Is Mail Always Delivered as Addressed and Can it be Refused / Returned?
The United States Postal Service® will deliver the mail as addressed, but it does not have to be accepted.
Without a specific reason to the contrary, mail sent to an address will be delivered.
Mail is delivered to residential or business addresses even if the name on the mailpiece is different than the known residents.
Mail addressed to a PO Box™ is delivered only to recipients previously identified on PS Form 1093:
- This is filled out when the box was opened and names can be added later with the box holder's permission.
- Adults must show two forms of ID at the local Post Office™ facility to be added.
- Minors can be added by their parent or guardian (with proper identification).
If a person alleging to be the addressee of certain mail item is unknown to the delivery employee, the mail may be withheld pending valid photo ID of the claimant.
An addressee may request the postmaster, in writing, to withhold from delivery (for a period not to exceed 2 years) any foreign letter or publication material with a specified name or address on the outside.
If the addressee wants to add extra services, such as certified to a mailpiece being returned to sender, they MUST pay return postage to mail the item back to the sender in addition to paying for the extra service.
Mail addressed to a person or persons or business for which a Change of Address has been filed will, of course, be forwarded to the new delivery address.
What are my Mail Refusal Options?
Not everyone accepts every piece of mail that is delivered to their home, whether it is unsolicited advertising or other pieces. When that happens, Postal standards offer mail refusal options.
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), Sect. 604.8.1.2 and Sect. 507.1.8.2 provide two instances where mail can be refused when it is offered for delivery, or, after delivery. You may mark "Refused" and return it unopened within a reasonable time.
If a mailpiece has been opened, even if it is been resealed, it CANNOT be marked "Refused" and returned. If someone wants to return that mailpiece to the sender, they have to put it in a new envelope or wrapper with a correct address and new postage.
There is some mail that CANNOT be refused after it has been delivered. Once again, two groups fit this category:
- Pieces sent as Registered Mail, Insured, Certified Mail, and Collect on Delivery (COD). Postage must be paid by the customer for this mail to be returned.
- Response mail to a sales promotion, solicitation, announcement, or other advertisement that was not refused when offered to the recipient.
*Note: Customers may refuse Accountable Mail prior to signing for and receiving it. Simply check the box marked "Refused" on the back of the delivery notice, sign your name by the "X" and place it back in your mailbox.
How do I remove my name from mailing lists?
Anyone who wants to reduce the amount of prospect marketing mail they receive may register for the mail suppression service called DMAchoice provided by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), which is independent of the United States Postal Service. To "Remove" your name from common mailing lists, you may register, along with a nominal processing fee:
- Visit www.dmachoice.org for online registration.
- For mail-in registration submit check or money order payable to ANA no cash, certified or registered mail:
DMAchoice
Consumer Preferences
P.O. Box 900
Cos Cob, CT 06807 |
This service will not eliminate all promotional mail. It does not apply to promotional mail from companies or organizations that consumers have an existing business relationship. It also does not apply to local retailers, restaurants, and political organizations. You should expect to see a major reduction in the overall volume of prospect promotional offers received. Please note that ANA is not the source of consumer names for marketing purposes. This opt-in mail suppression service is a tool to assist consumers in managing their marketing offers.
The ANA has additional information for consumers about compliance tools and best practices, you can also file a complaint, or email ethics@ana.net.
In addition, the three major credit-reporting services (Equifax, Experian & TransUnion) also offer a name removal option for prescreened offers at: 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com.
