What is USPS Tracking?
USPS Tracking provides end-to-end visibility for most domestic mail products, helping customers see where their packages are at any point in the shipping process. It’s available for most items large enough to carry a tracking barcode and destined for domestic locations — including APO, FPO, DPO addresses, U.S. territories, and Freely Associated States.
By entering your tracking number into the USPS Tracking page, you can view the current status of your package and see details like delivery attempts, final delivery date, time, and the delivery location (e.g., mailbox, reception desk, or neighbor).
🕒 Note: USPS Tracking does not guarantee or expedite delivery. It’s included at no additional cost for most domestic mail products, except for USPS Marketing Mail parcels, where an additional fee applies.
🌎 What About International Shipping Products?
Tracking is included with many — but not all — USPS international mail services. Some destinations have restrictions or limited visibility once the package leaves the U.S. To learn more about available options, visit the International Mail & Shipping page.
✉️ What About First-Class Mail Letters?
Full tracking is not available for First-Class Mail letters. However, you can purchase certain Extra Services — such as Certified Mail, Registered Mail, or USPS Tracking for First-Class Package Service — to receive delivery updates. Learn more about First-Class Mail tracking options here.
📦 What Can I Do If My Mailpiece Hasn’t Been Delivered?
First, check the delivery standard for your mail class by entering your tracking number on the USPS Tracking page and reviewing the “Product Information” section. Then compare your mail’s progress to the expected timeframes shown in the Delayed Mail and Packages chart.
- If your tracking status shows “Eligible for Additional Research”, follow the next steps provided on the website.
- If your item shows an “Alert” status, there may be a delay due to weather, natural disasters, or service disruptions. Check the USPS Service Alerts page for updates.
⏰ Expected Delivery Window (ExD™)
The Expected Delivery Window is a two-hour time frame shown in your tracking results indicating when your package is likely to arrive. While delivery within that window is not guaranteed, most items are delivered by the end of the day even if delayed past that period.
💡 Tip: Sign up for Informed Delivery to get real-time tracking updates, delivery alerts, and daily mail previews — all in one dashboard.
How Does USPS Tracking Work?
📦 USPS Tracking follows your package at every step of its journey — from the moment it’s accepted until it’s delivered. Each time your mailpiece is scanned by USPS or a shipping partner, a record is added to the tracking system. Tracking begins as soon as the sender or partner electronically notifies USPS that a shipment is on its way.
The process continues through acceptance, processing, transit, and final delivery. You can view these updates online, by text, or through the USPS Mobile app using your tracking number.
🔍 Tip: You can access your USPS Tracking information anytime through multiple methods — online at USPS.com, via text to 28777 (2USPS), or on the USPS Mobile App.
⏰ When Is Tracking Information Available?
Tracking data updates throughout the day as new scans occur. You may see updates when your package is accepted, arrives or departs a facility, or is out for delivery.
📊 What Does the Tracking Information Mean?
Each USPS Tracking status represents a stage in your package’s journey. To understand what a particular status means (like “In Transit” or “Out for Delivery”), check the Scan Event Status guide for detailed explanations.
🧾 How Do I Add Tracking to My Item?
At a Post Office™: When you pay postage for an eligible product at a retail counter, USPS Tracking is automatically activated. Keep your mailing receipt — your tracking number is printed right on it.
Online: Create a USPS.com account to buy postage, print shipping labels with tracking, and view delivery information. Your label will include both the tracking barcode and a receipt copy for your records.
Extra Services: Combine tracking with an Extra Service (like Certified Mail or Signature Confirmation™) to receive delivery proof and additional security.
💡 Whether you ship online or at a Post Office™, you’ll receive the same USPS Tracking information. Always save your receipt — USPS cannot track an item without the tracking number.
How Do I Access Tracking Information?
There are several easy ways to check your USPS Tracking information. Whether online, by phone, or through text alerts, you can stay updated on your package’s journey anytime, anywhere.
Access USPS Tracking directly on USPS.com to view your delivery status, history, and expected delivery date.
Log in to your Informed Delivery Dashboard to preview your mail and track packages digitally. You’ll find integrated USPS Tracking updates within your daily mail summary.
Send a text message to 28777 (2USPS) with your tracking number as the message. You’ll instantly receive your latest delivery status. Read USPS Text Tracking™ FAQs.
📞 Standard messaging and data rates may apply.
Download the USPS Mobile App to track packages, schedule pickups, and find USPS locations near you:
- Call USPS Customer Service for tracking details and business hours.
- For TDD/TTY (Deaf/Hard of Hearing) support, dial 1-800-877-8339.
- Access automated tracking updates 24/7 by phone.
USPS Tracking Number Help & FAQs
Where can I find my tracking number?
Question
You may locate your tracking number on your sales or mailing receipt, online label record, or below the barcode on your mailed item.
Explanation
- Sales or mailing receipt from the Post Office
- Online label record (Click-N-Ship, eBay, or other service)
- Below the USPS Tracking barcode on your item
Reminders
Some items such as postcards, First-Class Mail letters and flats, and certain USPS Marketing Mail items may not include a tracking number.
I didn’t receive a tracking number, but want one for my item.
Question
Your item may not come with tracking if it’s a service that doesn’t include USPS Tracking.
Explanation
Items without tracking typically include:
- Postcards
- First-Class Mail letters and flats
- Periodicals
- Some USPS Marketing Mail parcels
If the item should have tracking:
- Senders: Check your receipt, email, or online postage record (Click-N-Ship, etc.)
