Buzz
The United States Postal Service processes around 318 million pieces of mail each day, which means mistakes can happen. Delivery workers might misread addresses, letters can get shuffled in the back of the truck, or people may forget to update their address when they move—all of which can result in you receiving mail intended for someone else. Here’s what you should do if that happens.
What to Do When Mail Is Delivered to the Wrong Address
If the mail you receive is not only meant for someone else but is also delivered to the wrong address, you have two ways to resolve the situation:
Deliver it yourself. If the mail is clearly meant for a nearby neighbor and you can access their mailbox, feel free to deliver it to the correct address yourself. It's not illegal to open an unlocked mailbox or forward mail with proper postage. You could also knock on their door and hand them the mail if you're familiar with them (or if you're comfortable doing so). However, be cautious, as it is illegal to place unsolicited items like flyers, notes, or ads without postage into mailboxes.
Write a note and attach it to the outgoing mail. If the correct address is far away or you prefer not to deliver it personally, write a note indicating “wrong address” and attach it to the incorrectly delivered mail using a sticky note or paperclip. The mail carrier will collect it during their next round and deliver it to the correct address soon. It’s better not to write directly on the envelope to avoid defacing the mail. If you use a marker or Sharpie, it could bleed through and cause unnecessary issues. Using a paperclip or sticky note is a safer choice.
What to Do if You Receive Mail for a Former Resident
If you’re receiving mail for a previous resident at your address, inform the mail carrier and post office that the person no longer lives there. You can attach a note with a paperclip to the letter to notify them. To return the mail to the sender, simply write "Not at this address, return to sender" on the note and attach it to the envelope. Place the mail in the outgoing box where the mail carrier can clearly see the error next time. It may take a few attempts, and if it continues, you might need to contact the post office directly.
Ensure the Mail Isn’t Addressed to ‘[Other Person’s Name] or Current Resident’
Is Opening Someone Else’s Mail Illegal?
Absolutely. It’s also illegal to intentionally dispose of someone else’s mail. Both actions are considered tampering (and let’s be honest, they're pretty rude). If you receive mail that's not yours, do not open it or throw it away, as both are punishable offenses (and no one likes facing consequences). But don’t worry—if you accidentally opened someone else’s mail while sorting through your own, you won’t be arrested. The law is designed to protect against those who seek to misuse personal information.
