When moving home or relocating a business, it’s essential to stay connected and informed. Royal Mail’s post redirection service helps ensure your critical documents follow you, wherever you go.
Whether you’re temporarily changing location, moving abroad, or transitioning to a new permanent address, the redirection service gives peace of mind.
This blog will help you understand how Royal Mail’s redirection service works, including how to cancel, update, or extend it when needed, ensuring you don’t miss any important communication during your transition.
What Is the Royal Mail Post Redirection Service?
Royal Mail’s post redirection service is designed to forward your mail from your old address to a new one, either in the UK or overseas.
This service is essential for both personal and business users who are relocating and want to ensure that they continue to receive critical post like financial statements, healthcare records, or government correspondence.
The redirection service can be activated for durations of 3, 6, or 12 months, with the option to extend beyond this period if needed. It acts as a protective measure to prevent identity fraud by ensuring sensitive mail doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. You can also benefit from exclusive offers aimed at new movers.
From June 2025, redirected mail will be processed as second-class, affecting delivery times but not the scope of what’s included. This change should be considered when planning how early to set up the redirection before a move.
The service is also VAT-exempt and has no fees for individuals under 16 years of age, offering added convenience for families.
How Does Royal Mail’s Mail Redirection Work?
Understanding the mechanics of how redirection works helps ensure your expectations are aligned. Once you apply and your request is approved, Royal Mail intercepts your letters and packages at the sorting stage and forwards them to the new address you’ve provided.
How Long Does the Redirection Take to Start?
Typically, it takes about five working days for redirection to begin once your application is processed. This includes a verification step to confirm your identity and prevent fraud. Therefore, it’s advisable to apply well before your move.
Duration Options Available
The service is flexible, allowing you to choose from:
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
At the end of your selected duration, the service automatically ends unless you opt to extend it. For most users, a 12-month redirection gives enough time to update their address directly with service providers and organisations.
How Can You Apply for a Royal Mail Post Redirection?
Setting up redirection is relatively simple. You can complete the application online or at your nearest Post Office. The online process is more convenient for many, especially those with access to digital identification.
Documents and Details Needed
- Names and dates of birth of everyone whose mail you want redirected
- The old and new full postal addresses, including postcodes
- A payment card linked to your old address for identity verification
If your card is registered to your new address, you may be asked additional questions to prevent fraudulent applications. Royal Mail uses these verification methods to ensure that only authorised users are making changes to mail handling.
How Much Does Royal Mail Charge to Redirect Mail?
| Duration | Lead Applicant | Extra Person |
| Up to 3 months | £41.50 | £10.00 |
| Up to 6 months | £61.00 | £11.50 |
| Up to 12 months | £87.00 | £12.50 |
Prices are VAT-exempt. Individuals under the age of 16 can be included at no additional cost. Redirection can be set up well in advance of your move. It’s best to apply at least two weeks before your moving date to ensure uninterrupted service.
Can You Redirect Mail on Behalf of Someone Else?
Yes, Royal Mail permits redirection on behalf of another person under specific circumstances. These include managing the affairs of someone who has passed away, moving into residential care, or when you have legal authority such as power of attorney.
Eligible Situations
- Bereavement
- Nursing or care home transitions
- Power of attorney or legal guardianship
In such cases, redirection can be requested for up to four years. You must use a “Special Circumstances” application form, which is only available via post or at a Post Office branch. Online submission isn’t allowed due to identity verification constraints.
Applications also require supporting documents such as a death certificate, legal documents, or proof of residence, depending on the nature of the redirection.
How Do You Cancel a Royal Mail Post Redirection?
If you no longer need the service, cancelling your redirection is a manageable process. It’s important to act swiftly, particularly if you’re eligible for a partial refund.
Cancellation Process
- Contact Royal Mail’s customer service
- Provide your redirection reference number
- Supply identification and proof of the original request
Refunds are only provided if there’s a substantial amount of time left on the redirection. The closer to the end date you cancel, the less likely you are to receive a refund. Cancellation may take up to five working days to be confirmed.
How Do You Update a Royal Mail Redirection?
Life events may prompt you to modify the details of your existing redirection—be it a change in your forwarding address or updating contact information.
When Can You Update Your Redirection?
You should update it:
- If your new address changes
- When your contact number or email address is incorrect
- If the details of redirected individuals are incomplete
Updating is done by contacting Royal Mail’s customer service with your reference number and new details. You may be required to verify your identity again for security purposes.
Can You Extend Your Royal Mail Redirection Service?
Absolutely, redirection services can be extended before the current period expires. This is especially useful if you’re abroad or still finalising permanent arrangements.
Extension Guidelines
- Apply before your existing service ends
- Choose from 3, 6, or 12-month extensions
- Use the same application method (online or Post Office)
Keep in mind that if you apply after the redirection ends, you may need to submit a new application instead of a simple extension. The extension cost is the same as a new setup, and payments must be made again accordingly.
