How to Return Mail Unwanted or Misdelivered Mail

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Shipping and logistics experts Fahim and Seema Mojawalla explain how to return mail to the sender

Written by Fahim and Seema Mojawalla | Edited by Elaine Heredia, BA

Last Updated: March 20, 2026 Fact Checked

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• For Mail Addressed to a Non-Resident
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• For Mail Delivered to Wrong Address
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• For Mail Addressed to You
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• FAQs
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• Video
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• Q&A
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• Warnings

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With all the mail the USPS has to deliver daily, it’s no wonder that mistakes happen from time to time! That's why, on occasion, you may find yourself receiving a piece of mail addressed to someone who doesn't live with you, or to a completely different residence. In those situations, it's important to know how to send the mail back and let the carrier know about the error. We partnered with shipping and logistics experts to explain the proper way to return mail to the sender, as well as how to refuse mail addressed to you that you don't want.

How do you return mail to the sender?

Shipping and logistics experts Fahim and Seema Mojawalla recommend leaving the mail sealed and writing “Not at this address” on the outside (for mail addressed to a previous resident). For unwanted mail addressed to you, write "Refused” or “Return to sender." Then, follow any of these steps to return the mail:

• Place the mail back in your mailbox with the red flag up
• Hand the mail directly to your carrier when they make a delivery
• Drop the mail off at a blue USPS collection box

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Returning Mail Addressed to a Non-Resident

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1. 
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   Write "Not at this address" on the envelope or package. If you get mail sent to the correct address, but the recipient doesn’t live there, clearly print "Not at this address" somewhere on the item, recommends the Mojawallas. “This alerts USPS that the item was misdelivered and needs to be rerouted.” Don’t write "Return to sender" or any other messages, and avoid crossing out the address on the label.

   • If you see a barcode on the item, cross it out. This will help ensure that the item doesn’t come back to your address.
   • What if I keep getting someone else’s mail? Continue to mark items “Not at this address" to help ensure the correction is noted, advises the Mojawallas. “This is frequent in apartments with higher turnover or recently sold properties. However, it usually clears up after the mail is properly endorsed and the carrier is made aware.” Alternatively, tell your mail carrier or contact your local post office.
   • Note: Mail containing “current resident” must be delivered to the address on the envelope, according to the Mojawallas. “This mail may be opened by whoever is currently residing at the address and discarded at their discretion.”

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Fahim and Seema Mojawalla are shipping and logistics experts. They’re also the Co-Owners of Island Ship Center, a shipping depot, print shop, small gift boutique, and business center in Grand Island, NY.
2. 
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   Give the mail back to your delivery person. If you’re around when your mail carrier makes their deliveries, hand the piece of mail to them directly, advises the Mojawallas. You can explain that the person it was addressed to doesn’t live there. Alternatively, put the item back in your mailbox and put the red flag up. Your mail carrier should pick it up next time they deliver the mail.
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   Or, put it in a collection box if you can’t give it to your mail deliverer. As an alternative to giving the item back to your mail carrier, you can put it in a blue collection box, notes the Mojawallas. “USPS will take it from there and send it back into the mail-stream.”

   • Find the collection box nearest you by using the USPS "Find Locations" page.
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Section 2 of 4:

Returning Mail Delivered to the Wrong Address

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1. 
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   Avoid marking or writing anything on the item. When you return the item, don’t write "Return to sender" or any other messages on the package. Don’t erase or cover the address or any of the other information on the item, either.

   • Marking or erasing anything on the item could interfere with it going to the correct address.
   • If the item does need to be returned to the sender rather than sent on to the intended recipient, the post office has its own authorized "Return to Sender" mark for this purpose.
   • You can post a sticky note outside of your residential mailbox to say that the former mail recipient is no longer living at this address. Include the individual's name as seen on the mail.
     • Example: "John Doe no longer lives at 1234 Alphabet Lane."
2. 
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   Put the item back in your mailbox. If you receive a piece of mail delivered to the wrong address, that usually means that the mail delivery person put it in your mailbox by mistake. After picking up your mail, place the misdelivered item back in the box, recommends the Mojawallas. Be sure to put the red flag up.

