A FedEx door tag marks an attempted delivery when nobody was home, a signature was required, or there was no safe drop spot. The door tag number starts with DT followed by 12 digits. Typing fedex.com/doortag opens the official FedEx Door Tag page, where the DT number shows your options: sign the tag for redelivery, redirect the shipment, or pick it up. Drivers leave this notice only after an initial delivery attempt has failed. You cannot request a door tag in advance.
How to track a FedEx door tag number
FedEx links each door tag number to your package’s tracking number, so the DT number works anywhere a tracking number does. You can track a FedEx door tag using web tracking, the mobile app, text messaging, or phone support.
- Enter the door tag number without spaces on the tracking tool.
- Open the FedEx Mobile app and scan the tag barcode directly.
- Send an SMS text message with your DT number to the automated service.
- Call customer service and follow the automated tracking prompts.
| Route | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Web tracking | FedEx tracking tool | Entering the door tag number (no spaces) online |
| FedEx Mobile app | FedEx Mobile app | Scanning the door tag barcode directly |
| SMS text message | Text 48773 | Texting “follow” and the door tag number (example: follow DT999999999999) |
| Phone customer service | 1.800.GoFedEx (1.800.463.3339) | Calling, saying “track my package,” and following the prompts |
Verified 2026-10-10 on fedex.com.
Tracking online also provides free picture proof of delivery or a delivery attempt with your tracking number, confirming whether the driver actually reached your door.
What the boxes on a FedEx door tag tell you
FedEx door tag checkboxes reveal why the driver could not leave the package and what happens next. Reviewing the checked boxes on your FedEx door tag confirms whether another attempt is scheduled or if your parcel is already held at a facility.
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery attempt date and redelivery directions | FedEx recorded the attempt and may have already scheduled another delivery | Check redelivery directions; FedEx generally reattempts delivery the next day |
| “Final delivery attempt” box checked | Your package is at a FedEx location | Track the DT number to find the location, then pick it up within 7 days |
| “See back of tag” box checked | The driver noted why the item could not be left or where it waits | Turn the tag over for driver notes or pickup location details |
| Signature-required box checked | Delivery requires an authorized signature | Check the signature tier: sign for indirect signatures or be home for direct signatures |
| Label applied to back of tag | Item held due to signature rules or safety concerns | Package was taken to a nearby FedEx location. Pick it up rather than waiting for the truck. |
Verified 2026-10-10 on fedex.com.
If the tag says Final delivery attempt, stop waiting for the truck.
Choice 1: Sign the door tag for next-business-day delivery
A common mistake with a FedEx door tag is assuming that signing the slip allows a driver to release every package type. Signing the back of a FedEx door tag authorizes release exclusively for Indirect Signature Required shipments.
- Check the front of the tag to confirm the attempt and note the redelivery schedule.
- Complete and sign the authorization section on the back of the tag.
- Leave the signed slip on your door before the driver arrives the next business day.
FedEx notes, “We’ll reattempt to deliver your package the following day.” Residential deliveries generally run 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday–Friday, plus weekends. Signing authorizes release without anyone present.
(No, a sticky note saying “leave it by the garage” will not work. FedEx drivers cannot follow handwritten notes, for safety reasons.)
Tag signatures do not work for Adult Signature Required (someone 21 or older with government photo ID) or Direct Signature Required (in-person recipient signature; otherwise FedEx reattempts delivery or holds the package nearby). FedEx Delivery Manager users can sign virtually for indirect signatures. See our guide to FedEx signature requirements or review the FedEx signature services page.
Choice 2: Redirect the package or hold it at a FedEx location
FedEx lets you redirect an undelivered parcel to a nearby retail counter if waiting for redelivery is inconvenient. Redirecting a package to a FedEx hold location is free when you are enrolled in FedEx Delivery Manager.
- Go to the FedEx tracking page and enter your tracking number.
- Select Manage Delivery, then click Hold at Location.
- Choose a convenient partner site, such as FedEx Office, Walgreens, or Dollar General.
- Wait for a text, automated call, or email confirming the parcel is ready.
Under FedEx Hold at Location, redirected packages are usually available on the original delivery date. Delivery Manager provides a shareable pickup QR code (not allowed for adult signatures). Note that some shippers restrict rerouting. To learn more about rerouting early, see how to pick up a FedEx package before delivery.
Choice 3: Pick up the package yourself
Picking up an undelivered FedEx package directly from the counter gets it into your hands faster than waiting on another truck. You can pick up a held FedEx package as early as the same day of the missed attempt by presenting government photo identification.
- Track your door tag online to find which facility holds the parcel.
- Bring your tracking number, your door tag number and a government-issued photo ID.
- Bring secondary address proof if your ID address does not match the label.
- Present your documents to the counter staff and sign.
