UPS Tracking Status

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

Typical duration
Next attempt on a following UPS delivery day, up to three attempts
Normal range
Delivered on a later attempt, or picked up from a UPS Access Point within 7 calendar days
When to worry
After the third attempt, or if tracking shows 'Returned to Sender'. Act before the last attempt

What It Means

"Delivery Attempted" means a UPS driver came to your address but could not complete the delivery. Often a signature was needed and nobody answered. Sometimes the driver could not get into the building or gate. The driver may leave a UPS delivery notice (also called an InfoNotice or door tag) with a number you can track.

How many times will UPS try? UPS says it may make up to three delivery attempts, at its discretion, on regular delivery days. After the final attempt, UPS returns undeliverable packages to the sender. UPS may also take the package to a nearby UPS Access Point store instead, where it waits 7 calendar days for you.

What To Do Next

  • 1Track the package with the delivery notice number or your tracking number. Tracking shows where it is and what you can do next.
  • 2Not 21+ signature required? Sign the delivery notice and put it back where the driver left it. The driver can then leave the package next time.
  • 3Not going to be home? Use UPS My Choice (free) to reschedule or reroute the package to a UPS Access Point near you.
  • 4Want it today? Ask to pick it up at a UPS Customer Center. UPS must receive the request by 7 p.m.
  • 5Going to an Access Point? Check tracking says 'Awaiting Customer Pickup' first, and bring a government photo ID.

How to read a UPS delivery notice

  1. Track your package. Use the delivery notice number or your original tracking number on ups.com.
  2. Check the boxes the driver ticked. They show where the package is, or when UPS will try again.
  3. Look for special notes. The notice says if the package went to a UPS pickup location, or needs payment on delivery (C.O.D.).
  4. Release the package if you can. Sign the notice and put it back where it was left. This does not work if an adult 21+ signature is required.

ℹ️ C.O.D. packages: UPS only takes a check, unless the 'cashier's check or money order only' box is ticked on the notice. Then the sender only accepts those.

What to bring to a UPS Access Point

UPS may hold a missed package at an Access Point store for 7 calendar days. Before you go, track it and confirm it says 'Awaiting Customer Pickup'. Tracking also shows the store's hours and a map. Bring one of these:

  • A government photo ID with your last name and full address matching the package.
  • A government photo ID with your last name matching, plus proof you live at the address, such as a current utility bill.
  • A government photo ID with your name or address matching, plus the tracking number.
  • A government photo ID plus a release code from the shipper, if one is needed. It is a 4 to 6 digit number, not the tracking number.

Missed a UPS signature delivery?

If a signature was needed and nobody signed, UPS may leave a notice. It may then try again or offer other options in tracking. You can sign the notice to release the package, unless an adult 21+ signature is required. Alcohol and some other items need an adult to sign in person.

If you will be out again, reroute the package to a UPS Access Point or ask to pick it up at a UPS Customer Center. That is the surest way to avoid a third missed attempt.

If you are the sender

Most missed deliveries come down to two things: a signature nobody was home for, and an address the driver could not reach. Only add a signature option when you need it. Put the apartment or suite number on the label, plus a phone number if your service allows it. Gate and door codes help the driver get in.

Frequently asked questions

How many times will UPS attempt delivery?
UPS says it may make up to three delivery attempts at its discretion, on regular UPS delivery days. After the final attempt, undeliverable packages go back to the sender. UPS may also move the package to a UPS Access Point instead.
What happens after a missed UPS delivery?
The driver may leave a delivery notice and try again on a later delivery day. Or UPS may take the package to a nearby UPS Access Point, where it is held for 7 calendar days. If nobody collects it, UPS returns it to the sender.
Can I pick up a missed UPS package?
Yes. You can ask to pick it up at a UPS Customer Center, if UPS receives the request by 7 p.m. If it went to a UPS Access Point, collect it within 7 calendar days with a government photo ID.
UPS says delivery attempted but I was home. What should I do?
Check the tracking details for the reason given. Then contact UPS through its Help and Support Center with the tracking number. Note the time you were home, and save any doorbell camera clip. To avoid a repeat, sign the delivery notice to release the package (unless an adult 21+ signature is needed), or reroute it to an Access Point.
Can I tell UPS to leave the package without a signature?
Often yes. Sign the delivery notice and leave it where the driver put it. This doesn't work if an adult 21+ signature is required. For some shipments, UPS also offers a Shipment Release Authorization Form.
Does UPS deliver on weekends?
UPS delivers Monday to Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday in select areas, except on UPS holidays. Those are the days that count as regular delivery days for attempts.

Related Tracking Statuses

UPS
Out for Delivery
UPS
Arrived at Facility
UPS
In Transit — Delivery Date Pending

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