Where Is Mail Scanned For Informed Delivery? - PostGrid
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USA Canada UK Australia Hit enter to search or ESC to close Direct Mail Mail Scanned for Informed Delivery By Kevin Villena10 December 2025February 13th, 2026No Comments TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Where Does USPS Scan Mail for Informed Delivery?
Your local Post Office doesn't scan the mail. Scanning only happens at a big USPS sorting center with special equipment. It uses automated machines to sort and deliver your mail. The pictures USPS takes of the mail were originally meant to help with this automation.
There are different ways for the person receiving the mail to see the scanned images of the mailer. The easiest way is through email. If you've signed up for USPS Informed Delivery, your recipients should get an email alert.
Key Takeaways:
- Informed Delivery is a cool USPS service that lets you see a digital preview of your mail before it arrives. It basically gives you an early look at what's coming in your mailbox.
- After the mail reaches its destination, the Informed Delivery tool sends a final notification confirming the delivery is done. This scan happens at big USPS sorting centers with high-tech mail sorting machines.
- When your USPS Informed Delivery past mail reaches its destination, USPS scans it one last time. As the sender, you also get this final scan from USPS. This scan also proves that your business delivered the mail.
- Signing up is easy. You just need to enter your basic information and go through a quick verification. You’ll begin getting daily emails with scanned images of the first ten pieces of mail you receive.
- The recipient needs to show their ID and prove they live in an eligible ZIP code. Note that apartment or condo addresses might not meet the unique regulations required, making the recipient ineligible for Informed Delivery.
What is USPS Informed Delivery for Direct Mail Marketing?
Before we discuss where mail is scanned for informed delivery, we should explain the USPS Informed Delivery service. Informed Delivery is a nifty USPS optional service that lets the recipients get a digital preview of their incoming mail.
In other words, USPS Informed Delivery gives direct mail recipients early access to their incoming mail. It might surprise you that the Informed Delivery service from USPS does not cost any extra charges. However, there are a lot of confusion and misconceptions surrounding USPS Informed Delivery.
The Image
Apart from questions about where mail is scanned for Informed Delivery, a prominent misconception people have is the mailer's image. Some think that the USPS Informed Delivery enables them to read a sealed letter even before it reaches the recipient.
But in reality, the USPS can't open a sealed mailer and take a look inside, even if the recipient is okay with it. In addition to that, users can only view grayscale images of the mailer's exterior. It means the recipient can get a look at the address side of the letter, but never the content.
The Informed Delivery Tool
Another common confusion people have about USPS Informed Delivery's past mail is about the Informed Delivery tool. Most people are unsure about the tool's role or its intended purpose for the recipient. Here is a list of things the Informed Delivery tool can do.
- The Informed Delivery tool records the images of the mailer after USPS scans it.
- The sender receives notifications from the Informed Delivery tool as the mailer progresses through its delivery cycle.
- After the mailer reaches its final destination, the Informed Delivery tool sned them a final scan notification informing them the delivery is completed.
Where is Mail Scanned For Informed Delivery by the United States Postal Service?
As you very well know, USPS Informed Delivery past mail is an optional and free service. The real-time delivery notifications it offers help marketers launch complementary campaigns targeting the same group of customers.
The United States Postal Service takes digital images of the front side of letter-sized mailers. At this point, you already know that USPS does this because how else would Informed Delivery be possible? However, you may not know that this image is the original purpose of USPS taking pictures of the mailers.
USPS Automation Equipment
Some of you may not know this, but the USPS uses automation equipment for sorting and delivering your mailers. The images that USPS takes of the mailers were initially intended to help automate the sorting and delivery of mail.
Scanned Image For Informed Delivery
USPS uses the scanned image of the mailer at the beginning of the sorting and delivery process to provide its customers with digital notifications. The user gets the message before the delivery of the physical mail. As a result, both the sender and recipient have better visibility into the mail, which you can positively use for your marketing efforts.
