If you are like me and chronically lose receipts, chances are you’ve lost your USPS tracking number on more than one occasion. While USPS putting your tracking number directly on your receipt is incredibly useful, it can also be unbearably frustrating when that pesky receipt is nowhere to be found. However, if you lose your receipt, all hope is not lost! In this article, we will cover where you can find your tracking number, how to use it, and what to do when you lose it.
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Where to Find my USPS Tracking Number
Your USPS tracking number may be found in several different locations depending on how you created your shipping label:
- If you shipped your package from a USPS location, your tracking number can be found on your Post Office shipping receipt, on your sales receipt, or on the peel-off portion of your USPS tracking label. You can also have your shipping label emailed to you.
- If you printed your label on USPS.com, your tracking number will be on your confirmation page and in the confirmation email sent to you.
- If your package is coming from an online retailer, your tracking number will likely be located on the email confirmation you received from your purchase.
If possible, it is always best to locate your tracking number when you ship your package so that you know where to find it if you need it.
What Does the Tracking Number Look Like?
The tracking number for your package will look slightly different depending on the type of shipping method used.
| Shipping Service | Sample Tracking Number |
|---|---|
| USPS Tracking | 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Priority Mail | 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Certified Mail | 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Collect on Delivery, Hold for Pickup | 9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Global Express Guaranteed | 82 000 000 00 |
| Priority Mail Express International | EC 000 000 000 US |
| Priority Mail Express | 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00EA 000 000 000 US |
| Priority Mail International | CP 000 000 000 US |
| Registered Mail | 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Signature Confirmation | 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
What if I lose my USPS Tracking Number
Unfortunately, there are few options if you lose your USPS tracking number. When USPS logs your package, they do not log the name or address associated with the package; all information is located within the tracker. As such, it is nearly impossible for them to find your package in transit if you do not have your tracking number.
If your package was shipping using Priority Mail Express, you can locate your tracking number by visiting your local Post Office. In addition, USPS personnel can fetch tracking information for Priority Mail Express packages even when the tracking number is lost.
However, for all other shipping methods, if you have lost your tracking number, you will need to wait until your package delivery date to find your package.
If your package has not been delivered by the delivery date, USPS provides a couple of options for locating packages suspected to be lost.
Complete a Help Request Form:
If your package hasn’t been delivered by its due date, USPS recommends first submitting a Help Request Form. This form will be used by your local Post Office to locate your package.
- Visit the Help Request Form Page.
- Under “What’s the reason for your inquiry?” select “Where is my mail?”
- Confirm that it is a domestic parcel by clicking “Yes.”
- Select “Daily Mail Delivery.”
- You will be redirected to the help request form. Provide as many details as you are able to recall, including the type of parcel you are searching for, the sender and recipient information, the date the parcel was sent and scheduled to be delivered, and the shipping method you used. Ensure that you mention that you do not have your tracking number.
- Enter your contact information, confirm your information, and submit your form.
Your post office will reach out to you regarding your form within 7 days of your inquiry.
Submit a Missing Mail Search Request:
If, after 7 days from when you submitted your help request, your package still hasn’t arrived, you can submit a Missing Mail Search request. Once you sign in to your USPS account, you can follow the steps to submit your Missing Mail Search Request. USPS will reach out to you regarding your inquiry within 7 business days.
What is the USPS Tracking Service?
USPS tracking provides end-to-end item tracking. USPS tracking services are available for most domestic parcels. For example, if you ship your package from a USPS Post Office, the tracking number will automatically be added to your parcel. If you create a label on USPS.com, the tracking number will be automatically included on any qualifying packages.
Tracking numbers are typically not available for standard letters and postcards, though they can be requested for an extra fee.
How to Track your USPS Package
You can track your USPS package using the easy USPS Tracking Search:
- Visit USPS Tracking
- Enter your tracking number and click “Track.”
- The subsequent screen will provide you with information regarding the status of your package.
FAQ
What is a USPS tracking number?
The USPS tracking number is the unique number and letter sequence that USPS uses to track your package from origin to destination. This number and the corresponding bar code are the only things used to track your package; your name and address are recorded within the tracking number.
Can I track my package without my tracking number?
No. Only parcels shipping with Priority Mail Express can be tracked without a tracking number.
Where can I find my tracking number?
Your tracking number can be found in several places, including on your shipping receipt, in your shipping confirmation email, and on the peel-off portion of your USPS shipping label.
How do I use my tracking number?
You can track the status of your package by using your tracking number on the USPS Tracking Service.
