USPS "Delivered" But No Package: What to Do (2025 Guide)
If USPS tracking says your package was delivered but there's no package at your door, you're not alone—this is a common frustration. This guide walks you through exactly what to do when your package says delivered but isn't here, from checking common hiding spots to filing an official missing mail search.
Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)
- Wait 24 hours — scans are sometimes premature, and package may still arrive
- Check ALL delivery spots — porch, back door, garage, mailbox, bushes, under mats
- Ask household members — someone may have brought it inside
- Check with neighbors — misdelivery is common
- Review security cameras — if available
Why USPS Says Delivered When You Have No Package
1. Premature Scan
Carriers sometimes scan packages as "Delivered" before actual delivery. This could mean the package arrives later that same day. Wait 24 hours before escalating.
2. Misdelivery to Wrong Address
The carrier may have delivered to a neighbor's address, wrong apartment unit, or similar street address in another neighborhood. Check with immediate neighbors first. If tracking isn't updating with more details, contact your local post office.
3. Package Left in Unusual Location
To prevent theft, carriers often hide packages in unexpected spots:
- • Behind pillars or posts
- • Under doormats or furniture
- • In bushes or behind plants
- • Side doors or back entrance
- • Garage (if accessible)
- • Parcel lockers or community mailroom
4. Package Theft (Porch Piracy)
Unfortunately, package theft is increasingly common. If you've checked everywhere and confirmed with neighbors, theft may be the cause. Security camera footage can help identify what happened.
5. Delivered to Alternate Location
If you have delivery instructions, a parcel locker, or live in an apartment building, the package may be at the leasing office, mailroom, or community locker.
6. Wrong Package Scanned
In rare cases, a carrier may accidentally scan the wrong barcode. Your package may be on the truck while someone else's was marked as delivered to your address.
Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Day 1: Immediate Steps
Check tracking details
Look for delivery location notes. Tracking may say "Left in mailbox" or "Delivered to individual."
Search all possible locations
Front door, back door, side doors, garage, mailbox, behind bushes, under mats, parcel lockers.
Ask household members
Another person may have brought the package inside without telling you.
Check with neighbors
Knock on doors of immediate neighbors. Misdelivery to nearby addresses is common.
Review security footage
If you have cameras, check footage around the delivery timestamp shown in tracking.
Day 2: Escalate to USPS
Contact your local post office
Call or visit in person. Ask to speak with the delivery supervisor. They can contact the carrier directly.
File a missing mail search
Go to USPS.com/help/missing-mail.htm and submit a search request with your tracking number.
Contact the sender
For online purchases, contact the seller. Many will replace items or file claims on their end.
If You Suspect Theft
File a police report
Package theft is a crime. A police report may be needed for insurance claims.
Report to USPS Postal Inspection Service
File a report at uspis.gov if you believe mail theft occurred.
Check credit card protection
Some credit cards offer purchase protection for stolen items. Contact your card issuer.
Who to Contact When USPS Says Delivered But No Package
If your package is marked delivered but not received, here's who to contact and when:
| Contact | When to Contact | How |
|---|---|---|
| Local Post Office | After 24 hours | Call or visit in person |
| USPS Customer Service | If local office doesn't help | 1-800-ASK-USPS |
| Sender/Merchant | For replacements or claims | Their customer service |
| Postal Inspection Service | If theft suspected | uspis.gov |
| Local Police | For valuable stolen items | Non-emergency line |
Getting Reimbursed for Missing Packages
Important: Many USPS services do not include insurance by default
First-Class Mail and standard packages are NOT insured. USPS is not liable for lost or stolen items unless the service includes insurance or you purchased additional coverage.
USPS Insurance Coverage
- • Priority Mail Express: Up to $100 included
- • Priority Mail: Includes limited insurance (amount depends on how it's purchased)
- • First-Class: No insurance
- • Registered Mail: Up to $50,000
- • Purchased insurance: Up to $5,000
Other Reimbursement Options
- • Seller/merchant: Many replace lost items
- • Credit card protection: Some cards cover purchases
- • PayPal protection: Buyer protection for PayPal purchases
- • Homeowner's/renter's insurance: May cover theft
How to Prevent Future Issues
Delivery Options
- • Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery
- • Add delivery instructions via USPS.com
- • Request signature confirmation for valuable items
- • Have packages held at the post office
- • Use a PO Box for secure delivery
Home Security
- • Install a doorbell camera or security camera
- • Use a locking package box
- • Deliver to workplace if allowed
- • Coordinate with neighbors to watch for deliveries
- • Ship to Amazon Locker or similar services
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does USPS say delivered but I have no package?
Common reasons include: premature scan (package arriving later that day), delivery to wrong address, package left in unexpected location, package stolen after delivery, or carrier scanned incorrectly. Wait 24 hours before filing a claim as packages sometimes appear after the scan.
What should I do if USPS says delivered but I didn't receive it?
First, wait 24 hours as scans can be premature. Check all possible delivery locations, ask household members and neighbors, review security camera footage if available. If still missing, file a missing mail search at USPS.com and contact the sender.
Can USPS be wrong about delivery?
Yes, USPS delivery scans can be incorrect. Carriers sometimes scan packages as delivered before actual delivery (premature scan) or accidentally scan the wrong package. Misdelivery to a neighbor or wrong address also occurs. Contact your local post office to investigate.
Will USPS refund for a package marked delivered but not received?
USPS only refunds for insured packages (Priority Mail Express, packages with purchased insurance). First-Class Mail and standard packages have no insurance. For online purchases, contact the seller—many will replace items or file claims on your behalf.
Need Proof of Delivery for Important Mail?
Certified Mail provides documented proof of mailing and delivery, with options for recipient signature. Make it easier to confirm your important documents arrived.