USPS Hold Mail pauses all letters and packages for everyone at the eligible address for 3 to 30 days. It cannot hold only one person’s mail or one selected package.
Before you request the hold
- Confirm the address is eligible and choose a period of at least 3 and no more than 30 days.
- Coordinate with everyone receiving mail at the address because the hold covers all individuals there.
- Choose whether USPS should deliver the accumulated mail on the final day or keep it for pickup at the designated Post Office.
Request online
- Sign in to or create a USPS.com account.
- Complete the identity-verification steps and check address eligibility.
- Enter the start and end dates and select delivery or pickup for the accumulated mail.
- Submit the request and save the confirmation number and email.
USPS accepts online requests up to 30 days before the start date. Its official page explains the current cutoff for a request to begin on the next available Postal business day.
Request in person or in writing
If online service is unavailable for the address or identity verification cannot be completed, visit the local Post Office and complete PS Form 8076, Authorization to Hold Mail. Follow that office’s current identification and submission instructions.
Change, cancel, or end the hold
Use the confirmation link or number to edit or cancel an online request. Without the confirmation number, USPS may require an in-person visit with acceptable identification. Picking up accumulated mail before the scheduled end cancels the hold, and regular delivery resumes on the next Postal business day.
At the end
If you selected pickup, bring acceptable identification to the Post Office shown by the official locator. USPS says accumulated Hold Mail selected for pickup must be collected within 10 days or it will be returned to the senders. If you selected carrier delivery and the mail does not fit in the receptacle, the carrier may leave a pickup notice for the overflow.