USPS Informed Delivery is a free service that provides digital previews of incoming mail and updates on package deliveries. Signing up for an Informed Delivery account makes it possible to see images of letter-sized mailpieces before they arrive and get notifications for packages on their way. This guide breaks down the process so that anyone can complete an Informed Delivery sign up with clear, easy steps.
This article outlines the requirements, steps, and key details for new users looking to create a USPS Informed Delivery account for the first time. It also covers important details about eligibility, personal information verification, and the types of notifications available.
Informed Delivery is USPS's digital mail preview service that sends you grayscale images of your incoming letter-sized mail before it arrives at your mailbox. The service also tracks packages and provides delivery updates, all at no cost to you.
When you sign up for Informed Delivery, you receive daily email notifications showing scanned images of the exterior of letter-sized mailpieces that will be delivered to your address. You can also view these images through your USPS account dashboard online or through the USPS mobile app.
Key features include:
The service covers standard letter-sized mail but doesn't include images of magazines, catalogs, or packages. USPS mail notifications arrive in your email inbox each morning by 9 AM for mail scheduled for delivery that day.
Informed Delivery is available to residential customers and eligible PO Box holders across the United States. However, not all addresses qualify for the service immediately.
To be eligible for an Informed Delivery sign up, you need:
Address eligibility varies by location:
USPS continues expanding Informed Delivery coverage to new areas. If your address isn't eligible today, you can still create a USPS account and check back periodically as the service expands.
Getting started with your USPS Informed Delivery account takes about 10–15 minutes. The process involves creating a USPS account, verifying your address, and completing identity verification.
Go to informeddelivery.usps.com to begin your Informed Delivery sign up. This is the official USPS portal for the service. You'll see a blue "Sign Up For Free" button on the homepage.
Click the sign-up button to start the registration process. The site will first check if your address is eligible for Informed Delivery before proceeding with account creation.
Enter your ZIP code and address information to verify eligibility. USPS will immediately tell you if Informed Delivery is available at your location.
If your address qualifies, you'll proceed to the next step. If not, USPS will show you a message explaining that the service isn't yet available in your area, but you can sign up to be notified when it becomes available.
You'll create your USPS.com account during this step. This account gives you access to Informed Delivery and other USPS services like package tracking and shipping tools.
Account creation requires:
If you already have a USPS.com account, you can log in with your existing credentials and add Informed Delivery to your account.
USPS requires identity verification to protect your personal mail information. This step confirms that you actually live at the address where you want to receive Informed Delivery.
Verification methods include:
Most users can complete verification online within a few minutes. If online verification doesn't work, USPS will offer alternative methods.
Once verified, you can customize how and when you receive your USPS mail notifications. The default setting sends daily email previews, but you can adjust these preferences.
Notification options include:
You can change these preferences anytime through your USPS account dashboard.
After completing your Informed Delivery sign up, you can access and manage your account through the USPS website or mobile app. Your account dashboard shows recent mail images, package tracking information, and account settings.
Dashboard features include:
The USPS mobile app provides the same functionality as the website, letting you check your mail previews and package status from your phone.
Managing multiple addresses:
If you have multiple eligible addresses, you can create separate USPS accounts for each location. Each address requires its own Informed Delivery enrollment and identity verification process.
Some users encounter issues during the sign up for Informed Delivery process or while using the service. Here are solutions to the most common problems.
Address not eligible: If your address doesn't qualify for Informed Delivery, you can sign up for notifications when the service becomes available in your area. USPS continues expanding coverage regularly.
Identity verification problems: If online verification fails, try the phone or mail verification options. These alternative methods often work when online verification encounters issues with your credit or personal information records.
Missing mail images: Not all mail appears in Informed Delivery previews. The service only shows letter-sized mail pieces, not magazines, catalogs, or packages. Additionally, some mail processing facilities may not yet have the scanning equipment for Informed Delivery.
Email delivery issues: If you're not receiving your daily email notifications, check your spam folder and add noreply@usps.gov to your email contacts. You can also log into your USPS account directly to view mail images.
For businesses sending direct mail campaigns, understanding how customers interact with services like Informed Delivery can improve campaign effectiveness. When your customers use Informed Delivery, they see preview images of your mail before it arrives, creating an additional touchpoint in your marketing funnel.
Lob's direct mail platform integrates with digital marketing tools to create seamless omnichannel campaigns. While customers preview your mail through Informed Delivery, you can coordinate follow-up emails, retargeting ads, or SMS messages to reinforce your message across multiple channels.
Integration opportunities include:
This multi-channel approach maximizes the impact of your direct mail investments while providing customers with consistent messaging across all touchpoints. Book a demo to see how Lob can streamline your direct mail campaigns.
Does USPS send email notifications for Informed Delivery?
Yes. After you sign up for Informed Delivery, USPS sends daily email notifications containing grayscale images of your incoming letter-sized mail. You can also enable package tracking alerts for delivery updates.
How does USPS verify your identity for Informed Delivery sign up?
USPS uses several verification methods including online identity questions, phone verification with codes sent to your number, mail verification with codes sent to your address, or in-person verification at a Post Office with photo ID.
Can I sign up for Informed Delivery at multiple addresses?
Yes. You can manage Informed Delivery for multiple addresses by creating separate USPS accounts for each location. Each address requires its own enrollment and identity verification process.
What types of mail appear in USPS Informed Delivery previews?
Informed Delivery shows grayscale images of letter-sized mail pieces processed through participating USPS facilities. The service doesn't include magazines, catalogs, packages, or mail from facilities without scanning equipment.
How long does the Informed Delivery sign up process take?
Most users complete the sign up for Informed Delivery process in 10–15 minutes. However, if you choose mail verification for identity confirmation, the process can take 3–7 business days to receive and enter your verification code.
What happens if my address isn't eligible for Informed Delivery?
If your address doesn't qualify, you can sign up to receive notifications when Informed Delivery becomes available in your area. USPS continues expanding the service to new locations regularly.
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