USPS Redelivery – Information

What is USPS Redelivery?

USPS Redelivery (usps.com/redelivery) is how the Postal Service gets a mail piece, package or Extra Services item to you when it cannot be delivered the first time.  If you receive a PS Form 3849 – Delivery Notice/Reminder/Receipt, this means that a letter carrier or USPS PO Box™ clerk attempted to deliver an item or items to you where:

• A signature is required or postage and/or fees are required; and/or
• The item(s) will not fit in the mail receptacle; and/or
• The item(s) cannot be left in a secure place.

Note: Does your Redelivery Notice appear different and is it dated October 2017? Information on using this new form is available at “New PS Form 3849 Redelivery Notice – Limited Release.”

Where is USPS Redelivery(usps.com/redelivery) service available?

Redelivery service is available in a many areas nationwide. To check the availability of service in your area, enter your contact information (name, address, phone number, and email address) on our USPS Redelivery Service page online and click “Check Availability.”

When can a redelivery be scheduled and when will it take effect?

USPS Redelivery items are delivered with the regular letter carrier on the requested date (but you may NOT request a specific time).

• An USPS Redelivery can be scheduled to take place up to the day the item is scheduled for return to the sender (the Final Notice date on the front of the form; lower left-hand side). However, keep in mind that:
  • The scheduling must be done with advance notice and NOT on the date the item will be returned to the sender. Unless otherwise noted, the return date is in USPS Calendar days, not Postal Business days.
  • If a USPS Redelivery attempt is made on the last day before it is scheduled for return to the sender, but cannot be delivered, the item will be returned to the sender.

Note: If there is a weather issue with a scheduled redelivery, the item will be redelivered the next business day.

Who can schedule and accept a redelivery?

There are a few options open to you:

Residential Redelivery

• A responsible member of the addressee’s family;
• The addressee’s agent. This is a specific individual you authorize to pick up your mail item, by filling out PS Form 3801, Standing Delivery Order, or by writing a letter to the postmaster and taking the form or the letter to your local post office. Your agent can then pick up mail on your behalf at the local Post Office by presenting acceptable identification.

Business Redelivery

• An employee may schedule and accept a Redelivery as long as they can provide all of the necessary Redelivery information for the business, along with acceptable identification.

Regardless of who accepts the redelivery, remember that the item can only be redelivered to the original address listed on the mailpiece, and the addressee or authorized agent must be present to sign for Accountable Mail (items that are insured for more than $500 and/or require a signature, for example).

You Should Note: The carrier is not required to verify that the person accepting the package at the home or business is truly the ”authorized agent.” By being inside the home or business it is assumed they are associated with the person the item is for. However, if an agent comes to the Post Office™ to pickup an item, then identification (including a photo ID) would be required.

Is there a cost with USPS redelivery service?

• No. Currently, Redelivery service is available at no charge.

How do I get started?

• Online

  • The online method is the quickest and most convenient. If you want to have same day redelivery, submit your request by 2am CST Monday through Saturday. To start, you will need the USPS Tracking / article number on the peach-colored PS Form 3849, Delivery Notice/Reminder/Receipt that was left in your mail receptacle.You can set up a Redelivery one of two ways online: Access the USPS Redelivery Tool and/or use the  USPS Tracking  tool which can be accessed via several, prominently displayed fields on USPS.com (Look for the “Enter a Tracking Number” fields.)
  • For USPS Tracking, use the USPS Tracking/article number and if your item is eligible, the “Redelivery” option will be displayed on the right side of the screen under ”Available Actions.” Remember: The Redelivery option will ONLY be displayed under “Available Actions” if your mail item is eligible for the service.
  • Once you access the Redelivery or USPS Tracking Redelivery or USPS Tracking® page online, just follow the prompts to enter the required information or use this easy-to-follow visual aid to help guide you through the process.