Does USPS Scan Mail at The Local Post Office?
Now that you know USPS scans the mailer primarily for sorting and delivery, you might wonder, “Does USPS Scan Mail at the Local Post Office?” No, the scanning of the mailer does not happen at your local Post Office. The scanning process only occurs when the mailer reaches a large USPS sorting facility with advanced mail sorting equipment.
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How Does Informed Delivery Work?
Let us assume that you have opted for USPS's optional Informed Delivery service for your business mailers. In that case, your target audience or the recipients will receive an email preview of the mailer before USPS delivers it.
The recipients can look at the images of their inbound mail before it physically reaches them. As we mentioned earlier, the scanning of the mailer is done so that USPS Informed Delivery past mail is quickly sorted and delivered.
Informed Visibility and The Flow of Information
At this point, you already have a good idea about USPS Informed Delivery past mail and the data you can access through it. However, you may still be confused about the flow of information in Informed Delivery. Not to worry, below, we discuss how and when you get the data from Informed Delivery.
1. When You Send The Mail
The flow of information in Informed Delivery starts when you send the mail, and the USPS scans the mailer. As soon as USPS receives and reviews the mailer, the data enters the tracking system. From this point, the sender can track the mail piece using the Informed Visibility tool.
From the minute USPS scans your mailer and enters it into its tracking system, you can get valuable tracking information from USPS. Hence, you can see when your mailpiece enters the different stages in the delivery cycle right from the beginning.
2. When The Mailer Reaches Its Destination
When your USPS Informed Delivery past mail reaches its destination, USPS takes a final scan of the mailer. As the sender, you also receive this last scan from the USPS. The final scan also serves as proof of delivery for your business.
Near Real-Time Delivery Information
As you can see, with USPS Informed Delivery, you get near real-time delivery information for your business mailer. What does that mean for the sender? It means the sender can run complimentary campaigns alongside the direct mail campaign. Running email campaigns or social media ads targeting the same customers and direct mail maximizes each touchpoint's impact.
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How to Access The Scanned Mailer Images and Sign Up For Informed Delivery Offered by the US Postal Service?
There are several ways the mail recipient can access the scanned mailer images. The most common and convenient way to view the photos is through email. As long as you have opted for the USPS Informed Delivery option, your recipients should be able to receive an email notification.
Similarly, you can also get a notification upon the delivery of the mailer. And in case the mail is not an ideal option, you can get information on Informed Delivery via text message. Apart from this, you also can use the USPS mobile app, from which you can access even more information on the mailer.
USPS Service Sign-Up
Using USPS Informed Delivery past mail requires signing up for USPS service. The sign-up process is pretty simple. You will be asked to enter your basic information and undergo a verification process. After the sign-up and verification, you will start receiving daily emails containing the scanned images of the first ten mailpieces you will receive.
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What Information Can You Get From Informed Delivery?
Companies that use Informed Delivery for their direct mail communications gain rich insights into the USPS mail delivery process. When we say that you can access information at different stages of the delivery process, we mean every single step.
You can even learn when your letter moves from the sorting machine to the delivery trucks. And if that doesn't impress you, we don't know what will. And guess what?
You can track the details of the direct mail delivery right until the final delivery to the recipient's mailbox.
Did you know that with USPS Informed Delivery past mail, you can use a delivery-progress scan for each mailpiece? The mailers you send are classified into three categories, and they are
- Being sorted
- En route
- Delivered
That means you can categorize your bulk mail into these three categories to get a holistic view of where your campaign stands. In addition to that, you can also view each mailpiece by delivery area, ZIP code, destination, campaign name, etc.
Why Should You Use Informed Delivery?
Many people prefer to see what they are about to receive in the mail every day. Perhaps not everyone may concern themselves with questions like where is mail scanned for informed delivery. However, there are plenty of other reasons for you to use USPS Informed Delivery.
For most people, Informed Delivery is a means to tell when their letter will arrive at its destination. In addition to that, Informed Delivery lets you see the tracking number of the package or mailer you are sending or receiving.
