Service Endorsements

The United States Postal Service changed the requirements for service requests in 1997. These regulations govern the way forwarding and address correction requests are made, costing your business additional time and money if not followed properly.

The new endorsements consist of four simple phrases:

  • Address Service Requested
  • Forwarding Service Requested
  • Return Service Requested
  • Change Service Requested

The endorsements will be the same across all classes of mail. Former phrases such as “Return Postage Guaranteed” and “Do Not Forward” are no longer acceptable. Here’s a breakdown of each service:

Address Service Requested

Full Service — forwarding, return, and new address notifications provided.

  • Mailpiece is forwarded at no charge.
  • Separate notice of new address is provided.
  • Address correction fee charged
  • If forwarding address is expired, mailpiece is returned with new address attached, at no charge.

Forwarding Service Requested

Forwarding and return service provided.

  • Mailpiece is forwarded at no charge.
  • Separate change of address notifications are not provided.
  • If forwarding address is expired, mailpiece is returned with new address attached at no charge.

Return Service Requested

Mail is not forwarded.

  • If undeliverable as addressed (UAA), mailpiece is returned to the sender with new address information or reason for non-delivery provided.
  • Separate change of address notifications are not provided.

Change Service Requested

Mail is not forwarded or returned. Separate notifications provided.

  • Separate change of address notifications with new address information or reason for non-delivery are provided.
  • Address correction fee charged.
  • Mailpiece is disposed of as waste.

No Endorsement

  • For First class and Standard Mail B (parcel post), the treatment is the same as if endorsed "Forwarding Service Requested."
  • Unendorsed Standard Mail A (bulk rate) is disposed of.
  • Periodicals forwarding is provided for 60 days. After 60 days, or if unforwardable, separate address correction notifications are provided and periodicals are disposed of.