Have you recently moved or are planning a move soon and worried about missing important post? Whether you’re relocating across the UK or heading overseas, ensuring that your letters, packages and essential documents follow you is a top priority.
That’s exactly where Royal Mail redirection comes in. This reliable and secure service ensures that your mail reaches your new address without delays or complications.
Designed for both individuals and businesses, the Royal Mail Redirection service helps reduce identity theft risk, missed communications and confusion when changing locations.
From setting up your redirection to understanding the costs and processing time, there’s a lot to consider. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, helping you make informed decisions when setting up your mail redirection.
Let’s explore how Royal Mail redirection works, how much it costs, and the options available so that your transition to a new address is as smooth as possible.
What Is Royal Mail Redirection?
Royal Mail Redirection is a mail forwarding service that allows your post to follow you when you move to a new address, either within the UK or abroad. It ensures all letters, official correspondence, and essential communications reach your new home or business location safely and securely.
You might need this service if:
- You’re moving home or relocating for work
- Your business is changing premises
- You’re staying somewhere temporarily or travelling abroad
- You want to prevent identity theft by not leaving behind sensitive documents
This redirection service is suitable for both personal and business use. It helps protect your identity, ensures continuous access to vital communications, and allows you to manage life changes without stress.
The service is especially helpful in scenarios where:
- Friends or family may still send mail to your previous address
- Financial documents or utility bills are expected post-move
- You’re applying for services that require verification by post
In essence, Royal Mail Redirection ensures peace of mind when changing addresses. It bridges the gap between old and new addresses to maintain continuity without disruption.
How Does Royal Mail Redirection Work in the UK?
Royal Mail Redirection works by forwarding your post from your old address to your new one after verifying your identity and application. This service is available for individuals, families, and businesses alike.
Step-by-step Explanation
To set up your redirection, follow these steps:
- Visit the Royal Mail redirection page
- Choose between personal or business redirection
- Fill in the application form with the required details
- Provide proof of identity and address
- Pay using an accepted debit or credit card
- Await confirmation of approval and redirection start
Royal Mail advises applying at least five working days before your move. However, you can apply up to six months in advance or after moving.
Online and Postal Application Methods
You can apply:
- Online: Go to the Royal Mail redirection site, enter your personal and address details, upload ID, and complete payment online. This is the fastest way.
- By Post: Download and print the redirection form, attach original identity and proof of address documents, then post to the Royal Mail Redirection Centre.
In-person applications can be made at a Post Office branch, but only in special circumstances such as Power of Attorney, death of a loved one, or domestic abuse cases.
Individual vs Household Redirection
Royal Mail offers different services depending on your situation:
- Individual redirection: For a single person
- Household redirection: Includes multiple people in a home
- Family redirection: Covers two adults and children under 16
- Business redirection: For registered companies or sole traders
Ensure all names are listed, and include correct proof if surnames differ to avoid delays in processing.
Applications can also be made for others if you have legal authorisation (e.g., Power of Attorney) or in the event of a death.
How Much Does Royal Mail Redirection Cost?
Royal Mail Redirection pricing depends on the duration, number of people, household type, and whether you qualify for concession rates. Here’s what you need to know before you apply.
Personal Redirection Pricing (Including Concession Discounts)
| Household Type | Duration | Standard Price | Concession Price |
| Single Adult | Up to 3 months | £41.50 | £22.50 |
| Up to 6 months | £61.00 | £31.00 | |
| Up to 12 months | £87.00 | £62.00 | |
| Two Adults | Up to 3 months | £51.50 | £31.00 |
| Up to 6 months | £72.50 | £31.00 | |
| Up to 12 months | £99.50 | £62.00 | |
| Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) | Up to 3 months | £51.50 | £31.00 |
| Up to 6 months | £72.50 | £31.00 | |
| Up to 12 months | £99.50 | £62.00 | |
| Three Adults | Up to 3 months | £61.50 | £31.00 |
| Up to 6 months | £84.00 | £31.00 | |
| Up to 12 months | £112.00 | £62.00 |
Important Notes:
- Children under 16 are redirected free of charge
- All personal redirections are VAT-exempt
- Concessionary pricing applies only to UK-to-UK redirection
- Concession eligibility requires proof of Universal Credit or Pension Credit
Business Redirection and Diversion Costs
If you’re moving business premises, Royal Mail offers tailored services to keep your mail flowing without disruption. There are two core services: Business Redirection and Business Diversion, each designed to meet different organisational needs. Business Redirection is suitable for full business relocations from standalone premises.
