Finish a permanent prescreen request you started online

Starting the permanent option online does not complete it. Permanent removal requires returning the signed election form. To finish, find the form, check the details on it, sign it and return it the way the official instructions say.

By Junk Mail Magic. Updated October 2, 2026.

Close out the permanent election

Search the places you would have kept the form, such as printed papers, your downloads folder or saved files from the day you started.
If you cannot find the form, go back to the official service through the FTC page and read its current instructions for getting the election form.
Before you sign, compare the name and address on the form with the details you entered online.
Sign the form and return it using the method and address given in the official instructions.
Write down the date you returned the form and keep a copy for your records.

If you are unsure what your online session did

The official FAQ describes an interim protection: when you submit the electronic permanent request, a five-year opt-out is completed within five business days if a participating bureau has a credit file for you and can match it. Permanent status still depends on receiving the signed election form.

Keep the online confirmation and the mailing date as separate records. If the form is missing or contains an error, use the official service’s help route to resolve that specific problem. Do not send the form through a general marketing-removal tool.

Completion checklist: permanent election

Example for your own use. Replace the bracketed details and review what you share.

Date online step started: [date] Election form located: [found / requested again on date] Name on form matches: [yes / no, fix needed] Address on form matches: [yes / no, fix needed] Signed on: [date] Return method from official instructions: [method] Date returned: [date] Copy kept: [yes / no]

After the form is returned

Record the date you mailed the signed form beside the online confirmation. If later offers concern you, check their source; customer-list advertising or another non-bureau list can remain outside this election.

Official sources

Choose five-year or permanent prescreen opt-out Do you need an SSN to opt out of prescreened offers?Reach the prescreen opt-out without using a mailer QR code Compare a credit freeze with a prescreen opt-out Find the official route to receive prescreened offers again Credit-offer controls All practical mail guides

Choose the route that matches the mailing

Use the official route described in this guide for this kind of mail. For a separate ordinary advertisement, Junk Mail Magic can help prepare a sender-specific removal request.

Compare removal routes