USPS tracking status

USPS “Insufficient address”: what it means

The short answer

Take action

USPS could not deliver your package because the address is incomplete or wrong, for example a missing apartment number, and it is sending the package back to the sender. Only the sender can reship it, with new postage.

When to act: If the address on your order was complete and correct, file a complaint and we send it to USPS.

Also shown as: “No Such Number” · “Addressee Unknown” · “Return to Sender” · “Return to Sender Processed”

What to do now

Compare the address on your order confirmation with your full address, including the house number, the apartment or unit number and the ZIP Code.
Take a screenshot of the Insufficient Address scan and of the address on your order; if the address was right, they show the package was returned anyway.
Put your name on your mailbox and, in an apartment building, on the building directory so future packages are not returned.
Sender: when the package comes back, check the address and reship it with new postage; USPS will not reship it for you.
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to USPS, so you do not have to chase it yourself.

Start my complaint

Going back to the sender with another courier

What does “Insufficient address” mean?

Insufficient Address means there was not enough information in the address to deliver. No Such Number means part of it, such as the house or apartment number, is missing or invalid. USPS's tracking text for both says the item was returned to the sender because of an incomplete or incorrect address, and Return to Sender Processed follows when the return is handled.

This often surprises people whose address looks correct. Apartment buildings are a common cause: USPS delivers without an apartment number only if your name is on the mailbox, on the building's directory, or the carrier knows you. A typo in the ZIP Code or street name, a damaged label or a new building can also trigger it. Other Return to Sender reasons include Refused, Unclaimed, Moved, Left No Address and Vacant.

Why does USPS show it?

A missing or wrong apartment, suite or unit number
A typo in the house number, street name or ZIP Code
Your name is not on the mailbox or the building directory
A new address the carrier does not know yet
A damaged or unreadable label

How long does it last?

The package travels back to the sender in the same mail class it was sent with; USPS does not give a return date. The sender then has to reship it with new postage.

Other USPS statuses

Label created, USPS awaiting itemKeep an eye on it
Moving through networkNormal
Tracking not updatingKeep an eye on it
In transit, arriving lateKeep an eye on it
Alert: delivery exceptionKeep an eye on it
Origin Post is Preparing ShipmentKeep an eye on it
Arrived at Post OfficeNormal
Out for DeliveryNormal
Awaiting delivery scanKeep an eye on it
No access to delivery locationKeep an eye on it
Notice leftTake action
Held at post officeTake action
ForwardedKeep an eye on it
Delivered, but not receivedTake action

All USPS statuses →

Who is responsible for a late or missing package from USPS?

Bought it online from a business? Then the seller is usually responsible until the package is delivered. The seller chose USPS, bought the label and holds the mailing record that USPS needs for a lost package, so a late, lost or damaged order is in most cases the seller's to put right with a replacement or a refund.

Sent it yourself? Then your contract is with USPS, under the mailing rules in its Domestic Mail Manual. Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and USPS Ground Advantage include insurance of up to $100 for merchandise on most shipments; without insurance USPS pays nothing for loss or damage. Insurance does not cover delay, or a package lost or taken after delivery.

Questions about “Insufficient address”

Why does USPS say insufficient address when my address is correct?

Usually something small is missing or unclear, such as the apartment number, a unit letter or your name on the mailbox. A damaged label can also cause it. Check the exact address on the order; if it was complete and correct, file a complaint on Complain.biz and we send it to USPS.

Can I pick up a package marked insufficient address?

Do not count on it: USPS does not offer this as a service, and once the package is on its way back, only the sender gets it. For an online order the seller is usually responsible until the package is delivered, so reshipping or refunding it is up to them.

Can I fix an insufficient address with USPS?

Not as the recipient, and once this scan appears the package is already on its way back. Package Intercept is a paid service for the sender, and only business senders can redirect a package to a new address with it. The sender has to reship it with the full address.

How long does return to sender take?

USPS does not give a time and says not to expect a set one. Returns travel in the same mail class as the original package, so the outbound transit time is only a rough guide.

Is a text saying my USPS package has an address problem real?

Often not. USPS lists a problem with your shipping address as a common scam text. Never pay or enter card details through a link; type the tracking number into USPS Tracking yourself.

Based on

USPS FAQ: Where is my package? Tracking Status Help
USPS PostalPro: Domestic Tracking Scan Events (event codes and tracking texts)
USPS FAQ: How is Undeliverable and Misdelivered Mail Handled?
USPS FAQ: Return to Sender Mail
USPS FAQ: USPS Package Intercept, The Basics
USPS FAQ: Scams and Scheme Alerts
USPS Domestic Mail Manual 609: Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss or Damage
USPS FAQ: Domestic Claims, The Basics