Missed a Royal Mail delivery? What to do next

First, check where the item is

After the first missed attempt

Royal Mail's automatic redelivery service makes another attempt on the next working day, excluding Sundays and bank holidays. Collection is not available after the first missed attempt. Follow the card's instructions rather than travelling to a collection point.

If you won't be in for the next attempt

You can request a different date on Royal Mail's redelivery page as soon as the first attempt has been missed. Allow 48 working hours' notice for a requested redelivery; this is separate from the automatic next-working-day attempt.

Special Delivery Guaranteed items and international items requiring a signature cannot be redelivered to another address. An alternative address must be within the local postcode area served by your delivery office. For other items, check which options the booking service offers. Do not assume every parcel can go to a neighbour, a shop or a locker.

After a second missed attempt

If the second attempt is unsuccessful, you can request another redelivery. Collection from the Customer Service Point, the collection counter at the delivery office, is available from the next working day. Check the location on the card and its opening hours before leaving.

For ordinary collection from a Royal Mail delivery office, take the card and an accepted original, recent document in the name of the person the item is addressed to. The list includes a valid passport, driving licence, credit card or debit card; it is not limited to photo ID.

• Check that collection is available for this item.
• Go to the location specified, not simply the nearest Post Office.
• Check the accepted ID list for the service and collection location.

Want to collect from a Post Office branch?

Request redelivery to a local Post Office through Royal Mail first. Your item is not automatically waiting at whichever branch is closest to you.

Post Office's instructions ask you to bring proof of identity and address, the P739 card and the tracking ID. ID must be for the person the parcel is addressed to; bring the original, not a copy. Check the branch's current list of accepted documents before visiting.

Different card or delivery service?

These steps are for an ordinary Royal Mail 'Something for you' card. Parcelforce, grey Fee to Pay cards, yellow cards and Age or ID Verification deliveries have different arrangements. Follow the instructions for your item.

If the card says your item was delivered but you cannot find it, contact Royal Mail Customer Services on 03457 740 740. If you have lost the card, use the card-missing help on Royal Mail's redelivery page before travelling; a tracking number alone may not be enough.

Common questions