Table of Contents
- What Is a Door Tag Number?
- How Does a Door Tag Number Function?
- What Situations Trigger Door Tags?
- How to Track Using Your Door Tag Number
- Available Options After Missed Delivery
- FedEx Delivery Attempt Policy
- Door Tag vs Standard Tracking Numbers
- What to Do If You Lost Your Door Tag
- FAQ: What Is Door Tag Number
- Taking Action on Your Door Tag
- Sources
When a FedEx driver attempts delivery but no one is available to receive your package, they leave behind a door tag with a unique tracking number. A door tag number is a 14-character FedEx identifier that begins with “DT” followed by 12 digits, allowing you to track your package location, schedule redelivery, or arrange pickup after a failed delivery attempt. With over 16 million packages processed daily by FedEx in 2025, understanding how to use this number ensures your shipment reaches you quickly instead of being returned to sender.
Door tag numbers serve as your direct connection to FedEx’s delivery management system when standard delivery cannot be completed. This number unlocks multiple options to get your package without waiting for another delivery attempt.
What Is a Door Tag Number?
A door tag number is FedEx’s unique identifier generated specifically when delivery fails. The format always starts with the letters “DT” followed by exactly 12 numerical digits — such as DT987654321098. This number connects directly to FedEx’s tracking database and provides access to your package’s current location and all available next-step options.
Unlike your original FedEx tracking number assigned at shipment, a door tag number only exists after an unsuccessful delivery attempt. It confirms a delivery was attempted and grants you control over what happens next with your package.
The physical door tag left at your address contains essential information:
- Date and time of attempted delivery
- Specific reason delivery failed (signature required, no secure location, etc.)
- Current package location (FedEx facility or pickup point)
- Available options for redelivery or pickup
- Final attempt notification if applicable
How Does a Door Tag Number Function?
When FedEx cannot complete delivery, the driver’s handheld device automatically generates a door tag number linking to your original shipment data while recording the delivery attempt details. This system ensures no package gets lost in the process.
The door tag number provides multiple functions within FedEx’s network:
| Function | Purpose | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time Tracking | Monitor exact package location and status | FedEx.com, mobile app, or text 48773 |
| Redelivery Scheduling | Request specific delivery date | FedEx Delivery Manager or customer service |
| Location Redirect | Send to FedEx Office, Walgreens, or other pickup points | Online through Delivery Manager |
| Signature Release | Authorize delivery without being present | Sign door tag or digital authorization |
What Situations Trigger Door Tags?
FedEx creates door tags when specific delivery requirements cannot be met during the attempt. The most common triggers involve signature-required packages, high-value items, or situations where no secure delivery location exists.
Signature requirements depend on the service level and package contents:
- Direct Signature Required: Only the named recipient can sign for delivery
- Indirect Signature Required: Any adult at the delivery address may sign
- Adult Signature Required: Recipient must be 21+ with government-issued ID verification
For packages without signature requirements, drivers assess whether a secure location exists. When no safe spot is available or accessible, they leave a door tag instead of risking package theft or damage.
How to Track Using Your Door Tag Number
Tracking with a door tag number works identically to standard FedEx tracking but provides additional delivery attempt history and available options. You have four primary tracking methods.
Text message tracking: Text “follow” plus your complete door tag number to 48773. Example: “follow DT987654321098”. FedEx responds immediately with package status and available options.
Website tracking: Visit fedex.com and enter your DT number into the tracking field exactly as you would any standard tracking number. The system recognizes the format automatically.
Mobile app scanning: Open the FedEx app and scan the barcode printed on your physical door tag. This displays complete shipment details and all delivery options instantly.
Phone support: Call 1-800-463-3339 with your DT number. Customer service representatives can access your package information and help arrange next steps.
Available Options After Missed Delivery
Once you have your door tag number, several options exist to receive your package. The best choice depends on your availability, package requirements, and proximity to FedEx locations.
Request Redelivery
Schedule a new delivery attempt for any business day through FedEx.com or the mobile app. FedEx attempts redelivery at no additional cost on your selected date. This works best when you know you’ll be available to receive the package.
Authorize Package Release
For eligible packages not requiring adult signatures, you can authorize FedEx to leave your package without someone present. Sign the back of the physical door tag and post it on your door, or authorize digitally through FedEx Delivery Manager.
