Informed Delivery is a free service from the United States Postal Service that helps residential customers preview their mail and packages digitally. This tool combines physical mail images with digital notifications so you can track what is arriving without checking your mailbox constantly.
By using scans of the exterior of your letters and flats, Informed Delivery gives you a glimpse of each piece of mail before it reaches you. The feature works alongside traditional delivery to increase awareness, security, and engagement with your household mail.
How Informed Delivery Works in Practice
Understanding the flow of mail from arrival to digital preview helps you use Informed Delivery more effectively.
| Step | What Happens at the USPS | What You See in Your Account | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mail Arrival | Mail is delivered to your street address or post office box | No activity yet on your account | Delivery day |
| Scanning | Each piece of flatware and letter is digitally photographed at the facility | Grayscale thumbnail images appear in your dashboard | Shortly after delivery scan |
| Digital Preview | You receive an email or app notification with links to the images | Click to view the front and read the delivery address | Day of or day after delivery |
| Physical Delivery | letter carrier finishes route photos are organized for quick viewing|||
| Recipient Action | You decide if you need to pick up the item from a local facility | You can track delivery status and confirm receipt | After reviewing the image |
Setting Up Your Informed Delivery Account
Creating a digital profile is straightforward and requires only basic information tied to your address.
You must verify your identity and link the correct location to avoid delays in seeing your mail images.
Account Requirements
To register, you need a valid email address, your ZIP code, and the street address associated with your delivery point. The system matches this information to USPS records before granting access to your dashboard.
Linking to Your Profile
Once verified, you can manage preferences, view historical scans, and enable notifications for future delivery. You also have the option to add family members who receive mail at the same address.
Privacy and Security Features
Informed Delivery handles sensitive mail images, so USPS follows strict rules about what you can view and how data is stored.
What You Can See
The images provided are focused on the exterior and the delivery address line. They do not include interior details unless you are authorized to receive mail for that specific unit. Each thumbnail is watermarked and available for a limited period.
Controls and Limits
You can turn off digital previews for certain items if you prefer full privacy on specific mail. You also have the ability to report issues or request support if an image appears unclear or missing from your dashboard.
Tracking and Managing Your Mail
Informed Delivery turns passive waiting into an interactive experience by showing you what is coming, when it arrived, and whether you acted on it.
This capability is especially helpful for people who travel often or manage multiple households and need to know which items require attention.
Getting the Most from Informed Delivery
Using this service effectively requires a few simple habits that align with modern mail management best practices.
- Check your Informed Delivery dashboard each morning to catch delivery updates before leaving home.
- Enable push notifications on the mobile app so you do not miss time-sensitive items like important notices or packages.
- Review historical scans to identify patterns, such as which senders consistently send flat mail versus packages.
- Use the report issue feature promptly if any image quality problems affect your ability to recognize the mailpiece.
- Coordinate access with household members so that sensitive documents are handled according to your household rules.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I see images of my credit card statement and other sensitive mail through Informed Delivery?
You may see a grayscale thumbnail of the exterior, but you cannot view interior details unless you are an authorized recipient at that address. USPS does not redact standard financial mail from scans available in the digital preview.
What should I do if my mail image is missing or unclear in my Informed Delivery account?
You can report a problem directly through your account dashboard, and USPS support typically reviews the case within a few business days. In many situations, a replacement scan becomes available after the issue is logged.
Does using Informed Delivery change the physical delivery time of my mail?
No, the service only adds a digital layer on top of the existing delivery process. Your carrier follows the same route and schedule regardless of whether you use the preview feature.
Can I add family members or renters to my Informed Delivery account so they can view their mail too?
Yes, you can invite residents at the same address to access scans under your main account, and they can manage their own notification preferences once they verify their role.