You cannot fully delete a USPS account through the website, but you can remove access and stop using it

USPS does not offer a permanent account deletion option in the way that social media platforms do. Once you create a USPS.com account, the account record stays in their system. What you can do is remove your ability to log in, change your password so you cannot access it, or straightforward stop using the account. If you have an active USPS Informed Delivery subscription or a Postal Service account tied to a business, the process differs slightly.

The most practical step for most people is to change your password to something you do not know, then delete any saved payment methods. This prevents anyone—including you—from logging back in without going through a password reset. If you need to prevent access when ready and do not want to reset the password yourself later, you can contact USPS directly to request account deactivation.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS does not offer a delete button; the account remains in their system but you can make it inaccessible by changing your password.
  • Removing saved payment methods and addresses from your account prevents future charges even if someone gains access to your login.
  • If you have an active Informed Delivery subscription, you must cancel that separately before the account becomes truly inactive.
  • Contacting USPS directly at 1-800-275-8777 is the only way to request formal account deactivation if you want USPS to handle the removal.
  • Business accounts and accounts linked to a USPS Postal Service mailbox require additional steps through your local post office.

Steps to make your USPS account inaccessible

Log into your USPS.com account using your current email and password. Once you are in, go to the "Account Settings" or "Profile" section—the exact location varies slightly depending on whether you are on desktop or mobile, but it is usually in the top right corner under your name or a menu icon.

Select "Change Password" and enter a new password that is long, random, and something you will not remember. Write it down nowhere. This is the most effective way to lock yourself out of your own account. After you change the password, you will be logged out automatically.

Before you log out, remove any saved payment methods. Go to "Payment Methods" or "Saved Cards" in your account settings and delete each one. This prevents anyone from using your account to purchase postage or services, even if they somehow obtain your login credentials.

Also remove or update any saved addresses. Go to "Address Book" or "Saved Addresses" and delete entries you do not want stored. This is especially important if the account contains a home address or business location you no longer want associated with USPS records.

Canceling Informed Delivery before deactivating

If you signed up for USPS Informed Delivery—the free service that emails you images of incoming mail—you must cancel that subscription separately. An active Informed Delivery subscription can keep your account technically "active" in USPS systems even if you stop logging in.

Log into your account and navigate to "Informed Delivery" or "My Subscriptions." Look for an option to "Unsubscribe" or "Cancel Service." Confirm the cancellation. USPS will send a confirmation email to the address on file.

After you cancel Informed Delivery, wait one to two business days for the cancellation to process fully before proceeding with password changes or contacting USPS for deactivation.

Requesting formal account deactivation from USPS

If you want USPS to formally deactivate your account rather than straightforward making it inaccessible yourself, call the USPS Customer Service line at 1-800-275-8777. Have your account email address and the phone number associated with your account ready.

Explain that you want to request account deactivation. The representative will ask why you are closing the account (this is optional to answer) and will verify your identity by asking for information only the account holder would know—such as a recent transaction, an address on file, or the last four digits of a payment method you used.

Once verified, the representative can flag your account for deactivation. This process typically takes five to ten business days. You will receive a confirmation email when the deactivation is complete. Note that USPS may still retain your account data for their own records, but the account will no longer be accessible to you or anyone else.

What happens to your account after deactivation

After your account is deactivated or made inaccessible, you will not be able to log in, purchase postage online, or use any USPS.com services. If you receive mail addressed to a USPS PO Box or mailbox you managed through the account, that service does not automatically close—you must cancel the mailbox separately at your local post office.

Any pending shipments or services tied to your account will not be affected by account deactivation. If you had scheduled a package pickup or a mail hold, those remain active until their scheduled end date or until you cancel them in person at the post office.

If you ever need to use USPS services again, you can create a new account with the same email address. USPS will not prevent you from doing so, though you may see a message indicating an account previously existed under that email.

Deactivating a business or commercial USPS account

If your account is tied to a USPS Postal Service business mailbox, a commercial meter, or a business account for shipping, the deactivation process is different. You cannot deactivate these accounts online.

Visit your local post office in person with a photo ID and ask to speak with the postmaster or the employee who manages business accounts. Bring any documentation related to your account—such as a lease agreement for a PO Box or paperwork for a commercial meter. The post office will process the closure and may require you to settle any outstanding balance.

For accounts linked to a shipping meter or commercial service, the post office may require written notice or a formal request form. Ask what documentation they need before you visit.

Protecting yourself if your account was compromised

If you are closing your account because it was hacked or you suspect unauthorized access, take additional steps beyond deactivation. Change the password on the email address associated with your USPS account—this prevents someone from using "Forgot Password" to regain access even after you deactivate.

Check your email account's login history and remove any unrecognized devices. If the email itself was compromised, change that password from a different device and enable two-factor authentication on the email account.

Review your USPS account history for any unauthorized purchases or services. If you see charges you did not make, contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777 and request a dispute. Have your account statement and any receipts for legitimate transactions ready to show the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my USPS account completely so no record exists?

No. USPS retains account records in their system for compliance and record-keeping purposes. You can make the account inaccessible and request deactivation, but USPS will not erase the account entirely. If you are concerned about data retention, contact USPS directly to ask what information they keep and for how long.

What if I forgot my USPS password and cannot log in to change it?

Go to the USPS.com login page and click "Forgot Password." Enter the email address associated with your account. USPS will send a password reset link to that email. Click the link, create a new password, and then follow the steps above to change it again to something you will not remember, or contact USPS to request deactivation.

Will closing my USPS account affect my mail delivery?

No. Closing your USPS.com account does not stop mail delivery to your address. Your mailbox and postal service remain active. If you want to stop mail delivery or place a hold, you must do that separately through your local post office or by submitting a form at USPS.com.

Can I reopen a USPS account after I close it?

Yes. You can create a new account using the same email address at any time. USPS will not prevent you from signing up again, though you may see a notification that an account previously existed under that email.

How long does USPS account deactivation take?

If you request deactivation by phone, the process typically takes five to ten business days. If you straightforward change your password and remove payment methods yourself, the account becomes inaccessible when ready, though USPS may still retain the account record.