• Online Confirmation

  • A confirmation page will be displayed with a confirmation number to verify your request has been accepted. The confirmation number will also be emailed to verify your request. If you don’t have access to your email, please be sure to print out the confirmation page or copy down your confirmation number for future reference. You will need your confirmation number to revise your request.

• Manually – Using PS Form 3849

  • For Non-Accountable Mail (mail that does not require a signature), fill out the back of the Delivery Notice/Reminder/Receipt (PS Form 3849) as follows:
  • In Section 2, sign the form under the statement: Sign Here to Authorize Redelivery or to Authorize an Agent to Sign for You.
  • In Section 3, check the box on the form next to “Leave item at my address.”
  • Indicate where the item is to be left on the line immediately below the check box.
    You can also select the day you want the item redelivered, allowing at least 2 delivery days.
  • Place the completed form in your mailbox.
  • If you decide to sign the USPS Redelivery Notice and give it to your letter carrier, please note the following:
    • Uninsured and ordinary parcels cannot be left in an unprotected place, such as a porch or stairway, unless you authorize this via the signed PS Form 3849, or you use the “Carrier – Leave If No Response” endorsement.
    • If a letter carrier decides s/he is unable to leave your mail in a secure location, s/he may elect not to leave the non-accountable mail item(s) and may instead leave another Redelivery notice.
    • The “Leave if no response” option is not available for Accountable Mail (mail that requires a signature). Accountable mail items must be delivered to you or your authorized agent or picked up at your post office by you or your authorized agent
    • Customers should allow 2 days for Redelivery (the letter carrier picks up the completed notice the first day, and redelivers the item the second day).

• By Phone

  • You can schedule a Redelivery via telephone by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS® (1-800-275-8777). You must have the tracking/article number from the peach-colored PS Form 3849, Delivery Notice/Reminder/Receipt that was left in your mail receptacle. If you do not have the article/tracking number, the customer service rep can only send notification to your Post Office to redeliver the item.
  • Alternatively, if you do not have your tracking/article number, you may take a valid ID to your local Post Office and pick up your mail item.
  • Customer Service representatives are available as follows:
    • Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET
    • Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
    • Sundays: Closed
    • Holidays: Closed [Click here for Postal Holidays]
    • Please Note: Automated information is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week

How do I change/cancel a Redelivery request online?

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  ONLINE

  • To modify your request online at USPS.com®, you will need your Confirmation Number. The easiest thing to do is to locate the confirmation email you received when you placed the Redelivery order and click the “Edit this request” link. Or just go to Redelivery Service and select “Edit an existing redelivery request.” Follow the easy prompts to make your changes or, for additional guidance, see the “Changing/Cancelling a Redelivery Order” listed in the Redelivery visual aid.
  • If you have an USPS.com account, you can also modify your Redelivery by signing in to your account and viewing your Activity History, Find the Redelivery from the list of previous orders, click ”View Details, and follow the onscreen prompts.”

• TELEPHONE

  • As long as you have your Redelivery Confirmation Number, you can call 1-800-ASK-USPS® (1-800-275-8777) to change or cancel your Redelivery order. Customer Service representatives are available as follows:
    • Monday – Friday: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm ET
    • Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
    • Sundays: Closed
    • Holidays: Closed [When are Postal Holidays?]
    • Please Note: Automated information is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week
    • If you encounter problems completing a redelivery order online, follow these technical support steps.
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  IN PERSON

  • At any time prior to your scheduled Redelivery, as long as you have not ordered your item to be redelivered, you can take you USPS Redelivery Notice and a photo ID and go to your local Post Office and pickup your held mail. This will cancel your scheduled USPS Redelivery.

What is the difference between Redelivery and Delivery Instructions Service?

• USPS Redelivery is an order you place to get your mail item delivered again in the event the first delivery attempt was not successful. So, Redelivery takes place AFTER the initial delivery attempt.
• The Delivery Instructions service lets you set up your delivery options for a mail item BEFORE it has been attempted or delivered.