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How-to · Consumer help

Start a USPS missing mail search

If mail or a package is lost or delayed, you can file a Missing Mail search request starting 7 days after mailing.

Steps

4 steps
  1. Check tracking firstIf your mail has tracking, look at its current status before you start a search.
  2. Wait until 7 days after mailingA Missing Mail search request cannot be submitted sooner than 7 days from the mailing date.
  3. Submit a Missing Mail search requestUse Start Your Missing Mail Search and give the details of the item. Photos can help.
  4. Watch for the confirmation and updatesUSPS emails a confirmation and periodic updates. If it finds the item, it sends it to the address you gave.

Bring

  • Sender and recipient addresses
  • Size and type of container
  • Tracking number or mailing receipt
  • Description of the contents
  • Pictures of the item
USPS cannot always find missing mail, and an item that was not safe to forward may not be recovered.

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