USPS Says “Undeliverable as Addressed”? Your Next Steps

Last updated 3 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

What “Undeliverable as Addressed” Means

When a mailpiece is marked as “Undeliverable as Addressed,” it means USPS cannot deliver it to the name and address specified on the item. This designation requires further handling, which might include:

• Forwarding it to a new address
• Returning it to the sender
• Treating it as undeliverable mail to be disposed of appropriately

The implications are significant for both recipients and senders:

• For recipients: Delays in receiving expected mail, potentially causing inconvenience or financial issues if the item is time-sensitive
• For senders: Additional costs, wasted resources, and breakdown in communication with the intended recipient

Common Reasons for UAA Mail

Several factors can lead to a mailpiece being flagged as “Undeliverable as Addressed”:

Address Problems

• Incorrect or incomplete address format
• Missing street number or name
• Missing apartment or suite number
• Misspelled street or city names
• Non-existent address
• Illegible handwriting
• Smudged or torn label

Recipient Issues

• Addressee unknown at that location
• Name doesn’t match current residents
• Addressee has died with no forwarding instructions
• Addressee moved without leaving a forwarding address

Other Common Reasons

• Insufficient or no postage
• Mail refused by recipient
• Unclaimed mail that required recipient action
• No mail receptacle
• Closed PO box due to non-payment
• Mail exceeding size or weight limits
• Mail containing non-mailable items
• USPS address changes (renumbered houses or renamed streets)

Steps for Recipients When Your Mail Is Marked UAA

Step 1: Track Your Package

Visit the USPS Tracking page and enter your tracking number. This can provide:

• Specific reasons for non-delivery (e.g., “Insufficient Address”)
• Current location of your package
• Whether it’s being held or returned to sender

Step 2: Contact Your Local Post Office

For more detailed information:

1. Find your local post office using USPS Locator
2. Call them directly with your tracking number
3. Ask specific questions:
   • Why was your mail marked undeliverable?
   • Is the package being held at their facility?
   • How long will they keep it?
   • What’s the procedure for retrieving it?

Step 3: Verify Your Address With the Sender

Contact the person or company that sent the mailpiece to:

• Confirm the exact address they used
• Check for errors in apartment numbers, street spellings, or ZIP codes
• Identify any discrepancies that might have caused the UAA status

What Happens to UAA Mail?

When mail is marked as undeliverable, USPS takes the following actions:

Forwarding

If you have a change-of-address order on file, mail might be forwarded to your new address for a limited time.

Return to Sender

If forwarding isn’t possible or the forwarding period has expired, mail with a valid return address is sent back to the sender.

Mail Recovery Center (MRC)

Mail without a return address that contains valuable contents (generally items worth more than $25, or $20 for cash) may be sent to the Mail Recovery Center. The MRC:

• Acts as USPS’s official “lost and found” department
• May open packages to look for identifying information
• Attempts to reunite undeliverable mail with its rightful owner

Holding Periods

The time USPS holds undeliverable items varies:

For Senders: Handling Returned UAA Mail

If mail you sent is returned as undeliverable:

Check the Endorsement

Examine the stamp applied by USPS indicating the specific reason for non-delivery, such as:

• “Insufficient Address”
• “Moved, Left No Address”
• “No Such Number”

Verify the Recipient’s Address

1. Check the USPS Addressing Standards
2. Ensure all components are accurate:
   • Recipient’s full name
   • Street number and name
   • Apartment or suite number
   • City and state (using the two-letter abbreviation)
   • Complete ZIP+4 code
3. Consider using USPS CASS Certified address validation services

Reshipment Options

If the UAA status was due to an incorrect address:

1. Contact the recipient for the correct address
2. Pay for reshipping with new postage (USPS treats this as a new mailpiece)
3. For online selling platforms, follow their specific procedures for returned packages

Preventing UAA Mail

Address Formatting Best Practices

Follow the USPS Addressing Guidelines:

• Include recipient’s full name
• Use correct street number and name with any directionals (North, South, East, West)
• Always include apartment/suite/unit numbers for multi-unit buildings
• Use proper city name
• Use official two-letter state abbreviation
• Include the complete ZIP+4 code

Address Clarity

• Print addresses using a laser printer when possible
• If handwriting, use clear capital letters
• Consider placing clear tape over the address to prevent smudging
• Ensure recipients’ names are clearly visible on mailboxes in multi-unit buildings

Keep Address Information Updated

• File an official change-of-address request with USPS when moving
• Inform regular senders of your new address
• Update your address with businesses, subscriptions, and services

Fees and Additional Help

Potential Costs for UAA Mail

• First-Class Mail is forwarded free of charge for a limited time with a change-of-address order
• Senders may incur address correction fees depending on mail class and service endorsements
• Return postage might be required for certain classes of returned mail

USPS Customer Service

If tracking and contacting your local post office doesn’t resolve your issue:

• Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
• Have your tracking number, original mailing date, and addresses ready

Filing Claims

If significant time has passed without recovering your UAA mail:

• File a claim for lost mail at USPS Claims
• Submit a Missing Mail Search request
• Wait at least seven days from the expected delivery date before submitting a search request

USPS UAA Endorsements

When mail is returned, USPS applies one of these specific endorsements to indicate why:

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.