When a letter isn't delivered
What Notice Left, unclaimed, refused, and return to sender mean, what happens next, and what you can do.
Last updated October 24, 2026
Certified mail needs someone to sign for it. When no one does, USPS doesn't leave the letter in the mailbox. Your Letters page shows the USPS message, with a red section in the progress bar, so you can see what happened.
Notice Left
What it means: the carrier tried to deliver the letter, but no one was available to sign. USPS left a notice (PS Form 3849) asking the recipient to pick it up or schedule a redelivery.
What happens next: USPS holds the letter at the post office for about 15 days. If the recipient picks it up, the status changes to Delivered. If not, it's returned as unclaimed.
What you can do: only the recipient can pick up the letter or schedule a redelivery. If you're in touch with them, let them know it's waiting at their post office.
Unclaimed
What it means: the recipient didn't pick up the letter during the hold period. USPS returns it to the return address you entered.
Refused
What it means: the recipient, or someone at the address, refused to accept the letter. USPS returns it to your return address.
Return to Sender
What it means: USPS is sending the letter back to your return address. This happens after a refusal or an unclaimed letter, or when USPS can't deliver to the address (for example, because the apartment number is missing or the person moved).
What you can do:
- Check the address. If it was wrong, send a new letter to the corrected address. See Format addresses correctly.
- Keep the tracking record. It shows when the letter was mailed and each delivery attempt. Some notice requirements are met by mailing, others by delivery. If you're unsure which applies to you, ask your attorney.
- Try another way to reach the person, if your situation allows it, such as hand delivery.
Other messages
You might also see messages like Delivery Attempted, Address Issue, Delayed, or Held at Post Office. These come from USPS. Select Track on USPS for the details. If a letter shows the same message for more than 5 business days, contact us.
Refunds for undelivered letters
The printing and postage for a letter are used once USPS accepts it, so letters that aren't delivered aren't refunded automatically. If you think something went wrong on our end, such as a printing mistake, contact us with the tracking number.