| Destination | Duration | Price (Per Trading Name) |
| UK Address | Up to 3 months | £274.50 |
| Up to 6 months | £403.00 | |
| Up to 12 months | £649.00 | |
| Overseas Address | Up to 3 months | £320.50 |
| Up to 6 months | £492.00 | |
| Up to 12 months | £831.50 |
- Prices are per trading name
- Abbreviations of trading names are included (e.g. Royal Mail and RM count as one)
- UK pricing is VAT exempt overseas pricing is zero-rated for VAT
Business Diversion is ideal when only part of a business is relocating or when situated in multi-occupancy buildings.
| Type | Duration | Price (Per Dept./Name) |
| Standard Diversion | 3 months | £1,340 |
| 6 months | £2,300 | |
| 12 months | £3,825.50 | |
| Small Business Diversion (fewer than 50 employees) | 3 months | £274.50 |
| 6 months | £403 | |
| 12 months | £649 |
- All diversion prices exclude VAT
- Diversions are valid for both temporary and permanent moves
Royal Mail ensures your mail moves securely with you, whether it’s personal correspondence or essential business communications. When choosing a plan, it’s important to match the service type with your relocation needs to maintain consistent delivery and peace of mind.
How Long Can You Redirect Mail with Royal Mail?
Royal Mail offers flexible duration options to suit different needs, whether you’re relocating temporarily or permanently. The length of time you choose will affect the cost and renewal terms.
You can redirect your mail for:
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
You may also renew the service after this period. The maximum total duration allowed is four years from the initial start date. If your circumstances change, such as a second move during redirection, you must cancel the existing redirection and set up a new one from your new location.
For redirection from PO Boxes, the maximum period is six months, while redirection to PO Boxes can extend up to four years. Mail will be sent as second-class from 16 June 2025 for all redirection services, which may increase delivery times by one working day. Always plan your redirection to cover your entire moving period to ensure continuous mail delivery.
What Information Do You Need to Set Up a Redirection?
Setting up a Royal Mail Redirection requires specific personal and address details, along with documentation to verify your identity and eligibility, especially if you are applying for concession pricing or on behalf of someone else.
You’ll need the following:
- Full names and dates of birth for everyone included in the redirection
- Old and new full postal addresses, including postcodes
- Valid credit or debit card (must be registered at your old or new address)
- Proof of identity, such as a current passport or driving licence
- Proof of address dated within the last six months, like bank or utility bills
If you’re applying for the concession rate, you must provide documents confirming receipt of Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Acceptable forms include benefit award letters or a statement showing the benefits paid into your account.
In some cases, such as domestic abuse or Power of Attorney, you’ll also need specific supporting documents. The application must be completed in the name of the person moving, and proper ID for all parties must be included if surnames differ.
How Long Does Royal Mail Redirection Take to Start?
The redirection process begins within five working days from when Royal Mail receives all required information. However, Royal Mail recommends applying at least three weeks before your move date to ensure everything is in place on time.
The service can be applied for:
- Up to six months before your move
- Up to six months after moving
Once your redirection is approved, you’ll receive confirmation by post or email. A security letter will be sent to your old address to notify current occupants that a redirection is in place. This helps prevent fraudulent applications.
In most cases, redirected mail begins arriving within a week after approval. However, delivery times may be slightly extended as redirected mail is sent via second-class from June 2025. You may also experience minor delays during peak seasons.
To ensure there are no interruptions in mail delivery, it’s best to apply early and double-check all the information entered in your application.
Can You Redirect Mail Temporarily or Abroad?
Yes, Royal Mail Redirection can be used for both temporary relocations and overseas moves. Whether you’re travelling for a few months, on a temporary work assignment, or moving abroad permanently, you can continue receiving mail without disruption.