- Recipients: Ask the sender for the tracking number or check Informed Delivery if subscribed
Reminders
- Add an extra service (like Certified Mail or Insurance) to make letters trackable.
- Ship as Priority Mail to automatically include tracking.
Care Center agents and Post Offices cannot recover lost tracking numbers.
I lost or forgot my tracking number
Question
Local Post Offices and Care Center agents cannot recover lost tracking numbers.
Explanation
If the recipient is an Informed Delivery subscriber, they can view the tracking number on their dashboard.
Reminders
Check these sources for your number:
- Mailing or sales receipt
- Online postage record (Click-N-Ship, eBay)
- Barcode on mailed item (see “USPS Tracking – The Basics”)
- Recipient’s Informed Delivery dashboard
I’m waiting for an item. Can you tell me what the tracking number is?
Question
Unfortunately, USPS representatives cannot look up tracking numbers for you.
Explanation
The easiest way to find the tracking number for an expected package is to contact the sender. Informed Delivery users can view tracking numbers for incoming items on their dashboard.
Reminders
If you are not an Informed Delivery subscriber, you can sign up here to preview and track eligible packages automatically.
Types of Tracking Status
Learn about USPS package tracking statuses and what to do when your package is late, missing, or misdelivered. USPS uses several tracking status scans to show where your item is along its route. Below are the most common statuses, what they mean, and actions you can take for each.
We also recommend signing up for Informed Delivery notifications, which provide a digital preview of your mail and allow you to manage expected packages.
Delivered
What It Means: The package has been delivered and includes a recorded date, time, and delivery location. Sometimes carriers place packages in safe or hidden locations for protection.
Check the following places:
- Garage or porch
- Mailbox or parcel locker (check for key in your regular mailbox)
- With neighbors or building management
- Behind plants, doors, or near back entrances
What You Can Do: If you still can’t find your package after 24 hours, use your tracking number to submit a Service Request to your local Post Office™.
In Transit / Arrived / Departed
What It Means: Your package is being processed or transported to your delivery Post Office™. You might see multiple “In Transit” or “Departed Facility” scans as it moves through the network.
What You Can Do: No action is needed — your package is on the way. Sign up for text or email tracking updates to monitor its journey.
Out for Delivery
What It Means: Your package is at the local Post Office™ and is scheduled for delivery today. Delivery times vary depending on the route and carrier.
What You Can Do: If your package hasn’t arrived within 24 hours of this status, contact your local Post Office™ with your tracking number.
Shipping Partner / Pre-Shipment
What It Means: USPS has not yet received your package. It is currently with a shipping partner or awaiting pickup by USPS.
What You Can Do: Contact the shipper for more details. USPS tracking will update once the item is received and scanned by USPS.
Insufficient Address / No Such Number
What It Means: Part of the address is missing or incorrect, and the package is being returned to the sender.
What You Can Do: Once the sender receives it, confirm and correct the address before reshipping with new postage.
No Access to Delivery Location
What It Means: The carrier couldn’t reach your mailbox or porch due to a blocked path, gate, animal, or other obstruction.
What You Can Do: USPS will reattempt delivery the next business day. Clear any obstructions and ensure access is available.
Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient / No Secure Location)
What It Means: A signature was required or no secure place was available to leave the package. The carrier left a PS Form 3849 Redelivery Notice.
What You Can Do:
- Schedule a redelivery for a day someone can sign.
- Pick up from your Post Office™ (bring photo ID).
- Request return to sender using the Redelivery app.
Held at Post Office / Available for Pickup
What It Means: Your package is being held at your local Post Office due to a Hold Mail, Hold for Pickup, or USPS Delivery Instructions request.
What You Can Do: Pick it up with valid photo ID or wait for delivery if a Hold Mail request exists. If you didn’t request a hold, contact the Post Office™ directly.
Forwarded / Forwarded Processed
What It Means: The package has been forwarded to a new address due to a change of address or routing error.
What You Can Do: Track progress as it travels to the new destination. If forwarding was not requested, contact USPS Customer Service.
Shipment Received / Acceptance Pending
What It Means: USPS has received a container of packages but hasn’t yet processed your individual item.
What You Can Do: No action is needed — the package will be scanned again when opened and accepted for transport.
Delivery Status Not Updated / Awaiting Delivery Scan
What It Means: The package was out for delivery but no “Delivered” scan was recorded by 9 PM local time. Delivery is expected the next business day.
What You Can Do: If more than 24 hours have passed, submit a service request to your local Post Office™.
Redelivery Scheduled / Reminder to Schedule
What It Means: A redelivery has been scheduled, or you received a reminder to schedule one before the package is returned to sender.
What You Can Do:
- Schedule redelivery online using the tracking number or PS Form 3849 barcode.
- Pick it up from your local Post Office™ with ID.
- Request return to sender if you no longer need it.
USPS In Possession of Item
What It Means: USPS has received the package and begun processing it for transport to your local Post Office™.
What You Can Do: No action needed — your package is moving through the network. Tracking updates will appear as it approaches delivery.
General Tips for Delays, Missing, or Misdelivered Packages
- Check all possible drop locations and ask household members or neighbors.
- Use Informed Delivery to preview mail and manage expected packages.
- Wait 24 hours after “Delivered” before submitting a service request.
- File a Missing Mail Search or Domestic Claim if needed.
If you see scans referring to counterfeit or unpaid postage, review the USPS guidelines for Counterfeit Postage and Unpaid Postage.