PS Form 3849 (USPS Redelivery Notice & Pickup Slip) - Complete Guide

Got a peach USPS notice on your door and not sure what to do? This guide explains PS Form 3849, how to get your package, and how long USPS will hold it.

PS Form 3849 is the USPS redelivery notice that mail carriers leave when they cannot complete delivery. This commonly happens with certified mail, registered mail, packages requiring signature confirmation, items too large for the mailbox, or mail with postage due. This guide explains what the USPS delivery notice form means, your options for getting your mail, and how to avoid missing deliveries.

What is PS Form 3849?

PS Form 3849, officially called "We ReDeliver for You," is the peach-colored USPS delivery notice form carriers leave when they cannot complete delivery — often because a signature is required, the item is too large for the mailbox, there is postage due, or delivery was not possible for another reason. The form includes the tracking number, item description, delivery attempt date, and instructions for redelivery or pickup. It serves as proof that USPS attempted delivery and tells you where your mail is being held.

Why Was PS Form 3849 Left?

Common reasons carriers leave this notice:

• Signature required: Certified mail, registered mail, or signature confirmation packages require someone to sign
• No one home: Carrier attempted delivery but no one answered
• Package too large: Item does not fit in mailbox and requires hand-off
• Postage due: Insufficient postage requires payment before delivery
• Restricted delivery: Only the named addressee can sign and they were not available
• Insufficient access: Locked gate, barking dog, or unsafe delivery conditions
• ID required: Adult signature or age verification needed

How to Get Your Mail: Three Options

Option 1: Schedule Redelivery Online

• Go to usps.com/redelivery
• Enter the tracking number from your PS Form 3849
• Select a redelivery date (usually next business day or later)
• Confirm your address and delivery instructions
• USPS will attempt redelivery on the date you choose

Option 2: Pick Up at Post Office

• Bring your PS Form 3849 notice and valid photo ID to the post office listed on the form
• Go to the counter during business hours
• The clerk will retrieve your mail and have you sign for it
• Items are typically available for pickup the next business day after the delivery attempt

Option 3: Use the Form Itself

• Check the "Deliver" box on the notice
• Sign the form
• Leave it in your mailbox for the carrier
• Carrier will attempt redelivery on their next route (usually next business day)

Scheduling Redelivery in Detail

When scheduling redelivery online or by phone:

• Redelivery is free
• You can usually request at least one redelivery before the item is returned to sender, and if that fails, you will need to pick it up at the post office
• Choose a date when someone will be home to sign
• Provide specific instructions if needed (e.g., "Ring doorbell twice")
• USPS will send email or text confirmation if you provide contact info

Picking Up at the Post Office

What to bring:

• PS Form 3849 notice slip
• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)
• If picking up for someone else, bring the notice, their ID, and a signed authorization letter

When to go:

• Wait until the day after the delivery attempt (item may still be on the truck)
• Check post office hours before going
• Weekday mornings or early afternoons are typically less busy

How Long Does USPS Hold Your Mail?

Most USPS services hold mail about 15 days from the first delivery attempt, though some services (like Priority Mail Express or certain international items) may have shorter or different hold times based on USPS rules. After the hold period, the item is returned to the sender. The PS Form 3849 notice will show the last day for pickup. If you cannot pick up or schedule redelivery before the deadline, contact your local post office to request an extension.

What If You Lost the Notice?

If you lost your PS Form 3849:

• Check tracking online: If you know the tracking number, use USPS tracking to see delivery status and find your local post office location
• Call your post office: Provide your name, address, and approximate delivery attempt date
• Visit in person: Bring valid ID and explain the situation; clerks can often locate your mail by address
• Check email or text: If you signed up for USPS Informed Delivery, you may have received a notification with tracking info

FAQs

Related Guides

• What is Certified Mail?
• How to Track Certified Mail
• What is Registered Mail?
• USPS Signature Required Services
• Return to Sender Guide