Most First-Class Mail does not automatically include tracking. The United States Postal Service handles over 129 billion pieces of mail annually, but standard letters, postcards, and flats sent through First-Class Mail cannot be tracked without purchasing additional services.
First-Class Package Service breaks this pattern. These packages automatically include free tracking when you ship them… and this is a distinction that confuses many customers. The difference comes down to what you’re sending: documents and plain letters get no tracking, packages get tracking included.
The difference exists for practical reasons. USPS processing machines cannot capture barcode information from standard letters and postcards. The sheer volume makes individual tracking impractical without significantly raising costs. However, First-Class Mail does provide other built-in benefits like mail forwarding and automatic return-to-sender for undeliverable items.
Letters do, however, offer a paid add-on service for tracking. We’ll explain which First-Class Mail services offer tracking, what options you have, and how to add tracking when you need it. This knowledge will help you pick the right service for your documents or small packages.
Does USPS First-Class Mail Include Tracking?
No – standard First-Class Mail doesn’t include tracking by default. This rule applies to postcards, letters, and flats sent through this service.
The USPS machines that process these items can’t capture barcode information. The USPS processed more than 50 million First-Class Mail items annually. Adding tracking to each piece would drive up costs substantially.
First-Class Package Service operates differently. Both retail and commercial packages include free tracking without additional purchases. Your receipt will show a tracking number at the bottom when you ship a First-Class package.
Several add-on services can provide tracking for letters and flats:
- Certified Mail
- Registered Mail
- Return Receipt
- Signature Confirmation
These services attach barcodes that enable scanning throughout the postal system. They provide proof of mailing and electronic confirmation when your item reaches its destination. The cost varies by service, but each offers a way to monitor delivery status for items that normally cannot be tracked.
OK, But Why Does My Mail Have All These Barcodes Printed On It?
Those barcodes and scan lines are usually automation marks that help USPS sort and route mail faster—not full tracking for your letter.
The big one is the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) (or an older POSTNET-style code) that encodes the destination ZIP+4 and delivery point so high-speed sorting equipment can spray, read, and re-sort pieces with fewer human touches. USPS and high-volume mailers may also print extra ID tags (like Mailer IDs, sequence codes, or service codes) that help with address correction, automation discounts, and internal processing. So even though you’re seeing scans and barcodes, standard First-Class letters still typically don’t generate the step-by-step “Where is it now?” tracking you get with packages—those marks are mainly for sorting efficiency and (sometimes) limited processing visibility like Informed Delivery, not end-to-end tracking.
What is USPS First-Class Mail and What Does It Include?
First-Class Mail serves as the standard mailing option for most Americans. Starting at 78 cents for letters, this service handles everyday correspondence, bills, and lightweight packages across the country.
The service accommodates diverse mail types with specific weight limits. Letters can weigh up to 3.5 ounces, while large envelopes (flats) handle up to 13 ounces, and parcels accept items not exceeding 13 ounces. Mail that exceeds these weight restrictions automatically moves to Priority Mail classification.
Delivery typically takes 1-5 business days, though the USPS provides no delivery guarantee for this service level. Built-in features include mail forwarding and return services at no additional cost, making First-Class Mail particularly convenient for routine mailings.
The service’s popularity stems largely from its simplicity. You can attach a stamp and drop items in any collection box without permits or special sorting requirements. For enhanced security needs, services like Registered Mail and Certified Mail can be added for additional fees.
The key distinction remains between standard mail items (letters, postcards, flats) and packages within the First-Class category—only the package service includes automatic tracking.
How to Add Tracking to First-Class Mail
You have several options to add tracking to your First-Class Mail items. Standard letters and postcards don’t include tracking by default, so you’ll need to buy extra services.
Certified Mail has become the most popular tracking choice at $4.40 per item. This service gives you a mailing receipt and lets you verify delivery or attempted delivery electronically. On top of that, it keeps your recipient’s signature on record for two years and works with Return Receipt service to prove delivery.
Registered Mail serves as another tracking option, especially when you have high-security needs. This premium service covers insurance up to $50,000 and costs $15.25. Signature Confirmation might be a better fit for basic needs, costing $3.50 online or $3.65 at Post Office locations.
Budget-conscious customers can use third-party services like LetterTrack that track First Class mail for just $0.18 per envelope. These services add an Intelligent Mail Barcode above the address block that makes tracking possible throughout the postal system.
While not exactly a “tracking” service, recipients can get free Informed Delivery service notifications about their incoming mail, which allows you to see photos of your incoming mail. You can add these tracking services at your local Post Office or online, with online purchases usually offering better prices.