The U.S. Postal Service plans to tighten access to package tracking data starting in April 2026, a move designed to improve security while leaving consumer tracking unchanged.
USPS says consumers will still be able to track packages on usps.com, the USPS mobile app, and Informed Delivery. The change instead targets how businesses access large volumes of tracking data behind the scenes.
A USPS spokesperson said, “Consumers will continue to be able to check the status of packages on usps.com. There are no changes to how consumers look up package information – the ability to track and inquire about packages on our website is not restricted to shippers.”
The changes mainly affect service providers that rely on USPS tracking data through APIs or bulk data feeds. According to USPS, those providers may now need to sign additional agreements, meet authorization requirements tied to Mailer IDs, and, in some cases, pay monthly fees to access tracking data.
“The new restrictions apply to large data extracts and the use of our API, which are typically used by commercial businesses to integrate tracking information into their own systems,” the spokesperson said.
USPS outlined the changes in a recent Domestic Mail Manual advisory, saying the goal is to better protect tracking data while still giving shippers and recipients the visibility they need. The agency said the updates are designed to prevent unauthorized use of tracking information without disrupting normal shipping and delivery processes.
For package recipients, USPS says nothing will change. Tracking will still be available through USPS channels just as it is today.
For commercial shippers and label providers, access will also remain the same. USPS says businesses that purchase postage will continue to receive tracking events at no cost for packages tied to Mailer IDs they own or are authorized to use.
The biggest shift is for service providers, including companies that build tracking tools or integrate USPS data into broader logistics platforms. Under the new rules, USPS will offer paid access to tracking APIs tied to specific Mailer IDs. That access will require a signed intellectual property agreement and compliance with USPS terms.
“These updates are designed to bolster the security of tracking information and the mail system,” the USPS spokesperson said, pointing businesses to an industry alert with more details on the changes.
