How to find what post office my package is at

Q: How do I know which post office holds my package?

Heres how to submit your next USPS Hold Mail request: Create or sign in to your USPS.com account. Go to USPS Hold Mail and follow the steps to verify your identity. Once your identity has been verified successfully, you wont have to complete this step again for your current address.

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Table of Contents Show

Check your delivery’s progress
Your tracking reference number
More about sending mail
Some common questions
How to track a USPS order on the USPS website
How to track a USPS order using Informed Delivery
How to track down missing or delayed packages
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How do I know which post office holds my package?
How do I identify my local post office?

Check your delivery’s progress

We offer services from Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide which can be fully tracked and/or have confirmation of delivery. Please see the information below on how to track your items sent using their services.

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Your tracking reference number

To track your item, you will need the reference number found on your Post Office receipt. This may be called a barcode or a reference.
The reference number is between 9 and 27 characters long .
If you have sent your item at a Post Office and you have lost your receipt or tear off label, Royal Mail or Parcelforce Worldwide won’t be able to tell you the reference number.
Only a reference number can be used to track an item, other information such as a name or address cannot be used to track items.

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More about sending mail

Useful links, extra information and related mails services.

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Some common questions

Can I track a parcel without a tracking number?

Can I track a parcel by address?

Can I track a parcel with proof of postage?

How do I track a parcel from overseas?

How do I track a parcel I’m sending overseas?

What if I have more questions about tracking my parcels?

You can track any USPS order directly on the USPS website to find out exactly when your package will arrive.
On the tracking page, you'll find detailed information on where your package has been picked up and scanned.
For missing or delayed packages, there are online forms you can fill out which are forwarded to your local Post Office.

For orders being delivered through the United States Postal Service, or USPS, you can track your package directly on their website. You can also manage incoming packages and file a missing mail search request if you think your package has been lost or delayed. Here's how it's done.

How to track a USPS order on the USPS website

1. Go to the USPS website.

2. Click the "Track & Manage" tab.

3. Enter your tracking number in the box under "Track Your Package," then click the search icon or press Enter.

Under "Track & Manage," type in your tracking number. Abigail Abesamis Demarest/Business Insider

4. Check the status of your package. Here, you can check out the Tracking History for a detailed view on where your package has been picked up and scanned.

You can view a detailed history of your package's delivery process. Abigail Abesamis Demarest/Business Insider

How to track a USPS order using Informed Delivery

Signing up for Informed Delivery, a free and optional notification feature provided by USPS, allows you to digitally preview your letters and manage incoming packages all on one dashboard (and without having to type in individual tracking numbers for multiple packages).

1. Go to the USPS website.

2. Hover over the "Quick Tools" tab and click on "Informed Delivery."

Select "Informed Delivery" from the "Quick Tools" tab. Abigail Abesamis Demarest/Business Insider

3. Sign up for Informed Delivery or sign in to your account.

4. Navigate to the "Packages" tab to check the status of all your incoming packages.

See a list of your packages in the "Packages" tab. Abigail Abesamis Demarest/Business Insider

5. Click the arrow icon for the package you'd like to track.

6. Check the status of your package.

How to track down missing or delayed packages

The USPS defines missing mail as "mail that has not been delivered by the expected delivery date," aka packages that are undelivered, lost, or late. They recommend waiting at least seven days before taking steps to recover your package, as it may still be en route.

1. Check the current status of your package by following the tracking steps outlined above.

2. Complete an online help request form using a laptop or desktop computer.

3. Submit a Missing Mail search request.

How to track your Amazon order on a computer or mobile device
How to track an eBay order if the seller has provided tracking information, or contact the seller for updates
Yes, Netflix still mails DVDs — here's how to sign up for Netflix's DVD Plan, and rent movies with no late fees
'How do Amazon pre-orders work?': How to pre-order applicable items on Amazon
How to cancel an order on Amazon

Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a contributing writer for Insider based in New York. She loves a good glazed donut and nerdy deep dives into the science of food and how it's made.

How do I know which post office holds my package?

Here's how to submit your next USPS Hold Mail request: Create or sign in to your USPS.com account. Go to USPS Hold Mail and follow the steps to verify your identity. Once your identity has been verified successfully, you won't have to complete this step again for your current address.

How do I identify my local post office?

To locate a Post Office™, approved partner facilities, or other USPS® services such as stamps, passport acceptance, and Self-Service Kiosks, go to the Find USPS Locations on USPS.com®. Then follow these steps: Fill in your City and State or just your ZIP Code™.