The recipient can even inform the carrier where they want to pick up the mailer if they are not home for the delivery. If that's not enough, you can use the Informed Delivery app to schedule redelivery if the original delivery time is not convenient.
How Does ZIP+4 Affect USPS Scanning for Informed Delivery?
It helps the sorting machines make finer distinctions when routing mail. The precision prevents the possibility of the mail being delayed or misrouted, ensuring it reaches the correct scanner at the designated facility on the first attempt.
USPS requires Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMB) on automation-compatible mailpieces to generate an Informed Delivery notification. With a ZIP+4 code embedded along with the barcode, USPS can match the mailpiece with the digital images and the delivery address more precisely. The more specific the address, the higher the accuracy between the captured grayscale image and what the recipient receives on the dashboard.
Moreover, mailpieces that lack a ZIP+4 code may be less compatible with automation and more prone to misrouting. Such mail can easily bypass automated sorting machines, which capture images for the Informed Delivery service. Hence, USPS will not send a preview image to the recipient.
Benefits of Informed Delivery From a Marketing Perspective
There is no question that Informed Delivery significantly benefits the recipients. We saw above how USPS Informed Delivery past mail makes it convenient for the recipient. However, the recipients are not the only people that benefit from Informed Delivery.
Below, we discuss how Informed Delivery helps businesses from a marketing perspective.
Direct Mail Campaign Monitoring
Direct mail campaigns make a strong comeback with their significantly high open and response rates. The chances are you are either already using direct mail campaigns or thinking about using them. In any case, you will be happy to learn that Informed Delivery can help you monitor direct mail campaigns.
Here is what you can do. First, take your mailing list containing the details of your target audience for your next direct mail campaign. Then compare it against a list of Informed Delivery users. It is an efficient way to ensure that you target the right for your direct mail campaigns.
Use The Data You Get From Informed Delivery
As marketers, you have the option to monitor direct mail marketing as they move through the mail stream. You can track the mailer every step of the way. For example, you can see when the mailer arrives at the warehouse. As a result, you get a more holistic view of USPS Informed Delivery past mail's journey.
Similarly, you can also see when your mail items are sorted. More importantly, you can see when it reaches its final destination. It gives you a chance to pitch digital campaigns to coincide with the arrival of direct mail delivery.
Simultaneously Coordinate Your Direct And Digital Marketing Campaigns
We live in the age of multichannel marketing campaigns. A postal touchpoint is now an essential part of such campaigns. As we know, Informed Delivery gives you valuable insight into the different delivery stages of your mail.
And when you know the delivery stages of the mailer, it becomes easier to implement successful multichannel campaigns. Why? Because the secret to an excellent multichannel marketing campaign is flawless timing. And that is precisely what you get with USPS Informed Delivery past mail.
For example, you can use the mailer to send coupons to your target audience. You can then complement the direct mail campaign with digital campaigns or follow it with more detailed offers. Such a strategy will generate a higher response and reinforce your original message to the target audience.
Who Can Use Informed Delivery?
We have already established that Informed Delivery is available for residential customers. However, you may not know that it is equally applicable to PO Box addresses. The criterion for using Informed Delivery is pretty lenient.
The recipient has to provide their identity proof and show that they live in a qualified ZIP code for using Informed Delivery. It is worth noting that the address of people living in an apartment or condo may not have unique regulations. In such cases, the addressee will not be eligible for Informed Delivery.
What is The Cost of USPS Informed Delivery?
Although we have already mentioned it before, you might still be wondering about the cost of the Informed Delivery service, considering everything it has to offer. Let us put your mind at ease by reassuring you again that the USPS Informed Delivery past mail does not cost you a penny.
However, many people have reported seeing a link to sign-up for Informed Delivery as a paid service. If you ever come across such a link, report it instead of clicking on it because it is most likely a scam. Once you report it to U.S. Postal Inspection Services, they will take care of the rest.
