USPS Says Delivered But No Package? 5 Steps to Find Missing Mail

Seeing “Delivered” in tracking but no package at your door is frustrating. Below is a practical checklist to find a mis‑delivered or prematurely‑scanned package and how to escalate with USPS if it doesn’t appear.

Immediate Steps When Tracking Says Delivered

1) Search Likely Drop Points

Carriers sometimes leave parcels in protected or less obvious locations:

• Behind planters or furniture near the entry
• Side/back doors, garages, or porches
• With building management or concierge
• Parcel lockers or package rooms
• Next‑door or across the hall (mis‑delivery)

2) Check With Neighbors & Building Staff

Ask immediate neighbors and, for apartments/condos, check with the front desk, security, or package room attendants.

3) Verify the Address

Confirm the address the sender used, especially apartment/suite numbers and ZIP+4. Correcting a small typo often solves repeat issues.

Escalate With USPS

If the package hasn’t turned up after ~24 hours (premature scans do happen), contact your local Post Office. If it’s still missing, follow USPS’s two‑step process:

1. Submit an online Help Request with details and the tracking number.
2. After 7 business days from the Help Request, if unresolved, file a Missing Mail Search.

Tip: Your local office can review the carrier’s scan details and, in some cases, internal location metadata for the delivery event to help narrow the search.

Prevention Tips for Next Time

Use the Right Service for Important Mail

For critical documents, choose a service level that includes tracking and, when purchased, proof of recipient signature. If no one is available to sign, USPS leaves a notice and the item can be picked up at the Post Office within the holding period.

Harden the Address

• Always include apartment/suite numbers and ZIP+4.
• Use USPS formatting (Publication 28) for clear, machine‑readable labels.
• Consider secure delivery options at your building (lockers/parcel rooms).