Concessionary Pricing (UK Households)
| Household Type | 3 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months |
| Single Adult | £23.50 | £31.00 | £62.00 |
| 2 Adults | £31.00 | £31.00 | £62.00 |
| 2 Adults + 2 Children (<16) | £31.00 | £31.00 | £62.00 |
| 3 Adults | £31.00 | £31.00 | £62.00 |
These reduced prices are available only to those receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other qualifying benefits. The discounts apply solely to redirections within the UK.
What Are Common Issues with Mail Redirection and How to Solve Them?
Though Royal Mail’s redirection service is generally reliable, users may occasionally experience problems that need troubleshooting. These can occur for various reasons, including errors during application, delays in mail handling, or incorrect recipient details.
Common Redirection Issues
- Mail continues arriving at the old address: This typically happens if the redirection hasn’t started yet or if a name was left off the application.
- Mail delays or missed deliveries: From June 2025, redirected mail will be processed as second-class. This change might result in longer delivery times, especially for time-sensitive letters.
- Incorrect redirection details: Simple spelling mistakes in names or address fields can prevent redirection from working effectively.
- Redirection not starting on the selected date: Applications must be submitted at least five working days in advance. Late applications may cause a delayed start.
Solutions and Best Practices
- Double-check the accuracy of names, dates of birth, and both addresses before submission
- Contact Royal Mail customer service with your reference number to check on the status of your redirection
- If you experience a delay beyond a week from your chosen start date, raise a query with Royal Mail to resolve it
Being proactive is key. Keep all redirection documents and confirmation emails so you can refer to them quickly if any problems arise.
How Does Royal Mail Redirection Compare to Other Services?
While Royal Mail is the most widely used redirection provider in the UK, it’s not the only one. Other companies offer similar services, often with additional features, such as virtual mail scanning, parcel forwarding, and international logistics support.
A General Comparison
| Provider | Service Type | Parcel Forwarding | Mail Scanning | Price Range |
| Royal Mail | Physical Mail Redirection | No | No | £41.50–£87.00 (UK only) |
| UK Postbox | Virtual Mail + Forwarding | Yes | Yes | From £10/month + fees |
| Post Office Redirection | Similar to Royal Mail | No | No | Matches Royal Mail pricing |
| SlothMove | Redirection + Notification | No | No | From £30 one-off |
Key Differences
- Royal Mail offers the most trusted and direct integration with UK postal services but focuses on physical redirection only.
- UK Postbox and similar services provide digital dashboards, allowing users to view mail online, scan envelopes, or shred unwanted items.
- Parcel forwarding is often excluded from standard redirection services but included in premium mail handling providers.
If you require digital access to your post or travel frequently abroad, a virtual solution might be more appropriate. For most domestic moves, Royal Mail remains the most cost-effective and straightforward option.
What Should You Know Before Using the Redirection Service?
Before using the redirection service, it’s essential to understand not only its benefits but also its limitations and requirements. Many assume it covers all forms of post and packages, but that’s not entirely accurate.
Important Facts to Consider
- Coverage limitations: Royal Mail only redirects letters and flat packages. It doesn’t include parcels or special courier deliveries.
- Mail class: From June 2025, all redirected mail will be processed as second-class. This might delay delivery by a few days.
- Shared addresses: If your old address is a multi-occupancy residence like a student hall or hotel, redirection may not be available due to security risks.
Eligibility and Documentation
You’ll need accurate personal identification and payment details tied to your old address. Failing to meet these requirements could lead to delays or rejection of your application.
Also, redirection is not a substitute for officially updating your address with banks, utility companies, and government services. It should be used as a buffer during the transition period while you inform relevant organisations.
Privacy and Fraud Prevention
One of the biggest advantages of using Royal Mail redirection is protection from identity theft. Unattended mail at your old address can be intercepted and misused. Redirecting ensures your information stays private during the relocation process.
Conclusion
Royal Mail’s post redirection service provides a simple and secure way to ensure your mail follows you during times of change.
Whether you’re moving home, managing someone else’s mail, or running a business, the ability to forward mail reduces risks of missed documents and fraud.
With flexible durations, concessionary rates, and a straightforward application process, this service remains a reliable option for safeguarding your correspondence. Just remember to plan ahead, especially if you wish to extend, cancel, or make changes to your service.
FAQs About Royal Mail Post Redirection
How long does it take for Royal Mail to set up redirection?
Redirection usually starts within five working days after your application is approved and fully processed.
Is there a limit to how many times I can extend my redirection?
You can extend multiple times as long as each extension is requested before the previous one expires completely.
Can I redirect business mail separately from personal mail?
Yes, personal and business redirection services are handled independently without any combined processing.
What happens if my redirected mail is lost?
Contact Royal Mail customer service to raise an investigation into lost mail and seek compensation.
Can I pause the redirection service?
No, once started, the redirection cannot be paused or temporarily stopped under any condition.
Will Royal Mail notify senders of my new address?
No, it’s your responsibility to inform senders directly through your preferred communication method.
What happens when the redirection period ends?
Mail will return to being delivered at your old address unless otherwise redirected again promptly.
