Missing Mail and Lost Packages (2024)

Missing Mail and Lost Packages (1)

Whether you are sending it or receiving it, your mail is important to you and the U.S. Postal Service®. When mail is lost or delayed, we want to find it. If you think your package or mail is lost or delayed, follow these steps to help us find your mail.

Missing Mail and Lost Packages (2)

How to Start Your Search

1.Check the Current Status

Before you begin your search, if your package or mail has tracking, check USPS Tracking® to see its current status.

Go to Tracking

Informed Delivery® Users
Informed Delivery provides a digital preview of your incoming mail. There may be occasions where a mail item may be delayed in reaching its destination. For additional information, please visit Informed Delivery FAQs.

2.Complete a Help Request Form

We recommend that you complete our online help request form before you start a missing mail search. Please use a desktop computer to submit your form.

We'll forward your request to your local Post Office facility to help locate any missing items.

Start Your Form

3.Submit a Missing Mail Search Request

If after 7 business days from when you submitted your online help request form your mail or package hasn't arrived, submit a Missing Mail search request with the following information:

  • Sender mailing address
  • Recipient mailing address
  • Size and type of container or envelope you used
  • Identifying information such as your USPS Tracking number(s), the mailing date from your mailing receipt, or Click-N-Ship® label receipt
  • Description of the contents such as what it is and the brand, model, color, or size, if applicable
  • Pictures that could help us recognize your item

Start Your Missing Mail Search

What to Expect Next

USPS® Mail Search

When we receive your Missing Mail search request, we will send you a confirmation email. We will also send you periodic updates about the search.

If we find your package or mail, we will send it to the address you provided. Please note, sometimes we cannot find missing mail items. It is also possible that your package or mail will not be recovered because it was not safe to forward.

Missing Mail Recovery Restrictions

Requesting a Refund

If you used a service with a money-back guarantee such as Priority Mail Express®, you may be able to request a refund.

Learn about Refunds

File a Claim

If your mail or package included insurance, you may be able to file an insurance claim. For damaged or missing contents, we recommend filing a claim immediately, but you must file no later than 60 days from the date of mailing.

Learn about Claims

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As an expert in postal services and mail management, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts mentioned in the provided article about USPS® mail search. My expertise in this area stems from a deep understanding of the processes involved in sending and receiving mail, as well as the protocols followed by the U.S. Postal Service® in handling lost or delayed items.

1. Tracking and Informed Delivery®: The article emphasizes the importance of checking the current status of your package or mail before initiating a search. This involves using USPS Tracking® for items with tracking information. Additionally, Informed Delivery® is mentioned, which provides a digital preview of incoming mail.

2. Help Request Form: To efficiently address lost or delayed mail, the article recommends completing an online help request form. This form is submitted on a desktop computer and is forwarded to the local Post Office™ facility to aid in locating missing items.

3. Missing Mail Search Request: If the mail or package hasn't arrived seven business days after submitting the online help request form, the next step is to submit a Missing Mail search request. This request includes detailed information such as sender and recipient addresses, container or envelope details, USPS Tracking number(s), mailing date, and a description of the contents, along with any applicable pictures.

4. USPS® Mail Search Process: Upon receiving a Missing Mail search request, the USPS® initiates a search and sends periodic updates to the requester. If the package or mail is found, it is forwarded to the provided address. However, there is acknowledgment that some items may not be recoverable or safe to forward.

5. Missing Mail Recovery Restrictions: The article mentions the possibility of not recovering missing mail due to safety concerns. Additionally, it introduces the option of requesting a refund for services with a money-back guarantee, such as Priority Mail Express®.

6. Filing a Claim: For mail or packages with insurance, the article advises filing an insurance claim, particularly for damaged or missing contents. The timeframe for filing a claim is within 60 days from the date of mailing.

In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide for individuals dealing with lost or delayed mail, covering steps from checking the current status to filing a claim or requesting a refund. This information showcases the USPS® procedures and options available to customers in various scenarios, demonstrating the depth of knowledge required to navigate the postal service effectively.

Missing Mail and Lost Packages (2024)
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