How long do post office keep mail
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a general policy of holding mail for a certain period of time before returning it to the sender or disposing of it. Here are some guidelines:
- First-Class Mail: The USPS typically holds First-Class Mail for 15 days before returning it to the sender as "undeliverable as addressed." If the mail is not claimed within 15 days, it may be returned to the sender or disposed of.
- Priority Mail: Priority Mail is typically held for 30 days before being returned to the sender as "undeliverable as addressed."
- Package Services: Package Services, such as Parcel Post and Media Mail, are typically held for 30 days before being returned to the sender as "undeliverable as addressed."
- International Mail: International mail is typically held for 30 days before being returned to the sender as "undeliverable as addressed."
- Dead Mail: If mail is undeliverable and cannot be returned to the sender, it is considered "dead mail." The USPS may hold dead mail for up to 6 months before disposing of it.
It's worth noting that these timeframes may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the mail and the local post office's policies. If you're concerned about a piece of mail that has been lost or undeliverable, you can contact the USPS customer service department or visit your local post office to inquire about the status of your mail.