Why was my mail returned?
"Forward Time Exp" or "Forwarding Order Expired" on a USPS tracking update means the mail forwarding service for the recipient at that address has ended. This is typically due to the consumer not completing a permanent change of address (COA) form, instead choosing to have the USPS temporarily forward their mail. This is common for people who have a temporary or seasonal address.
How long will the mail be forwarded?
This typically happens after 12 months for a standard mail forwarding order, or after 18 months for extended forwarding. After the expiration date, mail addressed to the old address will be returned to the sender with a "Forward Time Expired" or "Return to Sender" label.
What are the mail forwarding options?
Permanent Change of Address
When a consumer completes a change of address (COA) form (https://moversguide.usps.com/), the record is added to the NCOALink database and stored for 48 months. Depending on the service provider, mailers may apply either 18-month or 48-month move updates. TrueNCOA provides both services for one low fee - see https://truencoa.com/pricing/
Standard Mail Forwarding
USPS mail forwarding lasts for 12 months by default without having a permanent or temporary change of address (COA) form completed.
Extended Mail Forwarding
You can pay to extend mail forwarding for an additional 6, 12, or 18 months (up to a maximum of 18 months total).
Temporary vs. Permanent
Both temporary and permanent change of address requests can have extended forwarding.
What happens after expiration?
After the forwarding order expires, any mail addressed to the old address will be returned to the sender with a "Forward Time Expired" or "Return to Sender" message.