Facility Pickup
Your package may already be held at a nearby FedEx Office, Walgreens, or authorized pickup location as soon as the same day. Bring your door tag plus government-issued photo ID. Staff will locate your package and process the pickup.
Redirect to Different Location
Use FedEx Delivery Manager to redirect your package to a more convenient pickup location. This helps when the default facility is far from your home or office, or has inconvenient hours.
FedEx Delivery Attempt Policy
For signature-required packages, FedEx attempts delivery up to three times on separate business days. Each failed attempt updates your door tag information or creates a new tag. After the third attempt, packages move to a FedEx facility for pickup.
When your door tag shows “Final delivery attempt,” your package awaits pickup at a FedEx location. Action is required promptly to prevent return to sender.
Package hold periods vary by service type:
| FedEx Service | Hold Duration | After Hold Period |
|---|---|---|
| FedEx Ground | 10 business days | Returned to sender |
| FedEx Express | 5 business days | Returned to sender |
| Pickup Locations | 7 calendar days | Moved to FedEx facility or returned |
Door Tag vs Standard Tracking Numbers
A door tag number differs from your original tracking number, though both connect to the same shipment. Your initial FedEx tracking number gets assigned when the package ships and typically starts with numbers or letters other than “DT”. The door tag number (DT + 12 digits) only generates after delivery fails.
Both numbers work in FedEx’s tracking system, but the door tag number reveals specific delivery attempt information not visible when using the original tracking number alone. This includes attempted delivery times, failure reasons, and current package location.
What to Do If You Lost Your Door Tag
If the physical door tag disappears, you can still manage your package using the original tracking number from the shipper. Enter that number at fedex.com or in the mobile app — all the same redelivery and pickup options remain available.
Without either number, contact FedEx customer service at 1-800-463-3339. Provide your name and delivery address for representatives to locate your shipment and explain available options.
When shipping packages through ParcelPath, you receive comprehensive tracking information that helps prevent missed deliveries through better delivery scheduling and recipient notifications.
FAQ: What Is Door Tag Number
What format does a door tag number follow?
Every FedEx door tag number begins with “DT” followed by exactly 12 numerical digits, creating a 14-character identifier like DT123456789012. This consistent format distinguishes door tag numbers from standard FedEx tracking numbers and works across all FedEx service types including Ground, Express, and Home Delivery.
Can I track my package on FedEx.com using the door tag number?
Yes, enter your complete door tag number directly into the tracking field at fedex.com exactly like any standard tracking number. The system recognizes DT numbers automatically and displays your package location, delivery attempt history, and all available options including redelivery scheduling and pickup locations.
How long do I have to act on a door tag?
The door tag number remains valid, but your time to claim the package is limited. FedEx holds packages for 5-10 business days depending on service type after the final delivery attempt. Once this hold period expires, packages return to the sender and may incur additional fees.
Can I authorize delivery by signing the door tag?
You can sign the back of the physical door tag to authorize delivery for eligible packages requiring indirect signature. Packages needing Adult Signature or Direct Signature cannot use this method. Alternatively, authorize release digitally through FedEx Delivery Manager without handling the physical tag.
What does “Final delivery attempt” on my door tag mean?
When “Final delivery attempt” appears on your door tag, FedEx will not attempt delivery again. Your package has moved to a nearby FedEx facility or authorized pickup location. Bring photo ID and your door tag to claim it before the hold period expires to prevent return to sender.
Do all FedEx services use the same door tag system?
Yes, FedEx uses consistent door tag numbers across all major services including Ground, Express, Home Delivery, and SmartPost. The DT number format remains the same, though delivery attempt limits and facility hold periods may vary slightly based on the specific service level used for your shipment.
Taking Action on Your Door Tag
A door tag number gives you complete control over a package that couldn’t be delivered on the first attempt. Whether you schedule redelivery, authorize release, or arrange pickup, that 14-character DT number is your key to resolving the delivery quickly. Time matters — hold periods are finite, and returned packages create unnecessary delays and potential fees.
Understanding your options prevents packages from languishing in FedEx facilities. For complete details on what happens during failed deliveries and how to interpret every element of your door tag, review our comprehensive FedEx door tag guide.
Sources
- FedEx Corporation. “Package Delivery and Pickup Services.” FedEx.com, 2025.
- FedEx. “Delivery Signature Options and Requirements.” FedEx Service Guide, 2025.
- FedEx. “Hold at Location and Pickup Services.” FedEx Delivery Manager Documentation, 2025.
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