Are you expecting a package to be delivered from USPS, but instead you received a notice or message stating ‘no authorized recipient available?’
This message is frustrating to see, especially if you were expecting your package to arrive today.
So, why did USPS leave this message, and what should you do to ensure your package will arrive as quickly as possible?
In this article, I’ll be answering all of these questions and more!
What Does ‘No Authorized Recipient’ Mean On USPS?
When USPS leaves a message stating ‘no authorized recipient’, this means that that the package needed to be signed for, but nobody was available to sign for the package.
This typically appears both as a message on the tracking page, as well as on a slip that USPS will leave either on your door, or within your mailbox.
However, since this is regarding an issue that occurred when delivery was attempted, the slip being left on the door is the most common.
So, if you are expecting a package with a signature, you will need to make arrangements to ensure someone is able to sign for it – either at your address, or the post office!
To learn more about how to ensure you’re able to receive your package before it’s returned back to the sender, keep reading!
Check For A Slip!
When you first discover that delivery wasn’t possible, the first thing to do is to look for a slip that USPS likely left on your door.
This is known as the PS Form 3849 Redelivery Notice, and is typically a white, yellow or orangish color, and should be stuck on the front of the door where you’re most likely to see it when you return.
On it, you’ll find a few key pieces of information!
First things first, you’ll be able to confirm that the reason USPS could not deliver was in fact, that there wasn’t an authorized recipient available to collect the package.
More importantly however, you’ll see the options available for redelivery.
On the notice, you’ll see a QR code that you can scan to arrange delivery options.
These may include asking USPS to redeliver, signing the slip so they can deliver it without you being there to sign it, or even picking it up directly from the post office should you wish to do so.
Note that items that require an adult signature (and not just any signature) may require you to actually be there – signing the slip alone won’t work.
However, USPS certainly gives you plenty of options to choose from!
Note: If you opt to pick up the package from the post office, remember to bring ID the name and address listed on the package!
How Many Times Will USPS Attempt To Redeliver?
If you want USPS to actually require your signature and hand it off to you directly, how many times will they attempt to redeliver?
Currently, USPS will attempt redelivery up to three times, before giving up.
If they are still unable to deliver your package to you, they will opt to return it back to the sender as undeliverable.
Obviously, this isn’t something that’s good for anyone – so make sure that you’ll be available to collect the package, or opt for another delivery option instead!
I Was Home, But Still Got This Message. Why?
In rare cases, USPS may claim that there was no authorized recipient to accept the package, even if you were home when they supposedly visited!
So, what gives? Why would USPS say nobody was available, even if you were home the entire time?
Unfortunately, this is typically caused by USPS failing to do their job correctly.
So yesterday my package was out for delivery and was signature required. This @USPS lady walks up to my door with 2 other packages drops them at the door then leaves and doesn’t even ring the doorbell. Then leaves a “No Authorized Recipient Available” note in my mailbox pic.twitter.com/0gZl8suExB
— ben (@TooFoost) December 9, 2021
In order to save time, USPS may not even attempt delivery if they see no cars parked in your driveway. This is because the driver assumes that nobody is home, and therefore doesn’t risk taking the time to retrieve the package, knock, and wait at the door just for nobody to be there to answer it.
Although USPS is still supposed to attempt to deliver the package, the reality is that it doesn’t always happen. This has been confirmed with repeated doorbell camera clips that have popped up on the internet.
So, be sure to fill out the slip that’s left to ensure it’s properly redelivered, and look for the slip in your mailbox if it’s not present on your door.
Conclusion
When USPS leaves a message stating ‘no authorized recipient’, this means that the package needed to be signed for, but nobody was available at the address to sign for it.
If you receive a slip or your USPS tracking page shows this message, make arrangements with USPS to redeliver or pick up the package from them directly.
I hope that this article has answered your questions, and you’ll be able to get your package quickly.
If you have any other questions about USPS, please ask them using the comment form below and I’ll be happy to help!
– James McAllister