General Delivery (GD) is a service that allows people to receive mail without having a permanent address. If a person is homeless, traveling, or otherwise unable to receive mail at a fixed address, they can have their mail sent to the nearest post office and pick it up there. This can be a lifeline for those without a home, as they can still receive important documents, bills, and letters.
What is General Delivery?
General Delivery is a service provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and available in most, but not all, post offices. It allows people to receive mail without having a permanent address. When mail is sent to a General Delivery address, it is held at the post office for the recipient to pick up. A post office may hold mail for up to 30 days, so it is important to pick up mail as soon as possible.
How to Send Mail General Delivery
The process of sending mail to a General Delivery address is fairly simple. When addressing the envelope or package, the recipient's name should be written as "General Delivery" followed by the post office address. For example:
John Doe
General Delivery
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
The recipient should also include their own name and "General Delivery" on the return address. This helps the post office determine who the intended recipient is.
What Kinds of Mail Can be Sent General Delivery?
Almost any kind of mail can be sent General Delivery, including letters, packages, magazines, and parcels. However, some items may not be eligible for General Delivery, such as hazardous materials, live animals, and perishable items. If you have any questions about what can and can't be sent General Delivery, it is best to contact your local post office.
How Much Does it Cost to Send Mail General Delivery?
The cost of sending mail General Delivery will depend on the size and weight of the package or letter. The USPS offers discounted rates for letters and packages sent General Delivery. For example, a first-class letter sent General Delivery will cost $0.55, compared to the regular rate of $0.55 for a first-class letter.
What Documents Do I Need to Send Mail General Delivery?
When sending mail General Delivery, you will need to provide the post office with proof of identification for the recipient. This can be in the form of a valid driver's license, state ID, or passport. You may also be asked to provide a copy of the recipient's current address. If you are sending a package or a large envelope, you may be asked to provide additional documents.
Can I Track Mail Sent General Delivery?
Yes, you can track mail sent General Delivery. The USPS offers tracking services for letters and packages sent General Delivery. You can track the mail using the USPS tracking website or the USPS mobile app. You will need the recipient's General Delivery address and the tracking number provided at the time of mailing.
How Can I Find a Post Office That Offers General Delivery?
You can find post offices that offer General Delivery services by using the USPS website or mobile app. The website offers an online search tool that allows you to search for post offices by city, state, or zip code. The mobile app also offers a search tool that allows you to find nearby post offices. Additionally, you can call your local post office to ask if they offer General Delivery services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is General Delivery?
General Delivery is a service provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and available in most, but not all, post offices. It allows people to receive mail without having a permanent address. When mail is sent to a General Delivery address, it is held at the post office for the recipient to pick up.
How to Send Mail General Delivery?
The process of sending mail to a General Delivery address is fairly simple. When addressing the envelope or package, the recipient's name should be written as "General Delivery" followed by the post office address. The recipient should also include their own name and "General Delivery" on the return address.
What Kinds of Mail Can be Sent General Delivery?
Almost any kind of mail can be sent General Delivery, including letters, packages, magazines, and parcels. However, some items may not be eligible for General Delivery, such as hazardous materials, live animals, and perishable items.
How Much Does it Cost to Send Mail General Delivery?
The cost of sending mail General Delivery will depend on the size and weight of the package or letter. The USPS offers discounted rates for letters and packages sent General Delivery.
What Documents Do I Need to Send Mail General Delivery?
When sending mail General Delivery, you will need to provide the post office with proof of identification for the recipient. This can be in the form of a valid driver's license, state ID, or passport. You may also be asked to provide a copy of the recipient's current address.
Can I Track Mail Sent General Delivery?
Yes, you can track mail sent General Delivery. The USPS offers tracking services for letters and packages sent General Delivery. You can track the mail using the USPS tracking website or the USPS mobile app.
How Can I Find a Post Office That Offers General Delivery?
You can find post offices that offer General Delivery services by using the USPS website or mobile app. The website offers an online search tool that allows you to search for post offices by city, state, or zip code. The mobile app also offers a search tool that allows you to find nearby post offices.
Do I Need to Provide Identification When Receiving Mail General Delivery?
Yes, you will need to provide identification when picking up mail at a General Delivery address. This can be in the form of a valid driver's license, state ID, or passport.
Can I Have Mail Sent To a General Delivery Address?
Yes, you can have mail sent to a General Delivery address. When addressing the envelope or package, the recipient's name should be written as "General Delivery" followed by the post office address. The recipient should also include their own name and "General Delivery" on the return address.
How Long Will the Post Office Hold Mail For General Delivery?
A post office may hold mail for up to 30 days for General Delivery recipients. It is important to pick up mail as soon as possible.
Can I Send Money Orders General Delivery?
Yes, you can send money orders General Delivery. You will need to provide the post office with proof of identification when sending money orders. You may also be asked to provide a copy of the recipient's current address.
Do I Need to Pay Postage to Send Mail General Delivery?
Yes, you will need to pay postage to send mail General Delivery. The cost of sending mail General Delivery will depend on the size and weight of the package or letter. The USPS offers discounted rates for letters and packages sent General Delivery.