How Safe is Informed Delivery?
The USPS Informed Delivery service may come across as the perfect optional service you can get from USPS. It lets you track your mailers almost in real-time. It enables the recipient to schedule deliveries conveniently and is entirely free of cost.
However, nothing is perfect, and Informed Mail is no exception. One concern about USPS Informed Mail is its security. For instance, a person signing up for Informed Delivery does not have to prove that they live at the address they signed up with.
USPS Security Measures
As stated above, there is an apparent security concern in USPS Informed Delivery's past mail. But, that does not mean USPS does not have any security measures set up to protect its customer's data. Whenever someone tries to sign-up for Informed Delivery, they have to verify their identity online.
Furthermore, the person signing up for Informed Delivery also has to provide other details, such as
- Previous addresses
- Phone numbers
- Personal multiple-choice answers
That's not all. In addition to all this, USPS has several other steps to enhance the security and privacy of Informed Delivery mail. You might remember us mentioning that the USPS only scans the outside of the mailer and not what's inside.
In other words, the content of your mailer remains private. And guess what? All the information you or the recipient shares with the USPS complies with the Privacy Act. Hence, there are rigorous conditions under which USPS can share the data you provide it.
What Are The Information You Can't Access Using Informed Delivery?
We talked about all the data or information you can access using USPS Informed Delivery past mail. However, even Informed Delivery has its limitations. So, where do we draw the line between the data you can and cannot access using Informed Delivery?
The first limitation of USPS Informed Delivery is the size of the mailer, as it is only available for letter-sized mailers. So, if you want to send larger mailpieces like magazines, product catalogs, etc., you can't get the Informed Delivery service.
Furthermore, USPS Informed Mail is an exclusive service for USPS customers. Hence, you can't get the same benefit from postal providers like UPS, FedEx, etc. The last thing about USPS Informed Delivery past mail you need to know is that it only allows you to send data of 10 scans per day.
How Does Scanning for Informed Delivery Differ for Business Mailings?
Automation Capability
Businesses, especially those using USPS Marketing Mail or First-Class service, prepare their mail to be automation-compatible. This ensures the mail moves smoothly through the USPS automation sortation, including systems such as the Delivery Bar Code Sorter (DBCS) and Advanced Facer Canceller System (AFCS). Since these systems have image-capturing technology, the possibility of business mail scanning for informed delivery increases.
IMB
Businesses' mail must include IMB, especially when participating in the Full Service Mailing. Aside from precise routing and tracking, this allows the USPS to match scanned images to specific delivery addresses in the Informed Delivery platform. This makes the mail trackable and linkable to the recipient's Informed Delivery dashboard.
Electronic Documentation (Edoc)
A large organization or a presorting mail service provider submits this mail through USPS Business Mail Entry Units. They must also submit a document containing information such as mailpiece details, address lists, campaign information (if applicable), and container and tray IDs for traceability. This USPS syncs data with the IMB on each mail. This allows USPS to pre-match the mail with the recipient before processing. This coordination enhances the accuracy of Informed Delivery image capturing.
Representative Campaign Image
Business mailers are allowed to engage in Interactive Informed Delivery Campaigns. They enable them to get a custom representative image, add custom URLs for conversion, and track leads. These campaigns are configured and uploaded in advance through the Informed Delivery Mailer Campaign Portal. USPS associates them with the IMBs in the mailing file. When the system scans the mail, it swaps the grayscale image for the branded creative.
Reporting and Analytics
The USPS provides businesses participating in the Informed Delivery service with access to detailed reporting dashboards. These dashboards provide insights, including the number of users who received the email and its geographical and demographic distribution. This helps them measure ROI, test A/B variations, and optimize future campaigns for improved results.