Temporary redirection is available for:
- 3, 6, or 12 months
- UK or international addresses
- PO Box addresses (up to 4 years)
If you’re moving abroad, Royal Mail will redirect your mail using International Standard service.
However, not all items are eligible:
- Letters and printed material only
- Mail must not weigh more than 100g or exceed 25mm in thickness
- Goods and parcels cannot be redirected internationally
Note that you can’t redirect mail from abroad to a UK address, and concession pricing does not apply for international redirections. Payments must be made with a card registered to a UK address.
You can also redirect to and from PO Boxes under certain terms. It’s essential to keep your PO Box active during the redirection period.
Is Royal Mail Redirection Suitable for Businesses?
Yes, Royal Mail offers tailored redirection solutions that are well-suited for businesses of all sizes. These services are designed to ensure your critical mail continues to reach you even when your business premises change, whether temporarily or permanently.
Business Redirection is ideal if your entire business is relocating and is not based in a multi-occupancy building.
It allows all mail addressed to your old business location to be securely forwarded to your new one, including:
- Customer correspondence
- Supplier invoices
- Employee documentation
- Legal contracts and more
This service supports continuity in your business operations, ensuring you don’t miss out on vital communications. You can apply online or by post and must include all variations and abbreviations of your business name in the application to avoid mail being missed.
Business Diversion, on the other hand, is best suited when only part of the business is moving or when you’re located in a shared office space with multiple businesses at one address. It helps divert relevant mail to your desired location, whether for a team, department, or temporary relocation.
For small businesses (under 50 employees), Royal Mail also offers a Small Business Diversion option, a more budget-friendly alternative with flexible duration options. Regardless of the type, the service ensures your mail follows your business wherever it goes.
Royal Mail commits to processing business redirections within five working days, so applying in advance is recommended. It’s a reliable, efficient way to maintain communication flow during business transitions without the risk of lost or delayed mail.
What Are the Common Issues with Royal Mail Redirection?
While Royal Mail Redirection is generally reliable, some common issues may arise if the application isn’t filled out correctly or if there are processing delays.
Typical problems include:
- Mail delivered to the old address due to incorrect or missing names on the application
- Delays in redirected mail as it is rerouted through the old delivery office
- Application rejection for missing or outdated documents
- Failure to receive confirmation letters, possibly due to incorrect contact details
- Redirection of ineligible items like parcels or non-Royal Mail deliveries
To avoid these issues:
- Ensure all names (including variations and abbreviations) are listed
- Double-check the old and new addresses
- Provide up-to-date ID and proof of benefits if applying for a concession
- Respond quickly to requests for additional documentation
- Keep copies of all submitted forms and confirmation messages
If problems persist, you can contact Royal Mail support for assistance or fill out their online complaint form.
Conclusion
Royal Mail Redirection offers a secure and flexible solution to help you stay connected during times of change. Whether you’re moving home, temporarily relocating, or managing a business move, redirection ensures your mail follows you without delay or loss.
From pricing structures and concession eligibility to document requirements and processing time, understanding every part of the service helps you avoid pitfalls and stay informed. For businesses, the additional services like Business Diversion make sure you don’t miss essential correspondence even during complex transitions.
By planning ahead, gathering the right documents, and applying on time, you can trust Royal Mail to keep your communication flowing to the right place. With comprehensive options and nationwide coverage, it’s a valuable service for anyone on the move.
FAQs
How far in advance should I apply for redirection?
It’s best to apply at least three weeks before your move, but Royal Mail requires a minimum of five working days.
Can I redirect my mail if I’m moving abroad?
Yes, mail can be redirected overseas, but only letters and printed materials qualify, not parcels or goods.
What documents are needed for concession pricing?
You must provide proof of receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit, dated within the last six months.
Can I apply for redirection on behalf of someone else?
Yes, if you hold Power of Attorney or if the person has passed away, with the correct documentation.
How will I know my redirection has started?
Royal Mail will send a confirmation letter to your old address and may also contact you via email.
Is there any mail that cannot be redirected?
Yes, items from couriers, parcels, and mail addressed to The Occupier cannot be redirected.
Can I cancel or change my redirection once it’s active?
Yes, you can cancel it within 14 days or make minor changes, but major changes may require a new application.
