Royal Mail Redirection Service – Guide 2025

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

Royal Mail Redirection Service

The Royal Mail Redirection Service plays a crucial role in protecting your personal information and ensuring a smooth transition when moving to a new address. When you move, dozens of organisations—such as banks, utility providers, the government, and subscription services—rely on your current address to contact you or verify your identity. Forgetting to notify even one of them could lead to important documents being sent to your old address, putting you at risk of missed communications or even identity fraud.

Royal Mail Redirection Service - Setting up a Royal Mail redirection of your post

By setting up a Royal Mail Redirection Service, your post is automatically forwarded to your new address for a chosen period (3, 6, or 12 months), giving you the time and security to update your details with all relevant parties. It acts as a safety net, ensuring you don’t lose touch with organisations you may have forgotten about, especially if you've been living at your previous address for a long time. The longer your address history, the more likely it is that businesses or services you no longer actively use still hold your old address on file.

For added convenience, platforms like Moveinout can help you update your address with your service providers while Royal Mail catches the rest. It’s the perfect combination for a secure and hassle-free move.

This guide will cover the following:

• The cheaper alternative to the Royal Mail Redirection Service
• What is the Royal Mail Redirection service?
• How much is the Royal Mail redirection service?
• How do I redirect my mail with Royal Mail?
• What do I need to Redirect my mail with Royal Mail?
• When do I need to redirect my mail with Royal Mail?
• Why should I use the Royal Mail redirection service?
• What are the alternatives to using the Royal Mail redirection service?
• Does mail redirection include parcels?
• Can I cancel the Royal Mail redirection Service?
• Can I apply for a Redirection for other people?
• Can I renew my Royal Mail redirection?
• Can I redirect my mail to another country?
• What mail is not included in the Royal Mail redirection service?
• Does the Royal Mail give discount to individuals on Universal or Pension Credit?
• Can you redirect mail for a deceased person?
• Frequently asked questions

The cheaper alternative to the Royal Mail Redirection Service

While the Royal Mail Redirection Service is a great way to ensure your post follows you to your new address, it’s not the only solution—and it’s certainly not the most cost-effective. If you're looking to save money while managing your move efficiently, there’s a smarter way.

Instead of simply redirecting your post, you can go one step further by updating your address directly with all your service providers—from banks and dentists to broadband providers and local councils. This not only ensures your post gets to the right place but also guarantees that your records are up to date, reducing the chances of missed bills or sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.That’s where Moveinout comes in.

Our change of address service allows you to notify over 8,500 companies and institutions in just a few clicks, saving you time, stress, and money in the long run. It's a more comprehensive and affordable alternative to Royal Mail’s Service, and it eliminates the need for temporary mail forwarding altogether. Save money, stay protected, and take control of your move with Moveinout.

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What is the Royal Mail Redirection service?

The Royal Mail Redirection Service is a paid service offered by Royal Mail that allows both individuals and businesses to forward incoming post from an old address to a new one for a specified period, typically 3, 6, or 12 months. This service is especially helpful during a house move, business relocation, or office change, as it ensures that you continue to receive important correspondence even if senders are still using your previous address

Whether it’s personal letters, government documents, tax forms, or bank statements, the Royal Mail Redirection Service acts as a safety net to prevent missed post while you take the time to notify organisations of your new address. It’s also a practical way to reduce the risk of sensitive documents being delivered to the wrong person, which can help protect against identity theft and fraud.

However, while it offers convenience, it does not update your address with your service providers directly, meaning your post is still being sent to your old address and simply forwarded to you. For a more permanent and proactive solution, consider combining or replacing this service with an address update platform like Moveinout, which not only forwards your post, but actually notifies companies of your change directly, ensuring your records are up to date.

How much is the Royal Mail redirection service?

The cost of the Royal Mail Redirection Service depends on several factors, including the type of redirection (personal or business) and the duration of the service.

For Personal UK Redirections:

• Up to 3 months: £36.00
  Extra person free £8.50
• Up to 6 months: £53.00
  Extra person free £10.00
• Up to 12 months: £76.00
  Extra person free £11.00

‍For Personal Overseas Redirections:

• Up to 3 months: £133.00
  Extra person free £25.00
• Up to 6 months: £53.00
  Extra person free £10.00
• Up to 12 months: £76.00
  Extra person free £11.00
  

How do I redirect my mail with Royal Mail?

Setting up a Royal Mail Redirection Service is quick and straightforward. You can apply online through the official Royal Mail website or visit your local Post Office® branch. During the application, you’ll need to provide proof of identity and details of both your old and new addresses.

Once the service is activated, Royal Mail will automatically forward all eligible mail to your new address for the duration you select—3, 6, or 12 months. Keep in mind that this service does not update your address with individual organisations, so it's still important to notify banks, utilities, and subscription services directly to ensure uninterrupted communication.

