What Is Informed Delivery by USPS
Since each package shipped via the United States Postal Service (USPS) is assigned a unique tracking number, it’s pretty easy to track your packages by entering their numbers into the USPS online tracking tool. However, tracking multiple incoming or outgoing packages one by one can be tiresome. This is where Informed Delivery by USPS can be helpful.
Informed Delivery is a free USPS service that allows customers to preview incoming letter-sized mail and track packages associated with their address, both incoming and outgoing. Users can choose to receive daily email notifications or log in online to view grayscale images of mail pieces expected to arrive soon, along with package delivery status updates in the dashboard.
Informed Delivery is available to customers with a “uniquely coded” mailbox in an eligible ZIP code. While most ZIP codes are eligible, not all residential addresses are uniquely coded. If you live in a large apartment building or condominium, you may not be eligible. Many business addresses and most PO boxes in eligible ZIP codes are eligible for Informed Delivery, but they require a USPS.com business account to sign up.
To sign up for Informed Delivery, you need a USPS.com account. If you already have one, go to your account preferences and opt in to the service in the Informed Delivery section. If you don’t have a USPS.com account, click on the Informed Delivery sign-up page, enter your email address, and select the account type (personal or business).
The next step is to enter your address to confirm its eligibility for Informed Delivery. If your address is eligible, you will need to provide your account information and verify your identity before accessing your Informed Delivery dashboard. The verification process ensures that you are the person associated with the address you provided. It includes providing your name, birth date, and other identifying information, which the USPS will then check using third-party identity verification services and public records databases.
If you cannot verify your identity online, you will need to do so in person at a post office. If you choose to verify your identity in person, you will receive an email containing an enrollment barcode and a list of post offices in your area that offer in-person identity verification services. The email will also include a list of identification documents that you should bring with you. The identification process is free and does not require an appointment. All you need to do is present the barcode to an employee, who will scan it to begin the process and check your documents. You can also request a verification code by mail. It should arrive within three to seven business days.
Once you are signed up, you can view your incoming mail and receive updates about your incoming and outgoing packages on the online dashboard, which is accessible from your phone, tablet, or PC, or using the Informed Delivery mobile app. For your convenience, all packages in the dashboard are color-coded:
- Green: Delivered packages. These packages remain displayed for 15 days after delivery.
- Blue: Packages currently in transit.
- Gray: Packages with an undetermined delivery date. For example, this would be a package for which a shipping label has been created, but which has not yet been shipped.
- Red: Packages requiring additional action. For example, this would be a package for which there has been a failed delivery attempt.
You will also receive daily emails with updates and can enable automatic text and/or email alerts for all or some package status updates. Please note that it may take up to three business days for notifications to start after signing up.
Keep in mind that Informed Delivery information about mail and packages is address-bound. If you share a mailbox with family members or roommates living in the same house, you will receive notifications for all packages associated with your address, regardless of whose name is on them.