Q: How much does this service cost and what do you see? → A: USPS Informed Delivery is completely free and shows you grayscale images of up to 10 pieces of letter-sized mail each morning, plus package tracking updates, delivered by 9 AM on delivery days.
USPS’s Informed Delivery: Complete Guide 2026 transforms how 72.9 million Americans manage their mail by providing digital previews before physical delivery. This free service from the United States Postal Service lets you see what’s coming in your mailbox through daily email notifications and a new mobile app launched in October 2025.
With a 94% user satisfaction rate and 93% likelihood to recommend, Informed Delivery has become an essential mail management tool for households and businesses across the country.
What is USPS Informed Delivery and How Does It Work?
This is a free digital service that provides grayscale images of your incoming letter-sized mail pieces and tracking information for packages. The service captures images of mail during processing at postal facilities and delivers these previews to your email inbox by 9 AM on delivery days.
How does the scanning process work? High-speed cameras at USPS processing facilities photograph the address side of letter-sized mail pieces. These images are then matched to your address and compiled into your daily digest email.
The service covers most residential addresses, business addresses, and PO Boxes across the United States. Over 67 million customers have enrolled since the service launched in 2017, making it one of USPS’s most successful digital initiatives.
What Mail Types Are Included?
Informed Delivery shows images of letter-sized mail that can be processed through USPS automation equipment. This includes standard letters, bills, postcards, and flat mail pieces up to 1/4 inch thick.
Mail types NOT included:
- Packages and parcels (tracked separately)
- Mail larger than letter size
- Mail thicker than 1/4 inch
- Mail requiring special handling
- International mail in some cases
How Do You Sign Up for USPS Informed Delivery?
Registration for this service requires identity verification to protect your mail security. The sign-up process takes 5-10 minutes and can be completed entirely online for most users.
Step-by-step enrollment process:
- Visit informeddelivery.usps.com and click “Sign Up”
- Create a free USPS account with your email address
- Enter your delivery address (residential, business, or PO Box)
- Complete identity verification through online questions
- Receive confirmation within 1-3 business days
What Identity Verification Options Are Available?
USPS offers multiple ways to verify your identity for account security:
- Online verification: Answer questions about your credit history and personal information
- Phone or text code: Receive a verification code on your registered phone number
- Mail verification: USPS sends a letter with a verification code (takes 3-7 business days)
- In-person verification: Visit your local Post Office with valid photo ID
Most users can complete verification immediately online, but alternative methods ensure everyone can access the service regardless of their digital footprint.
Can You Manage Multiple Addresses?
Yes, you can enroll multiple addresses under one USPS account, but each address requires separate verification. This is useful for:
- Primary and vacation homes
- Business and residential addresses
- Multiple properties
Frequently Asked Questions
Is USPS Informed Delivery really free?
Yes, this service is completely free for all users. There are no subscription fees, setup costs, or hidden charges. The service is funded by USPS operations and business partnerships.
Can you use Informed Delivery with a PO Box?
Yes, most PO Box customers can enroll in Informed Delivery. You’ll need to verify your identity and PO Box ownership through the same process as residential customers.
How long are mail images stored?
Mail images are automatically deleted from USPS servers after 7 days for security and privacy. You can view past images within this window through your online dashboard or mobile app.
What happens if you don’t check email daily?
Missed daily emails remain available in your USPS account dashboard for up to 7 days. The mobile app also maintains a mail archive for easy access to recent images.
Can you share Informed Delivery with family members?
Only the verified account holder can access mail images directly. However, you can forward daily emails to family members or share package tracking information through the mobile app’s sharing feature.
Does Informed Delivery work during postal holidays?
Informed Delivery follows regular USPS delivery schedules. You won’t receive daily emails on postal holidays when mail isn’t processed or delivered, but package tracking continues to update as packages move through the system.
This article is part of our comprehensive USPS guide, covering key topics like USPS Tracking and Delivery. Explore more in our Shipping Services and Solutions hub. ParcelPath helps you find the best shipping solutions for any need.
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Part of our USPS Services guide. Related: Ground Advantage, USPS Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express.
