Buzz
Ensure Successful Mail Redirection
Considering the vast volume of mail handled by USPS daily, occasional errors are inevitable! If mail arrives correctly but is addressed to an incorrect recipient, simply inscribe “Not at this address” on the envelope or package before returning it. In the event of mail being delivered to the wrong address, promptly return it to your delivery personnel or deposit it in a mailbox. Additionally, unopened mail that you wish to decline can be returned without issue.
Procedures
Mail Addressed to an Incorrect Recipient
Indicate “Not at this address” on the envelope or package. When mail is correctly addressed but to an incorrect recipient, clearly mark “Not at this address” on the item. Avoid using phrases like “Return to sender” or similar.
- If a barcode is present, ensure it is crossed out to prevent redirection to your address.
- Avoid altering or obliterating the address.
- In instances of recurrent misdirected mail, inform your mail carrier or contact your local post office for assistance in mitigating further occurrences.
Return the mail piece to your delivery person. If you're present during mail delivery, give the mail back to your carrier and clarify that the intended recipient no longer resides at your address.
- Alternatively, place the item in your mailbox with the red flag raised for pickup during the next mail delivery.
Utilize a collection box if unable to hand it to your mail carrier. If returning the item to your mail carrier isn't feasible, deposit it in a USPS mail collection box. The post office will retrieve it and handle its return or forwarding.
- Locate the nearest collection box using the USPS “Find Locations” page.
Mail Misdelivered to an Incorrect Address
Reinsert the item into your mailbox. When mail is misdelivered, typically placed in your mailbox in error by the delivery person, return it by replacing it in the box with the red flag raised.
- The raised flag alerts your mail carrier of outgoing mail.
- For misdelivered Priority Mail Express items, contact 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) for instructions or visit the USPS website for guidance.
Return the item directly to your delivery person if preferred. If you're available during mail delivery, hand back the misdelivered item to your carrier, explaining the error in delivery.
- Alternatively, take the item to your local post office for assistance.
Avoid marking or writing on the item. When returning the item, refrain from adding messages like “Return to sender” on the package. Do not alter or cover any information on the item, including the address.
- Modifying the item could lead to further delivery complications.
- If necessary, the post office has its own authorized mark for returning items to the sender.
- You can affix a note outside your mailbox indicating that the former recipient no longer resides at the address, including the individual's name as it appears on the mail.
Unwanted Mail Addressed to You
Indicate “Refused” and return it to your mail carrier. You have the right to refuse most types of mail addressed to you. Simply write “Refused” on the package and return it to your mail carrier promptly.
- If you've opened the item, you cannot refuse it even if resealed.
- You can refuse most mail items upon delivery or after they've been delivered.
Mark “Refused” on the delivery notice for accountable mail. Accountable mail requires your signature. You can refuse certain types of accountable mail before delivery by marking “Refused” on the delivery notice provided by your mail carrier.
- If you receive a delivery notice in your mailbox, mark “Refused,” sign the notice, and return it to your mailbox.
- Common types of accountable mail include Priority Mail Express, Registered Mail, Certified Mail, Collect on Delivery, and items insured for over $200.
- Most types of accountable mail cannot be refused after delivery. If you wish to return such items after receiving and signing for them, you'll need to repackage and resend them with new postage.
Repackage the item with new postage if it has been opened. Opening an item and wanting to return it requires repackaging. Place the item in a new box or envelope, address it to the sender, and apply new postage.
- Once repackaged, mail the item as usual.
- If returning damaged or unwanted merchandise, the seller may provide a prepaid shipping label or reimburse postage.
Insights
The insights shared in this section stem from the experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. Should you have a valuable tip to contribute, please share it with us below.
- Presorted standard mail cannot be returned. Only first-class, periodicals, endorsements, and political mail are eligible for return to the sender.
Cautions
- It is unlawful to discard or dispose of mail intended for another individual.
