months: USPS® charges minor, highly discounted fees for service users.
- Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months: USPS® charges minor, highly discounted fees for service users.
- Addressee Moved Over 18 Months Ago: USPS® charges minor, highly discounted fees for service users.
Marketing Mail(Commercial Bulk & Non-profit)
| Meets Move Update Standard Requirements? | Charges |
|---|---|
| YES | YES |
What Does It Do?
This service directs mail pieces to a Computerized Forwarding System (CFS) or a Postal Automated Redirection System (PARS) for processing. Additionally, USPS® offers this option exclusively to high-end mailers participating in the ACS (Address Change Service) Program.
When Do I Use It?
Most mailers do not use this service because it requires predefined setup within the ACS mailer profile data.
Should I Use It?
If you handle high mail volumes, fully understand Intelligent Mail barcode configurations, and actively participate in the ACS program, this service provides a practical and cost-effective solution.
- Addressee Moved within Past 12 Months: USPS® charges minor, highly discounted fees for service users.
- Addressee Moved within Past 13 – 18 Months: USPS® charges minor, highly discounted fees for service users.
- Addressee Moved Over 18 Months Ago: USPS® charges minor, highly discounted fees for service users.