   • The flag on your mailbox signals to your mail carrier that you have outgoing mail in the box.
   • If you get a Priority Mail Express item that’s been delivered to the wrong address, call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) and request the number for the Priority Mail Express Reporting Unit. Call the number for instructions on how to return the item.
3. 
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   Hand the item back to your delivery person if you prefer. If you're around when your mail carrier is making their deliveries, give the misdelivered piece back to them directly, advises the Mojawallas. Explain that it was delivered to the wrong address.

   • Alternatively, take the item to your local post office.
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Section 3 of 4:

Returning Unwanted Mail Addressed to You

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1. 
   1
   Write "Refused" on the item and return it to your mail carrier. You can refuse most types of mail and return them to the sender, even if they’re addressed to you. If you get an item you don’t want, simply write "Refused" on the package and return it to your mail carrier as soon as possible.

   • Alternatively, you can mark it “Return to Sender.”
   • You won’t be able to do this if you’ve opened the item, even if it’s resealed.
   • You can refuse most mail items at the time of delivery or after they’ve been delivered.
2. 
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   Check "Refused" on the delivery notice if it’s accountable mail. Accountable mail is mail you have to sign for. You can refuse some types of accountable mail before it's delivered to you by checking the box labeled "Refused" on the delivery notice that your mail carrier gives you.

   • If your mail carrier left you a delivery notice to sign in your mailbox, check "Refused," sign the notice, and put it back in your mailbox.
   • Some common types of accountable mail include Priority Mail Express, Registered Mail, Certified Mail, Collect on Delivery, and items insured for more than $200.
   • Most types of accountable mail can’t be refused after they’ve been delivered. If you want to return one of these items after you’ve received it and signed for it, repackage it and send it back with new postage.
3. 
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   Repackage the item with new postage if you’ve opened it. If you’ve already opened an item and want to return it to the sender, you can’t simply write "Refused" and send it on its way. Instead, place the item inside a new box, envelope, or wrapper, and address it to the sender. You’ll also need to put new postage on the item.

   • Once the item is repackaged, mail it as you normally would.
   • If you’re returning merchandise purchased online, the seller may be able to provide you with a prepaid shipping label or compensate you for the postage.
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Section 4 of 4:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1. 1
   What if I return something to sender and it comes back to me? Talk to your mail carrier to find out why it was sent back to you. Let them know why it shouldn't be delivered to your address and ask them what to do to ensure it doesn't happen again.
2. 2
   What does ‘return to sender’ mean? "Return to sender" means to return a piece of mail (i.e., an envelope or a package) to the person or company that sent it.
3. 3
   How long does it take for a package to be returned to sender? According to USPS, the amount of time it will take for the mailpiece to get back to the sender depends on the type of mail, the services that the sender purchased for it, the mail class (e.g., First-Class or Priority Mail Express), and any services that could affect the delivery address (e.g., Change of Address).
4. 4
   Will I receive a notification when my mailpiece is returned to sender? No, you usually won't receive a notification on any mailpiece you return to the sender. You may purchase USPS Tracking for the item and receive text alerts on its progress through the mail system. This service would also let you know when the mailpiece gets delivered.
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• Question

  Can I return package to sender that showed up damaged and missing items? I just received a package that had a hole in it. I videoed opening it, and how the contents were missing.

  

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  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  If you've already opened the package, you will need to repackage it and put new postage on it. The sender may be willing to compensate you for the postage.

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• Question

  How do I block mail from a specific address or have it automatically returned?

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor
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  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

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  Under specific circumstances--i.e., if you are receiving obscene mail--you can file a PS Form 1500 at your local post office to get a Prohibitory Order against mail from that sender. If the mail you're getting doesn't meet that definition, you may simply have to send it back marked "Refused".

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• Question

  Can I send someone's mail to Russia that no longer lives at my residence without getting in trouble?

  

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  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

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  It's okay to forward someone else's mail to them as long as you send it to the correct address. Make sure you know where the person lives now so their mail can get to them safely!

  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

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Warnings

• It’s illegal to destroy or throw away mail that’s addressed to another person.
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