How to Add Someone to Your USPS Address: Step-by-Step Guide

Managing your USPS address and ensuring that all mail intended for a specific individual arrives correctly can be a bit complex. This guide will help you understand the necessary steps to add someone to your USPS address, whether it's through a residential or mailbox-type address, and provide clarity on the expectations from USPS.

Adding Someone to Your Residential USPS Address

When dealing with a residential address, the process involves several steps. First, you need to update your USPS address book to include the new resident's name or include their last name on or inside the mailbox. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Steps for Adding Someone to a Residential USPS Address

Labeling the Mailbox: Use a label to indicate the street number and the last names of those who should receive first class mail or packages. If you're part of a CBU (Cluster Box Unit) cluster mailbox, there should be a current resident label facing the mail carrier. Make sure to update this label with the new resident's information.

Filling Out the New Customer/Resident Card: Visit your local USPS office and fill out a new customer/resident card. This form provides USPS with specific instructions on who should receive first class mail or packages. You can use forms like the VACANT card or Form 4232 for this purpose.

Submitting a Change of Address (COA): Have the individual submit a permanent USPS COA change of address from their old address to your current address. This ensures that USPS updates their records for correct delivery.

Returning Past Resident Mail: If the previous resident has moved or is no longer receiving mail, return all past resident first class mail to USPS. Write 'NOT at this address' inside the mailbox with the flag up. If you're in a CBU cluster mailbox, place the mail on the edge or tie a ribbon around it to draw attention.

Adding Someone to Your USPS PO Box

For USPS PO Box addresses, you don't need to fill out any form. Submit an updated PO Box application to add someone to your PO Box. This ensures USPS has the correct information.

USPS Delivery Process and Address Verification

USPS does not need any form to deliver mail to your address, but there are some important points to note:

USPS Mail Delivery Process

No Pre-Approval Needed: USPS will deliver mail to anyone listed on the mail piece, unless the regular carrier is notified otherwise. This means if someone moves in with you and their name is on the PO Box or residential address, USPS will still deliver the mail to that address.

No Official Record of Residents: USPS has no official record of who lives at which address. The mail carrier does not need to know who exactly lives at a specific address. They deliver based on the address on the mailpiece and leave it to the recipients to sort it out.

Updating USPS Records: To prevent mail from going to the old address, the new resident should notify USPS at their old address as soon as they move. This ensures that USPS stops delivering mail to the old address.

Conclusion

Managing USPS addresses and ensuring proper delivery can be simplified by following these steps. Always keep your USPS records updated, update your mailbox labels, and ensure any changes in your household are communicated to USPS.

Keywords: USPS address, postal address, change of address