To activate USPS Informed Delivery, opt in through your USPS.com account or start from the official sign-up page, then complete address and identity verification. The service is free and provides mail previews and package-status updates by email, online dashboard or mobile app.

Check your address and enroll

Your address must be eligible, and your mailbox must be uniquely coded. Some apartment and condominium addresses do not qualify. A business street or business PO Box address requires a USPS.com business account.

If you already have an account, open account preferences, find the Informed Delivery section and opt in. For a new account, start at the USPS Informed Delivery page[1]:

  • Follow the sign-up link.
  • Enter your address to check eligibility.
  • Provide your account information and verify your identity.

If online identity verification does not work, USPS says you can visit a location that offers Identity Verification Services. Its Informed Delivery FAQ provides further details.

Allow time for activation

USPS says notifications typically begin within three business days after registration, although activation time varies. If expected emails are missing, check your email opt-in settings, the email address on the account and your spam filter. USPS does not send mail-preview notifications on Sundays or federal holidays.

A preview is not a delivery confirmation

Letter previews show the address side in grayscale. Images are limited to qualifying letter-sized pieces processed through USPS automated equipment, so the service does not show every item or the contents of a letter.

Mail and packages may arrive after the day you receive a notification. USPS advises allowing several days for delivery.