How long does post office keep mail
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a standard retention period for mail, which varies depending on the type of mail and the circumstances. Here are some general guidelines:
- First-Class Mail: The USPS typically retains First-Class Mail for 1-3 months before destroying it. This includes letters, postcards, and other types of mail that are sent to individuals.
- Priority Mail: Priority Mail items are typically retained for 6-12 months before destruction.
- Package Delivery: The USPS retains packages for 1-2 years before destruction, unless the package is undeliverable or the recipient requests its return.
- Undeliverable Mail: Mail that is undeliverable due to an incorrect address or other reasons is typically retained for 1-3 months before destruction.
- Special Handling: Mail that requires special handling, such as certified mail or registered mail, may be retained for a longer period, typically up to 5 years.
- Abandoned Mail: Mail that is left at a post office or other USPS facility for an extended period (usually 30 days) is considered abandoned and may be destroyed or sold at auction.
It's worth noting that the USPS may retain mail for longer periods in certain circumstances, such as:
- Investigations: The USPS may retain mail for an extended period if it is related to an investigation or legal proceeding.
- Historical preservation: The USPS may retain certain types of mail, such as historic or commemorative items, for preservation and display.
- Research purposes: The USPS may retain mail for research purposes, such as studying mail patterns or tracking changes in mail volume.
If you're concerned about the retention period for a specific piece of mail, you can contact your local post office or the USPS customer service department for more information.