The Proper Way to Return Unwanted and Wrongly Delivered Mail

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With all the mail the USPS has to deliver on a daily basis, it’s no wonder that mistakes happen from time to time! If the mail has come to the right address, but it’s addressed to someone who doesn’t live there, write “Not at this address” on the envelope or package before returning it. If you get mail that’s been delivered to the wrong address, all you have to do is give it back to your delivery person or drop it in a mailbox. You can also refuse and return mail you don’t want, as long as it’s unopened.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Mail Sent to Someone Who Doesn’t Live at Your Address

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1
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]XResearch source}
- 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]XResearch source}
- 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]XResearch source}
2
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]XResearch source}
- 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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3
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]XResearch source}
- You can find the nearest collection box by using the USPS “Find Locations” page.^{[6]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Mail Delivered to the Wrong Address

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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]XResearch source}
- The flag on your mailbox signals to your mail carrier that you have outgoing mail in the box.^{[8]XResearch source}
- 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.
2
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]XResearch source}
- You can also bring the item to your local post office.
3
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]XResearch source}
- 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]XResearch source}
- 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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Unwanted Mail That’s Addressed to You

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1
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]XResearch source}
- 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.
2
Check “Refused” on the delivery notice if it’s accountable mail. Accountable mail is mail that you have to sign for.^{[13]XResearch source} 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]XResearch source}
- 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]XResearch source}
- 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.
3
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]XResearch source}
- 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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Can I send someone's mail to Russia that no longer lives at my residence without getting in trouble?
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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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It's okay to forward someone else's mail to them as long as you send it to the correct address. Make sure you know where the person lives now so their mail can get to them safely!
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How do I block mail from a specific address or have it automatically returned?
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Under specific circumstances--i.e., if you are receiving obscene mail--you can file a PS Form 1500 at your local post office to get a Prohibitory Order against mail from that sender. If the mail you're getting doesn't meet that definition, you may simply have to send it back marked "Refused".
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Can I return package to sender that showed up damaged and missing items? I just received a package that had a hole in it. I videoed opening it, and how the contents were missing.
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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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If you've already opened the package, you will need to repackage it and put new postage on it. The sender may be willing to compensate you for the postage.
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