How Long Will USPS Hold a Package?

USPS holds packages at the local post office when they cannot complete delivery. This happens in several situations:

• Missed delivery: You weren't home and the item requires a signature or doesn't fit in your mailbox
• Address issue: The address is incomplete or unclear — something we cover in detail in our guide on why tracking says address issue
• Refused delivery: The recipient refused the package
• PO Box overflow: Your PO Box is full
• Hold  Mail request: You requested USPS to hold all  mail

Hold periods by scenario:

| Scenario | Hold Period | |---|---| | Missed delivery (regular parcel) | 15 days | | Missed delivery (Priority Mail Express) | 5 days | | Undeliverable / address issue | 15 days | | PO Box overflow | 10 days | | Hold Mail request | Up to 30 days | | Accountable mail (certified, registered) | 15 days |

After the hold period expires, the package is returned to sender. Once returned, you'll need to contact the retailer for a reship.

Why USPS can't always complete first delivery:

1. Signature required High-value items, medications, and some  shipping classes require a signature. If you're not home, USPS leaves a notice and holds the item.

2. Package doesn't fit in mailbox Larger parcels won't fit. Rather than leave them outside (especially for apartments), USPS holds them.

3. Address issues If your address has a problem — for example a missing apartment number or an incorrect ZIP code — USPS may not attempt delivery and holds the package instead.

4. No safe drop location For high-crime areas or locations without a secure drop point, USPS holds rather than risk theft.

5. Restricted delivery Some items can only be handed to the named recipient. The package is held until the specific person collects.

Standard hold period: 15 days for most packages.

This is your primary window. If you don't collect within 15 days of the first notice, USPS sends the package back.

Day-by-day breakdown:

• Day 1: Package arrives at post office; first notice left at your door
• Day 5–7: Second notice may be left
• Day 10: Final notice left
• Day 15: Package returned to sender

Can you extend the hold? Yes — call your local post office and ask for an extension. They may grant an additional 5–10 days if you explain the situation. This isn't guaranteed but is often accommodated for reasonable requests.

Priority Mail Express: Shorter hold — only 5 days. If you're expecting an Express shipment, act immediately.

Not necessarily — 15 days is a reasonable window. But don't procrastinate.

You're fine if:

• You received the notice within the last week
• Your local post office hours work with your schedule
• The item isn't time-sensitive

Be concerned if:

• You didn't get a notice (check your tracking number)
• More than 10 days have passed since the first hold attempt
• The hold is due to an address issue (these sometimes have shorter resolution windows)
• You've been traveling

Key fact: If you're unsure when the hold started, check USPS tracking online. The date the carrier attempted delivery is the start of your 15-day window.

Option 1: Pick up at the post office

This is the fastest and most reliable option. Bring:

• Your USPS notice (the paper slip left at your door), OR your tracking number
• A valid government-issued photo ID
• If someone else is picking up for you, see our guide on whether someone else can pick up your package

Post office hours are typically Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–1pm. Call ahead to confirm.

Option 2: Request redelivery

Use USPS.com or the Informed Delivery app to schedule redelivery for a specific date. You can schedule this up to 3 months in advance. Choose a date you'll be home.

Option 3: Authorize release without signature

For signature-required packages, you can sign the back of the USPS notice and leave it for the carrier. This authorizes release without signature on the next delivery attempt. Note: you accept liability for the package.

Option 4: Request extended hold

Call your local post office and ask them to hold the package longer — up to 30 days in some cases. Useful if you're traveling or have scheduling conflicts.

Tip: If the package is being held due to an address issue, it's worth reading our guide on what to do when tracking says address issue before heading to the post office — you may need to provide documentation.

Contact USPS if:

• You lost your delivery notice
• More than 15 days have passed and the package hasn't returned to sender yet
• Tracking shows the package is held but you're unsure at which facility
• You want to request an extended hold
• You want to schedule redelivery

USPS contact: 1-800-275-8777

Local post office: Look up your specific branch at USPS.com — they can answer hold-specific questions better than the national line.

Related guides:

• How long will UPS hold a package?
• How long will FedEx hold a package?
• Can I pick up a package before delivery?
• What ID is required to pick up a package?