Comparison Between USPS Scanning Environments for Informed Delivery
| Scanning Location | Role in Mail Processing | Scan Timing | Type of Mail Scanned | Contribution to Informed Delivery |
| Local Post Office | It scans mail before delivery to prepare it for the carrier routes. | Just before delivery. | Letters, flats, and local mail. | Unless the local post office sorts the mail, there is minimal contribution. |
| Sectional Center Facility (SCF) | It sorts mail for ZIP Code ranges at the regional mail processing facility. | Mid-stage processing. | Letters, flats, parcels. | Some Informed Delivery scans happen here. |
| IMB Scanning Points | It uses specific scanners along USPS routes for barcoded mail. | Throughout the mail journey. | All IMB mailpieces, such as letters and flats. | It is critical for Informed Delivery image matching. |
| Mail Imaging Center (e.g., at P&DCs) | It captures grayscale images for Informed Delivery. | During automated sorting | Letter-size automation mail. | This is the primary source of Informed Delivery images. |
How To Enhance Your Informed Delivery Using Direct Mail Automation
The best way to effectively enhance all your direct mail operations is to use a direct mail automation solution like PostGrid. The highlight of using the USPS Informed Delivery service is that it gives you advanced insight into the postal delivery process.
However, opting for Informed Delivery does little to nothing to boost your mailer's speed or accuracy. When it comes to business communication or marketing, speed and accuracy are just as crucial as insights and information.
Using a direct mail automation tool like PostGrid lets you print personalized direct mail according to USPS standards. Yes, it also includes printing standardized addresses on your mailer, which speeds up the sorting and delivery of your mailers.
In addition to that, you can also use PostGrid's address verification tool to ensure the deliverability of your mailers. Hence, by using an advanced direct mail solution like PostGrid, you can optimize the USPS Informed Delivery past mail delivery.
Conclusion
All companies that use direct mail for marketing and communication purposes can benefit from USPS Informed Delivery. Unfortunately, many companies are unsure about Informed Delivery and are filled with questions.
One of the most concerning questions businesses have about Informed Delivery is, “where is mail scanned for Informed Delivery?” Here, we have answered this question and explained how Informed Delivery could benefit the sender and the recipient.
However, companies need to invest in a direct mail automation tool to get the maximum benefit of direct mail marketing. PostGrid offers a superior direct mail automation solution to streamline your marketing and communication needs.
Hence, PostGrid ensures fast and accurate direct mail delivery with full automation and address verification capabilities. Combining this with the advanced insights offered by USPS Informed Delivery past mail gives you an ideal business communication channel.
FAQs
Is Mail Sent to a P.O. Box Eligible for Informed Delivery?
It depends on the post office's location and participation in the Informed Delivery program. You can check eligibility by visiting informeddelivery.usps.com, clicking “Sign Up,” and then entering your P.O. box ZIP code to see if the service is available.
Can I Get Informed Delivery Notifications for Multiple Addresses?
USPS currently only allows one address per Informed Delivery account. This address can be a home address, an organization, or a P.O. box. You can create separate accounts with different email addresses to get notifications on other addresses.
How Often Does USPS Update Informed Delivery?
It is updated daily, typically early in the morning. If USPS scans the mail later in the day, it may appear in the next morning’s update. The recipient will receive a daily digest email with a scanned preview of the mail expected to arrive that day.
What Types of Mail Will USPS Not Scan for Informed Delivery?
According to USPS, the following items are not eligible for Informed Delivery scanning:
- Handwritten envelopes
- Mail without an IMB
- Non-letter-sized pieces like parcels or large flats
- Mail is presented manually at local post offices
- Marketing Mail not processed through automation
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Kevin Villena
Kevin Villena is the direct mail automation and address data expert, boasting a decade of experience in the Direct mail industry. Kevin's extensive knowledge in Direct Mail and Address Data makes him an invaluable asset to the PostGrid team. His expertise encompasses developing and executing strategic marketing plans that drive marketing, sales and customer engagement. Kevin's deep understanding of address verification and direct mail logistics ensures that PostGrid's clients receive the most effective and accurate solutions. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys exploring new marketing trends, traveling, and attending industry conferences.
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