Guide

Royal Mail Redirection Service

A complete guide on everything you need to know about the Royal Mail Redirection Service.
Lindani
7 mins

Royal Mail Redirection Service

Many organisations need to be notified of your new address when you move. Taking out a Royal Mail redirection service ensures that your post is redirected to your new address and protects you from Previous Occupier Identify Fraud. Many organisations use your address and the longer you have been at that address, the more you are likely to lose track of organisations that use your address.

This guide will cover the following:

Redirecting your mail using Moveinout

You will be pleased to know that the Royal Mail Redirection Service is not the only way you can redirect your Mail. In fact, if you just let all your service providers know you have moved, your mail will not only be redirected, but your address will also be updated. Kill two birds with one stone and save money whilst you’re at it by using the Moveinout change of address service, here’s how. Disclaimer: Moveinout does not condone violence against birds

  1. To get started, let us know your details, the addresses you're moving from and to, and the date of your move.
  2. You will have the option to choose the companies that you wish to notify about your new address from professional bodies, premium bonds, dentists and more.
  3. Once you've selected the organisations you want to notify of your address change, you can submit your change of address request, and Moveinout will automatically send the notifications directly to your selected service providers on your behalf. You should receive confirmation from each organisation that your address has been updated.

What is the Royal Mail Redirection service?

The Royal Mail redirection is a service that ensures that your mail is redirected from your previous address to your new address when moving home. The Royal mail redirection service can be used for personal or business purposes, although prices may vary for each purpose. Mail can be redirected to any UK address or an address overseas. Mail can be redirected for 3, 6 or 12 months and prices vary depending on redirection length

How much is the Royal Mail redirection service?

The Royal Mail Redirect service costs depend on whether it is for personal or business and the duration of the redirection. All costs are based on Royal Mail 2023 pricing.

Personal Redirection Costs 2023
Business Redirection Costs 2023

How do I redirect my mail with Royal Mail?

The Royal Mail Redirection Service can be set up online or at any Post Office® branch. Once set up, your mail will be redirected to your new address.

What do I need to Redirect my mail with Royal Mail?

To redirect your mail using the Royal Mail Redirection service, the following details are required:

  • A Royal Mail online account
  • The names and dates of birth of the people who need their mail redirected
  • Your previous and new address
  • At least 5 days’ notice of the date you wish your redirection to start
  • A valid debit or credit card

When do I need to redirect my mail with Royal Mail?

As soon as you have a date which you will be in your new address. Royal Mail recommends applying for a mail redirection 4 weeks before you move.

Why should I use the Royal Mail redirection service?

The Royal Mail redirection service will ensure that you never miss important mail such as bank statements and health letters, whilst preventing your mail from getting into the wrong hands.  

What are the alternatives to using the Royal Mail redirection service?

There are alternatives to using the Royal Mail Redirection service, the Moveinout online change of address service can redirect your mail by notifying your local and national service providers of your new address from a single platform.

Does mail redirection include parcels?

Yes, the Royal Mail redirection service includes parcels to any UK address. Parcels will only be redirected if sent using Royal Mail Postal Service, If Parcels are sent via any other postal services such as Amazon, UPS or EVRI they will not be redirected to your new address. You will have to contact the postal service separately and inform them of your new address.

Can I cancel the Royal Mail redirection Service?

The Royal Mail Redirection service can be cancelled at any time.

  • If you cancel your redirection before it has started, you can get a full refund
  • If you cancel your Redirection within the Cancellation Period and your Redirection has not started, you’ll receive a full refund
  • If you cancel your Redirection within the Cancellation Period and your Redirection has started, you’ll be refunded the Redirection fee less £10 to cover Royal Mail costs
  • If you cancel your Redirection after the Cancellation Period and your Redirection has started, no refund will be provided

Can I apply for a Redirection for other people?

You can redirect your mail for other people as long as you all live at the same address. There is an additional fee for each person added to the mail redirection. Royal Mail can only redirect mail for up to 8 people, for redirections involving more than 8 people, you will have to apply at the Post Office or via post using the Consumer Redirection Form. You can only redirect mail for someone at a different address if you have Power of Attorney. You can also redirect mail for someone who has died by applying at the Post Office® or by post.

Can I renew my Royal Mail redirection?

Yes, you may have received a renewal invite that will have your reference number on It, you can use this reference number once logged in to your Royal Mail account. You can also renew by post or phone using the automated renewal system. Ensure you have your reference number.

Can I redirect my mail to another country?

Yes, you can redirect mail from a UK address to a new address overseas. Royal Mail will direct all mail using their International Standard service. Note that:

  • To use this service, your credit/debit card must be registered in the UK
  • Royal Mail cannot Redirect mail from an overseas address to a UK address.
  • Royal Mail cannot redirect mail to an address abroad which is over 25mm thick, weighs more than 100g or appears to contain goods.

What mail is not included in the Royal Mail redirection service?

  • People who were not living at the old address
  • Personal mail from a business address
  • Any items addressed "To the occupier"
  • Mail delivered by non-Royal Mail delivery services or couriers such as Parcelforce
  • Mail addressed to a nursing home, boarder house, hotel, student halls of residence, hospital or other such multi-occupied premises cannot be redirected.
  • Mail from a British Forces Post Office (BFPO) address
  • Items to an address outside the UK that are larger than letter-size or clearly contain goods
  • Restricted goods sent in the UK using Royal Mail Tracked 24® and Royal Mail Tracked 48 ®
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