When an individual or a business moves, it can be a challenge to find the new mailing address. Services like FedEx charge a fee for obtaining a corrected forwarding address. But you can often find a forwarding address without paying a fee.

Send mail to the old mailing address. On the letter or package, write "Address Correction Requested." This will alert the post office to send you notification of the new address in addition to forwarding the piece of mail. If the mail is returned, the forwarding address should be included on a sticker that is placed on the returned letter or package.

  • When an individual or a business moves, it can be a challenge to find the new mailing address.
  • If the mail is returned, the forwarding address should be included on a sticker that is placed on the returned letter or package.

Contact a relative or friend of the person who has moved. If you're on good terms with the person, a relative or friend will often provide the person's new address. Or he will offer to forward the letter or package on your behalf along with a request for the person to get in touch with you.

  • Contact a relative or friend of the person who has moved.
  • If you're on good terms with the person, a relative or friend will often provide the person's new address.

Contact the alumni office for the person who has moved. If you also went to the same school, the alumni office might forward a message to the person asking him to get in touch with you. If you didn't attend the same school, that is less likely. But it's not impossible to persuade the alumni office to forward a message on your behalf.

TIP

If you have the person's e-mail address, you might find that is the quickest and most efficient way to request a forwarding address. Businesses often include contact information on their websites, including forwarding addresses and general e-mail addresses.

WARNING

Address correction is only available when the person has filed a permanent change of address with the post office.