For a more efficient solution that also updates your address with companies directly, consider using a change of address service like Moveinout, which saves time and reduces the risk of missing critical updates.

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

To redirect your post using the Royal MailRedirection 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 other important letters, whilst preventing your post from getting into the wrong hands.

What are the alternatives to using the Royal Mail Redirection Service?

While the Royal Mail Redirection Service is a well-known option, it’s not the only, or necessarily the most efficient way to ensure your post reaches you after a move. A smarter, more cost-effective alternative is using the Moveinout online change of address service.

Update Your Address Once, Notify Everyone

Instead of just forwarding your mail, Moveinout takes a proactive approach by updating your address directly with your service providers. From banks and pension providers to pharmacies, vets, and even local councils, Moveinout helps you notify them all from a single, user-friendly platform.

The process couldn’t be easier: simply fill in one secure form with your old and new address details, and let Moveinout handle the rest. No need to contact each provider individually or worry about forgetting someone important. It saves you hours of admin time and significantly reduces the risk of missing important letters or falling victim to identity fraud due to post going to your old address.

Modern, Hassle-Free Mail Redirection

With Moveinout, you’re not just redirecting your post—you’re permanently updating your records, keeping everything accurate, secure, and up to date from day one. It’s a modern, hassle-free solution that puts you in control during what can otherwise be a chaotic time.

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’s 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 them 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 post for other people as long as you all live at the same address. There is an additional fee for each person added to the post 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 post for someone at a different address if you have Power of Attorney. You can also redirect post 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 its 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?

• Personal mail from a business address
• Any items addressed “To the occupier”
• Mail or parcels delivered by other delivery service or courier
• Mail from a British Forces Post Office (BFPO) address
• Any mail related to government benefits such as housing benefits, Jobseekers allowance (JSA) etc…
• Restricted goods sent in the UK using Royal Mail Tracked services

Does the Royal Mail give discount to individuals on universal credit or pension credit?

The Royal Mail’s discount is for customers who are receiving Universal or Pension Credit. Universal Credit discounts also apply the following benefits:

• Child Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and
• Working Tax Credit

Redirection discounted prices
‍For a single adult household:

• Up to 3 months: Standard price - £36.00
  Up to 3 months: Discounted price - £22.50
• Up to 6 months: Standard price - £53.00
  Up to 6 months: Discounted price - £30.00
• Up to 12 months: Standard price - £76.00
  Up to 12 months: Discounted price - £60.00

For a family household with 2 adults and 2 children (under16):

• Up to 3 months: Standard price - £44.50
  Up to 3 months: Discounted price - £30.00
• Up to 6 months: Standard price - £63.00
  Up to 6 months: Discounted price - £30.00
• Up to 12 months: Standard price - £87.00
  Up to 12 months: Discounted price - £60.00

For a family household with 3 adults:

• Up to 3 months: Standard price - £53.00
  Up to 3 months: Discounted price - £30.00
• Up to 6 months: Standard price - £73.00
  Up to 6 months: Discounted price - £30.00
• Up to 12 months: Standard price - £98.00
  Up to 12 months: Discounted price - £60.00

Can you redirect mail for a deceased person?

Yes, you can use the Royal Mail Redirection service on behalf of someone who has died or for whom you have power of attorney, deputyship or similar legal authority. To redirect post for a deceased person, you will likely need to provide documents to demonstrate your authority to act on behalf of the deceased. You can find the Redirecting post in special circumstances form here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Moveinout an official alternative to Royal Mail?

Moveinout is an independent service that helps notify multiple organisations of your change of address. It can complement or replace the Royal Mail Redirection Service by updating your information directly with  your service providers.

How much does Moveinout cost compared to Royal Mail Redirection?

Moveinout is cheaper than the Royal Mail  3-month Redirection Service. It also offers added value by updating your address directly with service providers, eliminating the need for ongoing post forwarding.

Can I still use Royal Mail and Moveinout together?

Absolutely. You can use both services for added peace of mind—Royal Mail for temporary post forwarding and Moveinout to permanently update your address with your service providers.

Is my personal information secure with Moveinout?

Yes. Moveinout uses encrypted technology and secure forms to protect your data. Your information is only shared with the service providers you choose.

How long does it take for my address updates to be processed?

Most notifications are processed within a week. You’ll receive confirmation for each provider that your address has been successfully updated.

Who should I notify when I move house?

Key service providers to notify include your bank, GP, utility providers, HMRC, your employer, DVLA, and any subscription services you use. Moveinout helps you do all this from one place. We have put together a change of address checklist to ensure no organisation is forgotten.