How long does royal mail keep signed.for post

Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, typically retains signed-for post for a certain period of time before it is destroyed or disposed of. The exact retention period may vary depending on the type of signed-for post and the specific circumstances. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Standard Signed For (SOF): For standard SOF items, Royal Mail typically retains the item for 12 months from the date of delivery. After this period, the item is destroyed or disposed of.
  2. Recorded Signed For (RSF): For RSF items, Royal Mail retains the item for 18 months from the date of delivery. This is because RSF items are considered more valuable and require a higher level of security.
  3. Special Delivery Guaranteed (SDG): For SDG items, Royal Mail retains the item for 12 months from the date of delivery. SDG items are considered high-value and require a higher level of security.
  4. International Signed For (ISF): For ISF items, Royal Mail retains the item for 12 months from the date of delivery. However, the retention period may be longer if the item is being held in customs or is subject to a dispute.

It's worth noting that Royal Mail may retain signed-for post for longer periods in certain circumstances, such as:

If you need to retrieve a signed-for post item that has been retained by Royal Mail, you should contact their customer service department and provide your tracking number and a brief description of the item. They will be able to advise you on the retention period and any steps you need to take to retrieve the item.