How to Return a Package to Sender: Etiquette and Legality (2024)

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Co-authored byMegaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: March 20, 2024Approved

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   Write “Not at this address” on the envelope or package. If you get mail sent to the correct address, but the recipient doesn’t live there, clearly print “Not at this address” somewhere on the item. Don’t write “Return to sender” or any other messages.^[1]

   • If you see a barcode on the item, cross it out. This will help ensure that the item doesn’t come back to your address.^[2]
   • Don’t erase or cross out the address.
   • If you keep getting mail addressed to someone who doesn’t live at your address, tell your mail carrier or contact your local post office. They can help ensure that you don’t keep getting misdelivered mail.^[3]
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   Give the mail piece back to your delivery person. If you’re around when your mail carrier makes their deliveries, return the mail piece to them and explain that the person it was addressed to doesn’t live there.^[4]

   • You can also put the item back in your mailbox and put the red flag up. Your mail carrier should pick it up next time they deliver the mail.

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   Put it a collection box if you can’t give it to your mail deliverer. As an alternative to giving the item back to your mail carrier, you can put it in a USPS mail collection box. The post office will collect it and return it to the sender or forward it to the correct address.^[5]

   • You can find the nearest collection box by using the USPS “Find Locations” page.^[6]

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   Put the item back in your mailbox. If you get a piece of mail delivered to the wrong address, that usually means that the mail delivery person put it in your mailbox by mistake. After picking up your mail, put the misdelivered item back in the box and put the red flag up.^[7]

   • The flag on your mailbox signals to your mail carrier that you have outgoing mail in the box.^[8]
   • If you get a Priority Mail Express item that’s been delivered to the wrong address, call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) and request the number for the Priority Mail Express Reporting Unit. Call the number for instructions on how to return the item.
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   See Also

   Customer Support Ruling | Postal ExplorerUSPS.com FAQs507 Mailer Services | Postal ExplorerWhat to Do with Mail That Is Not Yours

   Hand the item back to your delivery person if you prefer. If you happen to be around when your mail carrier is making their deliveries, you can give the misdelivered piece back to them directly. Explain that it was delivered to the wrong address.^[9]

   • You can also bring the item to your local post office.
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   Don’t mark or write anything on the item. When you return the item, don’t write “Return to sender” or any other messages on the package. Don’t erase or cover the address or any of the other information on the item, either.^[10]

   • Marking or erasing anything on the item could interfere with it going to the correct address.
   • If the item does need to be returned to the sender rather than sent on to the intended recipient, the post office has its own authorized “Return to Sender” mark for this purpose.^[11]
   • You can post an adhesive-note outside of the residential mailbox that conveys, the former mail recipient is no longer living at this current address. Do include the individuals name as seen on the mail.

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   Write “Refused” on the item and return it to your mail carrier. You can refuse most types of mail and have them returned to the sender even if they’re addressed to you. If you get an item you don’t want, simply write “Refused” on the package and return it to your mail carrier as soon as possible.^[12]

   • You won’t be able to do this if you’ve opened the item, even if it’s resealed.
   • You can refuse most mail items at the time of delivery or after they’ve been delivered.
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   Check “Refused” on the delivery notice if it’s accountable mail. Accountable mail is mail that you have to sign for.^[13] You can refuse some types of accountable mail before it is delivered to you by checking the box labeled “Refused” on the delivery notice that your mail carrier gives you.^[14]

   • If your mail carrier left you a delivery notice to sign in your mailbox, check “Refused,” sign the notice, and put it back in your mailbox.
   • Some common types of accountable mail include Priority Mail Express, Registered Mail, Certified Mail, Collect on Delivery, and items insured for more than $200.^[15]
   • Most types of accountable mail can’t be refused after they’ve been delivered. If you want to return one of these items after you’ve received it and signed for it, you’ll need to repackage it and send it back with new postage.
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   Repackage the item with new postage if you’ve opened it. If you’ve already opened an item and want to return it to the sender, you can’t simply write “Refused” and send it on its way. Instead, place the item inside a new box, envelope, or wrapper, and address it to the sender. You’ll also need to put new postage on the item.^[16]

   • Once the item is repackaged, mail it as you normally would.
   • If you’re returning damaged or unwanted merchandise, the seller may be able to provide you with a prepaid shipping label or compensate you for the postage.

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• You cannot return presorted standard mail. Only first class, periodicals, endorsem*nts and political mail can be returned to sender.

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