How to Find a USPS Tracking Number

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Locating a USPS tracking number is easy, as long as you know where to look and what exactly you're looking for. Once you find your USPS tracking number, you can use the internet form on USPS.com or contact the United States Postal Service by phone. With a tracking number, you can effectively locate your package.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Locating Your Tracking Number

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you visit the post office in person and mail your package at the counter, they will give you a receipt for your purchase. You can find your USPS tracking number printed at the bottom of your sales receipt. [1]
  2. If your package was valued at more than $50 USD, you may have purchased additional shipping insurance. If so, you would have received an additional receipt for this. Your USPS tracking number can be found at the bottom of your insurance receipt. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. If you shipped your package using USPS.com, you should have received an email confirmation. Contained within this email, you can find your tracking number. [3]
  4. If you made a purchase through an online retailer, and they shipped your package with the United States Postal Service, they should have emailed you a shipping confirmation. Within this email, you should be able to find your tracking number. [4]
    • If you did not receive a confirmation email, you may want to contact the retailer directly.
  5. When you ship a package in person at the post office, the clerk will peel off a sticker with a barcode and paste it onto your package. They will then hand you the bottom portion of that peel-off label. This will have your USPS tracking number at the bottom. [5]
  6. If you were not home to receive a package, you should find an orange slip in your mailbox or attached to your front door. This orange slip will include info about how to retrieve your package. On the back of this orange slip, you can find your USPS tracking number.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Tracking a Package

PDF download Download Article
  1. Write your tracking number down in a safe place. Depending on the type of shipping that was used, a tracking number can look a little bit different. [6] Here is a list of USPS services offered and sample tracking numbers for each:
    • 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 00
    • Priority Mail International - CP 000 000 000 US
    • Registered Mail - 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00
    • Signature Confirmation - 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
  2. Go to https://www.usps.com/ , manually enter your tracking number in the space provided, and click “Track Package.” A new page will open providing information about when and where you package was sent, where it is now, and when it will be delivered. [7]
  3. If the online form is not working, you don't have internet access, or you have additional questions, contact the USPS by phone. Call 1-800-275-8777 and choose “Track a Package” from the automated menu. [8]
    • You can also stop by a post office and speak to someone in person.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I received a package that isn't mine. How do I return it?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    If the package was delivered to an address other than what is printed on the package, either return it to any post office, or call 1-800-ASK-USPS to have the Postal Service pick up the package for free. If the package was correctly delivered to someone who is not at your address, you are not obligated to do anything (you can keep the package), or contact the sender and tell them what happened (or you can write "Return To Sender" on the package and give it back to USPS).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
  • Question
    How do I find a tracking number without a receipt?
    USPS Tracking
    Community Answer
    You can check on your email or message service. Check your email for a shipping confirmation from an online retailer.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 23 Helpful 6
  • Question
    Can I get a tracking number from the automated machine at the post office?
    Community Answer
    In the U.S., the automated kiosk at the post office gives out receipts just like the receipts a clerk would give you, which have your package's tracking number.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 10
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Track a Package Without a Tracking Number
      What to Do When Your UPS Package Is Missing (But Says Delivered)
      How to
      Contact FedEx
      What Does “In Transit” Mean & How Long Will It Take to Get Your Package?
      How to
      Measure a Box for Shipping
      What Does "Out for Delivery" Mean?
      How to
      Ship a Package with UPS
      How to
      Use a Uline Strapping Tool
      What is UPS Mail Innovations Expedited Shipping & How Does it Work?
      What Does “Package Being Processed at Carrier Facility” Mean?
      ​​Tipping Furniture Delivery Workers: Is It the Norm?
      How to
      Ship a Cake
      How to
      Pack Picture Frames for Shipping
      How to
      Become an Authorized Shipping Outlet for UPS
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-to-find-your-tracking-number
      2. ↑ https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input
      3. ↑ https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input
      4. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-to-find-your-tracking-number
      5. ↑ https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input
      6. ↑ https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input
      7. ↑ https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input
      8. ↑ https://www.usps.com/help/contact-us.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To find a USPS tracking number, check your post office shipping receipt if you shipped the package yourself. If you’re the recipient of the package, check your emails for a confirmation email from USPS.com or the online retailer you ordered from. If you missed a delivery and were left an orange slip, look on the back to find your USPS tracking number. Once you’ve found your tracking number, you can track your package by visiting the USPS website and clicking, “Track Package.” If the online form isn’t working or you don’t have internet access, call USPS on 1-800-275-8777 and choose “Track a Package” from the automated menu. For more tips, including how to locate a USPS tracking number on the peel-off portion of the tracking label, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 191,956 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement