Post offices and other mail service providers typically offer a mail forwarding service (also commonly known as Hybrid Mail or Virtual PO Box services) to redirect mail destined for one location to another — usually for a given period of time. (In the case of the United States Postal Service's First Class Mail it is generally for a period of one year, although at least one exception has been made in the case of mail addressed to the World Trade Center. British Royal Mail provides a service called Mail Redirection enabling redirection for up to two years.) Customers of such a service usually (but not exclusively) use mail-forwarding when they change addresses or move premises.

The mail forwarding service offered by postal authorities should be distinguished from private mail forwarding services. Private mail forwarding services tend to offer additional services and needs that might not be provided by governmental services, such as mail scanning services, online mailbox management and a selection of domestic and international delivery options. Many people travel for extended periods of time – necessitating mail forwarding services with greater flexibility than those offered by governmental services.

Regulations

United Kingdom

Since October 1^th 2007, Councils in London will are able to require local private mail forwarding services to register with them. Registered services have to obtain evidence of identity from their customers and retain copies of these documents. They also have to keep records of the customer's name and address/registered office and addresses to which mail is sent.

United States

USPS form 1583 is required if using a private forwarder. Mail forwarding is known to the international world as the ability to receive an address in a select country. It is most well-known for individuals or businesses located outside the US that are looking to gain a US address. These individuals use the address to purchase goods from companies that do not ship internationally. They are able to have the goods shipped to their US address and the Mail Forwarding Service will repackage all the goods purchased and forward them overseas to their final destination.

Many Expatriates use mail forwarding services to get their local mail while they are traveling overseas. Many Mail Forwarding Services have the ability to scan the mail and trash junk mail so the Expatriate does not need to spend money on unneeded mail.