USPS mail and address-change reference
USPS supplies permanent change-of-address data through licensed NCOALink services. Commercial mailboxes and PO Boxes have separate rules. A mailbox does not change your legal residence.
What does this edition cover?
The table covers the listed USPS procedures only. Each bank, utility and government office decides which mailing and residential details its rules require.
Version 1.0. 13 published rows. Last verified October 24, 2026.
| Question or procedure | Current procedure | Limits | Rule or source | Source and check date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What NCOALink contains | Permanent change-of-address records are supplied to licensed companies for updating mailing lists. | This is a mailing-list product, not a public people search. | USPS PostalPro NCOALink Checked 2026-10-24 | |
| Full Service Providers | Receive a 48-month change-of-address dataset each week. | The window describes the dataset supplied to licensees. It is not a mail-forwarding period. | USPS PostalPro NCOALink Checked 2026-10-24 | |
| Limited Service Providers | Receive an 18-month change-of-address dataset each week. | End User Mailers also receive 18 months but only for internal lists, with monthly delivery. | USPS PostalPro NCOALink Checked 2026-10-24 | |
| ANKLink additional window | For months 19 through 48, the service can flag that a move happened without giving the new address. | The additional window is not a 48-month new-address feed. | USPS PostalPro NCOALink Checked 2026-10-24 | |
| Private mailbox application | Complete PS Form 1583 and provide two forms of identification, including one photo ID. | Provide identity documents to the mailbox provider, not to a GLP tool. | DMM 508.1.8; PS Form 1583 | USPS CMRA consumer FAQ Checked 2026-10-24 |
| Who can witness the signature | A CMRA owner, manager or authorized employee may witness the signature. A notary is another permitted route. | Current DMM permits physical presence or real-time audio and video. Provider workflow can still differ. | DMM 508.1.8.3 | USPS Domestic Mail Manual 508 Checked 2026-10-24 |
| How to label the private mailbox | Use PMB or the alternative # sign with the private mailbox number. | A mailbox remains a mailbox. Do not misrepresent it as a residence or office suite. | DMM 508.1.8.3 | USPS Domestic Mail Manual 508 Checked 2026-10-24 |
| What happens when application details change | Submit a new PS Form 1583 when required application information changes. | Identification must remain current. The CMRA must keep its registration database current. | DMM 508.1.8.3 | USPS Domestic Mail Manual 508 Checked 2026-10-24 |
| Mail after leaving a private mailbox | USPS cannot process a change of address from a CMRA to another address. | Arrange remailing with the CMRA. Confirm postage, service charges and the six-month termination process. | DMM 508.1.8.4 | USPS CMRA consumer FAQ Checked 2026-10-24 |
| PO Box Street Addressing | Participating locations can accept private-carrier packages using the Post Office street address and box number. | Availability and USPS mailing standards apply. Confirm the location offers this service. | USPS Premium PO Box Street Addressing | USPS PO Box Street Addressing Checked 2026-10-24 |
| Temporary change of address | Temporary forwarding starts at 15 days and can run to 364 days, using an initial period and extension. | Use temporary forwarding only for a genuine temporary move. It is not a permanent-residence substitute. | USPS Change of Address basics | USPS Change of Address basics Checked 2026-10-24 |
| When forwarding starts | USPS advises allowing at least 7 to 10 business days after approval for the change to take effect. | This operational lead time does not establish privacy or completion of sender updates. | USPS Forward Mail | USPS Forward Mail Checked 2026-10-24 |
| 2023 CMRA rule | The final CMRA rule became effective July 1, 2023. | The current DMM and current PS Form 1583 govern the operational checklist. Do not treat an old proposed rule as current. | 39 CFR Part 111; 88 FR 32112; FR Doc. 2023-10536 | USPS Federal Register 88 FR 32112 Checked 2026-10-24 |
How do we keep it current?
Recheck USPS sources quarterly and after a published DMM change.
- 2026-10-24 First edition from current USPS sources. Replaced the plan's incorrect Federal Register reference.
How can you reuse this table?
Go Low Profile, USPS mail and address-change reference, version 1.0, verified October 24, 2026.
Reference data is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Link the source and identify your changes.