How long does post office keep undelivered mail

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a process for handling undeliverable mail, and the length of time they keep it varies depending on the type of mail and the circumstances. Here are some general guidelines:

1. First-Class Mail: The USPS typically holds undeliverable First-Class Mail for 1-3 months before returning it to the sender or disposing of it. If the mail is not claimed or returned to sender, it may be destroyed or recycled.
2. Priority Mail: Undeliverable Priority Mail is typically held for 1-2 months before being returned to the sender or disposed of.
3. Package Services: For Package Services like Parcel Post, Parcel Select, and Media Mail, the USPS typically holds undeliverable mail for 3-6 months before returning it to the sender or disposing of it.
4. International Mail: Undeliverable international mail is typically held for 6-12 months before being returned to the sender or disposed of.
5. Dead Letters: Mail that is undeliverable due to incorrect or incomplete addresses is considered "dead letter" mail. The USPS holds dead letter mail for 1-3 months before returning it to the sender or disposing of it.

It's worth noting that the USPS may also use various methods to try to deliver undeliverable mail, such as:

• Forwarding mail to a new address if the recipient has moved
• Returning mail to the sender if the recipient is no longer at the address
• Leaving a notice at the recipient's address if the mail cannot be delivered
• Using alternative delivery methods, such as leaving mail at a neighbor's house or a local post office

If you're concerned about undeliverable mail, you can contact the USPS or check with your local post office to see if they have any information about your specific mail.