USPS Informed Delivery is a free service that previews eligible incoming mail and shows package tracking information. You can view notifications in a Daily Digest email, online dashboard, or the Informed Delivery Mobile app.
It is useful for seeing what may arrive soon. It does not show the contents of a letter, include every mail piece, or guarantee that a previewed item will arrive that day.
| What You Need to Know
USPS photographs the address side of eligible letter-sized mail while it moves through automated equipment. Informed Delivery matches those images to an eligible address and sends a preview. Packages appear through USPS tracking data, not envelope images. |
What Does Informed Delivery Show?
Informed Delivery combines mail previews and package information in one account.
| Item | What you may see | Main limit |
|---|---|---|
| Letter-sized mail | A grayscale image of the exterior address side when USPS automated equipment captures it. | The contents are not shown. Not every mailpiece is imaged. |
| Packages | Tracking status for incoming and outbound USPS packages linked to the account. | Package visibility depends on tracking data and account matching. |
| Larger mail | A representative image or notice may appear for some catalogs, magazines, or other pieces. | Coverage varies. Do not expect an image for every item. |
How Does USPS Informed Delivery Work?
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- USPS processes mail through sorting equipment. Eligible letter-sized pieces are photographed on the address side.
- USPS matches available images and package tracking data to an eligible delivery point.
- The customer receives a Daily Digest or checks the online dashboard or mobile app.
The notification means an item is moving toward the address. USPS states that mail and packages may arrive several days after the notification.
Is Informed Delivery the Same as USPS Tracking?
No. A mail preview is not item-level tracking. It shows that USPS imaged an eligible mailpiece during processing, but it does not provide scan-by-scan movement or proof of delivery.
USPS Tracking uses a barcode to show package or eligible mailpiece status.
Informed Delivery can display that tracking information in the same dashboard.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible residential, business, and PO Box addresses in supported ZIP Codes may use Informed Delivery.
The mailbox must be uniquely coded, so some apartments or condominiums may not qualify at the unit level.
A USPS.com business account is required when enrolling a business street address or business PO Box. USPS confirms eligibility during sign-up.
How Much Does Informed Delivery Cost?
Informed Delivery is free. Some optional package services shown in the account may have separate USPS fees, but there is no subscription charge for Informed Delivery itself.
How to Sign Up
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- Go to the official USPS Informed Delivery page and choose Sign Up for Free.
- Enter the address to check eligibility.
- Create or sign in to the correct personal or business USPS.com account.
- Complete identity verification. If online verification is unavailable, USPS may direct you to an eligible Post Office location.
- Choose notification settings and begin using the dashboard or mobile app.
Why Does a Previewed Letter Arrive Later?
Informed Delivery shows mail that is arriving soon, not a guaranteed delivery appointment. A piece can be delayed after it is photographed because of transportation, sorting, weather, address, or local delivery conditions.
- Allow several days after the notification, as USPS advises.
- Check the delivery address and unit number with the sender.
- Review USPS service alerts if several items are delayed.
- Use the “I did not receive this mailpiece” option when it appears in the account.
- Follow USPS delayed-mail or Missing Mail steps when the item meets the applicable timing rules.
Key Limitations
- It does not show the contents inside an envelope.
- It does not image every mailpiece or guarantee that every package will appear.
- It does not provide a live map of the mail carrier.
- A preview is not proof of delivery and does not guarantee same-day arrival.
- It covers USPS information, not deliveries handled only by UPS, FedEx, DHL, or another carrier.
- Eligibility depends on the exact address and USPS account verification.
Informed Delivery vs. a Virtual Mailbox
The services solve different problems. Informed Delivery previews eligible USPS mail moving toward an existing address. A virtual mailbox manages items after they reach the selected mailbox location.
| Feature | USPS Informed Delivery | Virtual mailbox |
|---|---|---|
| When information appears | Before or near delivery, based on USPS processing and tracking. | After the item arrives at the selected mailbox location. |
| Letter view | Exterior address-side preview for eligible mail. | Exterior item image, plus content scanning when requested and available. |
| Mail actions | Limited package-management actions for eligible USPS items. | Forward, store, recycle, shred, or pick up where the plan and location allow. |
| Carriers | USPS mail and package information. | Carrier and package acceptance varies by the selected location. |
| Cost | Free. | Paid service with plan and location terms. |
How PostScan Mail Helps After Mail Arrives
PostScan Mail provides virtual mailbox and mail-management services. After an eligible item arrives at the selected location, the exterior is recorded in the online mailbox. Customers can request the actions supported by their plan and location.
- Open and scan eligible mail contents.
- Forward selected letters or packages.
- Store, recycle, or securely shred eligible items.
- Request local pickup where available.
PostScan Mail does not control USPS delivery timing or replace USPS tracking. Services, fees, package acceptance, and local pickup vary by plan and location.
The Bottom Line
USPS Informed Delivery is a useful free preview tool. It can show eligible incoming letter images and package tracking information, but it does not show mail contents or guarantee delivery timing.
Use it to plan for incoming mail. Use USPS Tracking for eligible packages and follow official USPS help steps when an expected item does not arrive.
| Need to manage physical mail after it arrives? Find a PostScan Mail Location |
