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File a Claim

  1. Domestic Shipments

    File a Claim Online

    Insured Mail

    You may file an indemnity claim for insured mail, COD items, Registered Mail with postal insurance, or Priority Mail Express packages. Each mail service has a different timeframe for filing. If your package arrives damaged or with missing contents, you may file a claim immediately.

    When May I File a Claim?

    Domestic Claims

    • Watch the "How to File a Domestic Claim" video to the right; and,
    • Follow the instructions below about domestic claims
    Learn About Domestic Claims

    NOTE: These instructions do not contain the text of the Postal Regulations in the DMM® on insurance claims. The Postal Service™ reserves its rights under the regulations to require strict compliance with the DMM.
    Filing Indemnity Claims (DMM 609)



    International Claims

    • Click the tab on the above right, International Shipments, to read about starting an international inquiry.
    Learn About International Claims

    Uninsured Mail

    If your uninsured mail is missing or delayed you may request a lost mail search.

    Find Missing Mail

    How to File a Claim - Video

    Image of a user accessing the help section of www.usps.com Access YouTube Player



    How to File a Domestic Claim video gives step-by-step instructions for submitting your claim and proof of value documents.

    USPS How to File a Domestic Claim Video Transcript (RTF | 82KB)

    Filing Domestic Claims

    What You Need to File

    A Tracking or Label Number

    The tracking or label number is found on your online label record, package label, mailing receipt, or sales receipt. Tracking and label numbers are between 13 and 34 characters.

    Example: 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00

    If you don't see a number like that, look for a string of 20, 22, 26, 30, or 34 numbers.

     

    Proof of Value

    Proof of value can include:

    • A sales receipt
    • A paid invoice or paid bill of sale
    • Statement of value and/or estimates of repair costs from a reputable dealer
    • A credit card billing statement
    • Receipt of costs incurred for reconstruction of non-negotiable documents
    • Printouts of the online transaction identifying the purchaser and seller, price paid, date of transaction, description of item purchased, and assurance that the transaction status is completed

    Evidence of Insurance Purchased

    Evidence of insurance includes:

    • The original mailing receipt issued at the time of mailing
    • The outer packaging showing the names and addresses of the sender and the addressee and the proper label showing that the article was sent insured
    • A printed electronic online label record or a computer printout from the application used to print the label and purchase the insurance

    Proof of Damage

    Photos that clearly show the extent of damage will help with your case. For damaged claims, you’ll also need to provide an estimate of the repair costs from a reputable dealer.

    If you received something damaged, please hang onto the original packaging and the damaged item until your claim is settled. You may be asked to take them to your local Post Office™ for inspection later. Please do not reship the package.

    When to File

    Different mail services have different filing periods. The filing period is based on the mailing date on your receipt.

    Damaged or Missing Contents

    If your mailpiece arrives damaged or is missing items, you may file a claim immediately but must file no later than 60 days after the mailing date.

    Lost Mail & Packages

    If your mail or package does not arrive at all, file a claim in the time frame for the service you used.

    Filing a Claim for Lost Items File After File Before
    Priority Mail Express® 7 days 60 days
    Priority Mail Express COD 15 days 60 days
    Priority Mail® 15 days 60 days
    Insured Mail 15 days 60 days
    Collect on Delivery (COD) 15 days 60 days
    Registered Mail® & Registered COD Mail 15 days 60 days
    APO/FPO Priority Mail Express Military® Service 21 days 180 days
    APO/FPO/DPO Insured Mail, Registered Mail (Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service - Retail, SAM, or PAL) 45 days 1 year
    APO/FPO/DPO Insured Mail (Surface only) 75 days 1 year
    All Domestic & APO/FPO/DPO Filing Periods (DMM 609.1.4)
    Start an Online Claim

    Filing a Claim by Mail

    If you’re unable to file a claim online, you can have a Domestic Claim Form mailed to you.

    1. Call 1-800-332-0317, extension 9, and request a Domestic Claim PS Form.
    2. Complete the form and mail it, along with proof of value and evidence of insurance, to the address on the form.
  2. International Shipments

    Submit an International Inquiry Online

    Because international claims require coordination with a foreign postal administration, they’re handled differently than domestic claims. The process for filing an international claim begins with an inquiry that only the U.S. sender can initiate. In some cases, the service you used may only be available for a postage refund and not eligible to file a claim.

