Choose how to apply

Redirection works for permanent and temporary moves. Within the UK, mail is normally forwarded Second Class, except Special Delivery Guaranteed. Overseas redirection uses International Standard for eligible letters and printed material.

Allow at least five working days; Royal Mail recommends applying three weeks before moving. You can apply up to six months before or after the move.

Ways to apply for Royal Mail Redirection
Your situationHow to apply
Redirecting your own postOnline, by post, or at a Post Office branch.
For someone you have power of attorney for, or who has diedSpecial Circumstances form, by post or at a Post Office.
Moving because of domestic abusePhone 03457 777 888 only.
Moving business premisesUse Redirect for Business.

Applying online

Use a credit or debit card in the applicant's name and registered in the UK at the old or new address. American Express and prepaid cards are not accepted. Royal Mail may ask security questions.

For more than eight people or a BFPO destination, follow the alternative route in Royal Mail's help rather than the ordinary online form.

If payment fails, check the card and address details, then try another valid card or the postal or branch route. If you are moving because of domestic abuse, do not use those alternatives: call for a Sensitive Redirection.

Documents for a Post Office application

The current form separates the checks at a Post Office from the documents to send by post. For a branch application, take proof of identity and proof of your old address. The examples below are for the branch route.

Examples of documents for Post Office checks
Document typeExamples
Proof of identity (current and valid)Passport, driving licence, credit or debit card, bank or building society book.
Proof of old address (no older than 6 months)Original utility bill, credit card, mortgage or bank statement.
  • The proof of old address must match your last name and old address. Mobile phone bills and store card statements are not accepted.
  • Anyone included with a different last name needs their own proof of identity and old address. Children under 16 with a different last name need proof of identity only.

Apply by post

Use evidence no older than six months that matches your last name and old address. Follow the form's exclusions: mobile phone bills, store or charge card statements and printouts from the internet are not accepted for the postal route. Do not send a passport or payment card simply because it appears in the branch checklist.

  1. Download the current Redirection application form from the Royal Mail page.
  2. Complete both sides and sign the form.
  3. Enclose the original old-address evidence specified in the form's Applying by post section, and keep copies of what you send.
  4. Enclose a cheque payable to Royal Mail Group Ltd. Follow the form's separate-cheque instructions for people with different last names.
  5. Send it to the address printed in the current form's Applying by post section.

If you are moving because of domestic abuse

Call 03457 777 888 to apply and ask for a Sensitive Redirection. Royal Mail says not to apply online or at a Post Office. Have your payment card ready.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6.30pm, Saturday 8am to 3pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm.

Check your confirmation and start date

Check the names, old and new addresses and actual start date in your confirmation letter. The service may start later than the date you requested.

If mail is still going to the old address after the service should have started, use the problem-reporting route in Royal Mail's Redirection help. Keep your confirmation details to hand.

What Redirection does not cover

  • Mail carried by other delivery companies, including Parcelforce, is not covered.
  • Mail addressed to the occupier and mail to some multiple-occupancy premises are excluded; check the help page for your situation.
  • Overseas redirection has further restrictions on goods and letter size. Tracked, Signed For and Special Delivery items sent abroad are returned to the sender. Check the official help before relying on an overseas Redirection.

Common questions

Can I set up a Redirection online for my parent?

If your parent lives at the same address, Royal Mail says you can include household members on the application. For someone elsewhere whom you have power of attorney for, or someone who has died, use the Special Circumstances form by post or at a Post Office. Follow that form's own evidence requirements.

Is this the same as rearranging a missed delivery?

No. Redirection forwards eligible post to your new address; it does not cover every item or service. Rearranging a missed delivery is a separate request. Check Royal Mail's Redirection help for exclusions.

How much does it cost?

There is a charge that depends on your choices. Get a quote on the Royal Mail Redirection page.

Official information