DHL Tracking Status

DHL Missed Delivery: What "Delivery Attempted" Means and What to Do

Typical duration
One more attempt by DHL Express, or a new date you choose in On Demand Delivery
Normal range
Delivered on the second attempt, or on the date or place you picked in On Demand Delivery
When to worry
Tracking shows 'returned to shipper', or a second attempt also fails. Act through On Demand Delivery straight away

What It Means

"Delivery attempted" means a DHL courier came to your address but could not hand the shipment over. Most often nobody was home to sign, or the courier could not get into the building.

What happens next depends on which part of DHL is delivering it. For DHL Express, the yellow-and-red international courier, DHL's US help page says that after a missed first attempt the driver will try one more time. You can also change the delivery yourself, for free, through DHL On Demand Delivery. If the courier still can't deliver after multiple attempts, the shipment can go back to the sender.

DHL eCommerce parcels are different. In the US, DHL eCommerce hands every parcel to USPS for the final delivery, under a deal USPS announced in May 2026. So a missed DHL eCommerce delivery is handled by your Post Office, not by a DHL courier.

What To Do Next

  • 1Check which DHL service it is. A DHL Express waybill number is 10 digits. If tracking shows USPS, follow the USPS missed-delivery steps instead.
  • 2For DHL Express, open DHL On Demand Delivery (delivery.dhl.com), choose the United States and enter your waybill number.
  • 3Pick an option: a new date, signature release, a neighbor or leasing office, a DHL Service Point or locker, another address, or a vacation hold.
  • 4If you missed the first attempt, the driver will try once more. Make sure someone can sign, or set up signature release.
  • 5Still stuck? Contact DHL Express customer service. DHL lists WhatsApp at +1-480-418-5011.

The six DHL On Demand Delivery options

DHL Express On Demand Delivery is free. DHL says it offers up to six options (availability varies by country):

  • Signature Release: let DHL deliver without anyone signing.
  • Change Delivery Date: pick a day that suits you.
  • Leave with Neighbor, Leasing Office or Security Guard: name someone to receive it.
  • Collect from Service Point or Locker: pick it up nearby.
  • Deliver to Alternate Address: send it to your office or a friend.
  • Vacation Hold: postpone delivery by up to 30 days.

💡 Sign up for a free On Demand Delivery account to get alerts by email, text, the DHL Express app or WhatsApp, and to save your preferred option for next time.

DHL Express or DHL eCommerce? Check first

If your tracking page shows USPS events, use usps.com/redelivery or the USPS missed-delivery steps. DHL On Demand Delivery won't change a parcel USPS is delivering.

  • DHL Express: international courier shipments with a 10-digit waybill. DHL delivers them itself, and On Demand Delivery works.
  • DHL eCommerce: lower-cost parcels from online stores. In the US, USPS completes the final delivery. Tracking moves to USPS, and missed deliveries follow USPS rules (notice left, redelivery, Post Office pickup).

Why DHL Express couldn't deliver

  • Nobody was there to sign, and no signature release was set.
  • The courier couldn't get in: a locked building, gate or front desk.
  • The address was incomplete, or the courier needed to call and had no phone number.

If you are the sender

Put the recipient's phone number on the waybill and the full address, including the apartment or suite number. For international shipments, a clear commercial invoice avoids customs holds. Tell the recipient they can use On Demand Delivery as soon as the tracking number is live.

Frequently asked questions

How many delivery attempts does DHL make?
DHL Express's US help page says that after a missed first attempt, the driver will try one more time. You can also change the delivery through On Demand Delivery. If delivery still fails after multiple attempts, the shipment may be returned to the sender.
What happens if I miss my DHL delivery?
For DHL Express, the courier tries again, and you can reschedule or redirect it for free through On Demand Delivery. For DHL eCommerce parcels in the US, USPS makes the final delivery, so a missed delivery is handled by USPS.
How do I arrange a redelivery with DHL?
Go to DHL On Demand Delivery (delivery.dhl.com), pick the United States and enter your waybill number. Choose a new date or another option. It is free.
Can DHL leave the package without a signature?
Yes, if you choose 'Signature Release' in On Demand Delivery. That authorizes DHL to deliver without anyone signing. Without it, DHL Express shipments usually need a signature.
DHL says delivery attempted but I was home. What now?
Contact DHL Express customer service with your waybill number and say when you were home. To avoid a repeat, use On Demand Delivery to release the signature, name a neighbor or leasing office, or send it to a DHL Service Point.
Why was my DHL package returned to the sender?
DHL lists the usual reasons: missing customs requirements, a bad address or a receiver who moved, no delivery after multiple attempts, or the shipper asking for it back. Contact the sender to arrange the next step.

Related Tracking Statuses

DHL
Delivered
DHL
Shipment exception / Shipment on hold
DHL
In transit

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