    How It Works

    1. Gather your 13-digit tracking number and other supporting documents found under "What You Need to File."
    2. Click Create an Inquiry, log in to your USPS.com account, and complete the online form.
      NOTE: If any required documents are not included, you will be unable to submit your inquiry.
    3. If your inquiry is eligible for a claim, you will be notified via email: "Claim Sent for Review."
    4. After our claims department processes your claim, you'll receive an email with the claim results.
    Create an InquiryInquiry History about Online Shipping

    What You Need to File

    A Tracking or Label Number

    • 13-digit USPS Tracking® or Label Number that appears on the receipt beginning with EA-EZ, CA-CZ, HC-HZ, or RA-RZ and ending in US.

    Sender's & Addressee's Contact Information

    • Name
    • Mailing Address
    • Phone Number
    • Email

     

    Mailing Information

    • Date
    • Weight
    • Postage paid
    • Additional fees (if applicable)
    • A description of contents

    Acceptable Proof of Mailing Documents

    • Mailing label
    • Customs form
    • Printouts of the online transaction
    • Post Office™ shipping receipt

     

    Acceptable Proof of Value Documents

    • Sales receipt
    • Invoice or bill of sale
    • Copy of canceled check or money order
    • Credit card billing receipt
    • Statement of value from a reputable dealer
    • Estimates of repair costs from a reputable dealer
    • Printout of the online transaction

    When to File & Other Restrictions

    1. Global Express Guaranteed

      Global Express Guaranteed®

      Who can file?

      Only the US sender

      When is the filing window?

      3 to 30 days after shipment

      Other Restrictions

      Inquiries cannot be processed online. Call 1-800-222-1811.

      Customers will need a 10-digit GXG tracking number which starts with either “82” or “83” and the GXG Air Waybill (PS Form 11FGG1) as evidence of mailing.
    2. Priority Mail Express International (PMEI)

      Priority Mail Express International®

      Who can file?

      Only the US sender

      When is the filing window?

      3 to 90 days after shipment

      Other Restrictions

      Online inquiries can only be initiated by the U.S. Sender.
    3. PMEI with Money-Back Guarantee

      Priority Mail Express International® with Money-Back Guarantee

      Who can file?

      Only the US sender

      When is the filing window?

      3 to 30 days after shipment

      Other Restrictions

      3 to 90 days to submit an inquiry for loss, damaged, or missing contents.
    4. Priority Mail International

      Priority Mail International®

      Who can file?

      Only the US sender

      When is the filing window?

      7 days to 6 months after shipment

      Other Restrictions

      Online inquiries can only be initiated by the U.S. Sender.
    5. Registered Mail Service

      Registered Mail® Service

      Who can file?

      Only the US Sender

      When is the filing window?

      7 days to 6 months after shipment

      Other Restrictions

      Online inquiries can only be initiated by the U.S. Sender.

    6. Services Inquiries Not Accepted Online

      Inquiries are not accepted online for the following services:

      • Global Express Guaranteed®
      • First-Class Mail International® Items
      • First-Class Package International Service® Items

    Damaged International Shipments

    You must immediately present the article, mailing container, wrapping, packaging, and any other contents received in damaged condition and/or with missing contents to a Post Office™ for inspection. The Post Office will verify the damage and give you a PS Form 3831, Receipt for Article(s) Damaged in Mails, for your files.

    In addition, it is recommended you contact the foreign sender and ask the sender to file an inquiry with the postal administration from where the item was mailed. All claims for inbound items that are lost, or are delivered to the addressee in damaged condition or with missing contents are payable to the sender, unless the sender waives the right to payment, in writing, in favor of the addressee.

    Proof of Damage

    • Document(s) supporting damage from US mailer
    • Document(s) supporting damage from foreign addressee
    • Receipt of article(s) damaged in the mail
    • Photos of the damage
    • Description and value of contents

    Additional Resources

    Get complete details regarding the international inquiry, international claims processes, including appeals in the International Mail Manual (IMM®).

    IMM Chapter 9: Inquiries, Indemnities, and Refunds
    Terms and Conditions of Use for USPS® International Inquiries