USPS Hold Mail® service will hold ALL mail (including letters and packages) for ALL individuals at the specified eligible* address. There is no charge to request USPS Hold Mail® service. An address can have only one USPS Hold Mail® service in effect at a time. A USPS Hold Mail request is not necessary for a PO Box™, as mail delivered to a PO Box will be allowed to accumulate for up to 30 days. Be sure to notate confirmation number for future reference in case changes are necessary.
Who can submit a USPS Hold Mail® request?
A USPS Hold Mail request may be submitted by anyone at an eligible* address or their authorized agent. The agent is someone authorized by the customer to act on their behalf. A third party may schedule a USPS Hold Mail request for a particular address as long as the customer can provide all information required to complete the request.
How can I submit a USPS Hold Mail request?
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Online
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In Person or In Writing
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Please visit USPS Hold Mail Service to submit a request online. You will need to sign in to or create a USPS.com® account to begin an online USPS Hold Mail request.
You can enter an online USPS Hold Mail request up to 30 days in advance of the start date or as early as the next scheduled delivery day.
Online USPS Hold Mail requests submitted before 2:00 A.M. Central Time can begin on the same Postal business day. Online USPS Hold Mail requests submitted after 2:00 A.M. Central Time can begin on the next Postal business day at the earliest.
Postal business days are Monday through Saturday, with the exception of Postal holidays.
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Please visit your local Post Office™ location and complete Form PS Form 8076, Authorization to USPS Hold Mail.
You may locate the phone number and address using Post Office Locator.
Requests made in person, in writing or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) must be accepted by the closing of your local Post Office location or the Customer Care Center for the request to be completed by the next delivery schedule.
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| *NOTE: Online submission of USPS Hold Mail service is not available at all addresses. If USPS Hold Mail service is unavailable for your address, you must submit your request in person. Please visit your local Post Office™ location and complete Form PS Form 8076, Authorization to USPS Hold Mail. The Customer Care Center is not able to submit requests for ineligible addresses. |
How do I edit, change or cancel a USPS Hold Mail request?
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Edit / change / cancel
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| Confirmation numbers for USPS Hold Mail requests are sent via email if submitted online or through the Customer Care Center, as long as you provide a valid email address. A direct link to the USPS Hold Mail application is provided in the email, allowing you to make changes to your request. If you submitted your Hold Mail at your local post office, you will not receive a confirmation number. |
| With a confirmation number, you can edit, change or cancel your hold mail request: |
- By following the link provided in your confirmation email
- By calling the Customer Care Center
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Without a confirmation number, you can't edit, change or cancel your hold mail request:
Note: Without a confirmation number, an agent can only extend the USPS Hold Mail® request.
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- Only by visiting your local Post Office™ location and presenting one of the Acceptable Forms of Identification.
- If you are unable to visit your local Post Office™ location (still out of town, on vacation, etc.), you will need to call your local Post Office. You may locate the phone number and address using Post Office Locator.
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How long can I place mail on hold?
USPS Hold Mail® requests must be for a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 30 days. If you need mail held longer than 30 days, please sign up for a USPS Forward Mail service. Also, at least 3 days must elapse between the end of one USPS Hold Mail period and the start of the next one. For example, if you’re at the end of a 30-day USPS Hold Mail period, you can ask for another one on the 31st day, but it won't go into effect until after 3 days.
USPS Hold Mail requests are not necessary for Post Office Box™ customers, as mail delivered to a PO Box™ is allowed to accumulate up to 30 days.
Can I authorize someone else to pick up my USPS Hold Mail?
You have the option to authorize a third party to pick up your held mail by providing written permission to the appropriate Post Office™ location. The third party that you authorize will need to present Acceptable Forms of Identification.
How do I get mail when my USPS Hold Mail request ends?
Review the directions provided when the USPS Hold Mail request was filed. You can pick up your mail at your local Post Office™ location or your letter-carrier can deliver your mail on the ending date you specify.
Please note the following:
- You must present one of the Acceptable Forms of Identification if you choose to pick up your mail.
- If you pick up your accumulated mail in person, regular mail delivery will resume the next Postal business day.
- If you choose to have your letter carrier deliver your accumulated mail, only the mail that will fit in your mail receptacle will be delivered if you are not home. If the accumulated mail exceeds your mailbox size, your letter carrier will leave a PS Form 3849 - We ReDeliver for You! and return the overflow mail to your local Post Office location for pickup.
Note: There is a 10 day period in which to pick up mail at the end of a USPS Hold Mail® service request. If not picked up by this deadline, it will be returned to sender. If your delivery does not resume as requested please Contact Us.
Can I pick up USPS Hold Mail earlier than originally requested?
If you pick up your mail earlier than the date supplied on the USPS Hold Mail request, the 'Hold' is automatically cancelled and regular mail delivery will resume on the next Postal business day.
My USPS Hold Mail did not start or stop as requested?
You may Contact Us and an agent will document your concern for the local Post Office™ personnel to address.
How will a Change of Address (COA) affect USPS Hold Mail?
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USPS Hold Mail with Active COA
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If the USPS Hold Mail request is for the new / current address:
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You may submit a normal USPS Hold Mail request.
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If the USPS Hold Mail request is for the old / previous address AND you are now residing at that address:
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The forwarding order must be canceled by the customer before you can submit a USPS Hold Mail request.
- Please go into your local Post Office™ facility to cancel the existing Change of Address (COA).
- After the COA has been canceled, you may submit your USPS Hold Mail request.
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If the USPS Hold Mail Request is for the old / previous address AND you do not reside at that address:
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- You may NOT submit a USPS Hold Mail request for an address where you do not live.
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USPS Hold Mail with COA Submitted Later
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If you submit a USPS Hold Mail request and later submit a COA, the COA overrides the USPS Hold Mail request (all held mail will be forwarded).
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Why can’t USPS® verify my identity online and how can I put my mail on hold?
Security and privacy are of high importance to USPS®. The current online USPS Hold Mail request process requires you to attempt identity verification. In some cases, individuals may be unable to complete online identity verification. If you are unable to verify your identity within the USPS Hold Mail application, you can request an identity verification code to be mailed to you. Follow the prompts in the USPS Hold Mail application to request the verification code. The letter will be sent via First-Class Mail® and will arrive within 3-5 business days.
You may also visit your local Post Office™ location and complete PS Form 8076, Authorization to Hold Mail.
Requests made in person, or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777), must be accepted by close of business of your local Post Office™ location or the Customer Care Center for the request to be completed by the next delivery day.
Technical Assistance for Online USPS Hold Mail Service
- If you are having technical difficulty submitting a USPS Hold Mail request online, please Contact Us.
