Mail after death: forward or stop

Who can apply?

The PostNL bereavement Verhuisservice can be applied for by a next of kin with proof of relationship or a notarially authorised representative. In practice this means the spouse or registered partner, children or grandchildren, parents or siblings, or any heir who holds a verklaring van erfrecht (certificate of inheritance). Without a family-law connection or notarial power of attorney you cannot make the request, even if you are managing the estate on a daily basis. If multiple heirs disagree about which forwarding address to use, PostNL does not resolve the dispute; the heirs must reach agreement among themselves.

What documents do you need?

Prepare the following before starting the application: • A copy of the death certificate (issued by the municipality or notary). This proves the death and the date. • Proof of relationship: identity card combined with a birth or marriage certificate, or a verklaring van erfrecht from the notary. A will or bank statement alone is not sufficient. • The new delivery address (your own address or that of a designated family member; not a business address). Do not have a verklaring van erfrecht yet? You can request one from a notary. For small estates banks sometimes accept their own form, but PostNL typically requires an official document. If in doubt, contact PostNL or your notary.

How long does it last and what does it cost?

PostNL typically offers the bereavement Verhuisservice for periods of 6 or 12 months. Unlike the bpost service in Belgium, the PostNL service is not free: you pay a fee comparable to a standard Verhuisservice. The current price is published on the PostNL website and may be adjusted annually. After the period expires you can renew or cancel the service. Renewal is also chargeable. Make sure you cancel the service in time once no more post is expected, to avoid unnecessary costs.

What if multiple heirs disagree?

If several heirs disagree on the forwarding address, PostNL does not decide. Practical steps: • Try to agree on a single forwarding address, preferably the address of the heir managing the estate file. • Put the agreement in writing to prevent disputes later. • Involve the notary in the coordination if one is already handling the estate. • If the conflict persists you can delay redirection and instead request a stop on delivery to the old address.

Forward or stop: which is better?

Redirection is not always the right choice. A comparison: Forwarding is useful when: there are still active subscriptions, contracts or ongoing correspondence to process; invoices or reminders are expected; or the lease or property has not yet been cleared. Stopping delivery is a better fit when: all ongoing contracts have already been cancelled and no time-sensitive post is expected; the deceased had not lived at the address for a long time (for example, they were in residential care); or the forwarding address is not clearly agreed among heirs. The two options can be combined: forward for 6 or 12 months while settling the estate, then switch to a permanent stop.

Official PostNL request

• PostNL: Verhuisservice after a death

  Apply online or at a PostNL point with a copy of the death certificate. Valid for 6 or 12 months; fee comparable to a standard Verhuisservice.

• Find a PostNL point

  You can also apply in person at a nearby PostNL point.