If your ID address does not match the label, bring secondary proof of residence: a utility bill or statement, health or auto insurance card, property statement from a county or city website, or credit card statement. Anyone living at the same address can pick it up with the tracking number and a government photo ID or approved alternative proof.
Check counter hours on the FedEx location directory. Note that picking up a held package differs from scheduling a FedEx home pickup, where a driver collects an outgoing parcel from your home. TrackingAdvice is an independent tracking site and is not affiliated with FedEx.
How many times FedEx tries, and how long it holds the package
FedEx does not publish a general attempt count for Ground, Home Delivery, or Express, so do not plan around a third try. FedEx holds a missed-delivery package at a local location for up to 7 days before returning it to the shipper.
| Situation | What FedEx publishes |
|---|---|
| After first missed attempt | Reattempts next day (generally 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday–Friday, plus weekends for residential) |
| “Final delivery attempt” box checked | Package is at a FedEx location |
| Label on back of tag | Taken to a nearby FedEx location for pickup |
| FedEx Authenticated Delivery | Up to 3 attempts, then returned to shipper; not eligible for Hold at Location |
| General attempt count | Not published for Ground, Home Delivery, or Express on fedex.com (checked 2026-10-10) |
| Missed delivery package at location | Held up to 7 days, then returned to shipper or nearest facility |
| Delivery Manager hold request | Free at nearby location; held up to 10 days standard, 5 days expedited |
| Maximum attempts reached | Tracking status displays “Returning to shipper” |
Verified 2026-10-10 on fedex.com.
Hold requests in Delivery Manager stay 10 days for standard shipments or 5 days for expedited. But for a missed delivery, FedEx’s own number is 7. Plan on 7.
Status “We tried to deliver” marks a failed attempt, while “Returning to shipper” means the sender recalled the parcel or attempts ran out. See FedEx return to sender.
How to tell if a FedEx door tag is fake
The quickest check on a FedEx door tag you do not trust is to type its DT number into FedEx tracking yourself. A paper tag with a DT number that does not track on fedex.com is a red flag.
- Verify you were expecting a delivery; unexpected notifications are usually phishing.
- Enter the DT number directly at fedex.com rather than following text links or QR codes.
- Remember that FedEx never asks for payment or personal info by unsolicited call, mail, text, or email for items in transit.
- If you spot unauthorized charges, call FedEx Fraud at 1.800.584.2681 and file a report on the FedEx fraud page.
| FedEx contact | Number or address | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| FedEx Fraud | 1.800.584.2681 | Charges on your FedEx account you do not recognize |
| FedEx abuse | abuse@fedex.com | Forwarding a phishing email that uses the FedEx name |
Verified 2026-10-15 on fedex.com.
FedEx door tags in peak season
Peak season operations at FedEx alter standard driver schedules and counter hours throughout late November and December. Holiday closures and modified service days shift scheduled FedEx reattempts past the standard next-day window.
| Date | FedEx status | FedEx Office |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 25 | Modified service | Modified hours |
| Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving) | Closed | Closed |
| Nov. 27 | Modified service | Open |
| Dec. 24 | Modified service (modified Ground pickups) | Modified hours |
| Dec. 25 | Closed | Closed |
| Dec. 26 | Open | Open |
Verified 2026-10-10 on fedex.com.
Modified service means early on-call pickups and drop box pickups (or closures) in some areas, documented on the FedEx holiday schedule page. If a tag is left on Nov. 25 or Dec. 24, the next-day reattempt falls on a closed holiday, pushing delivery back. Redirect the parcel to a hold location or set a vacation hold for up to 14 days in Delivery Manager. See our guide to FedEx holidays.
When the door tag is not the real problem
Tracking discrepancies at FedEx can leave you with a physical door tag that contradicts your online status. When tracking updates conflict with your FedEx door tag, resolve the underlying status issue first.
- If your shipment showed active transit but no driver arrived, read our guide on FedEx out for delivery but not delivered.
- If tracking states the item was delivered but you have no package, see our advice for when FedEx says package delivered but it was not.
- If you cannot resolve tracking issues online and need customer support, see how to speak to a human at FedEx.
- For general carrier tools and package lookups, explore our FedEx tracking hub.
FAQ
How do I get a door tag from FedEx?
A driver leaves a door tag after a first delivery attempt when you are away, when a secure drop-off spot is unavailable, or when a signature is required. You cannot request a door tag or get one before a delivery attempt.
Can I leave a note on the door for a FedEx signature?
No. FedEx drivers will not follow handwritten notes or unofficial communications for safety reasons. To authorize release without being home, sign the physical door tag for an Indirect Signature Required package or sign virtually via FedEx Delivery Manager.
How does a FedEx door tag work?
A FedEx door tag provides delivery attempt details and connects to your shipment through a 12-digit DT number. It indicates whether FedEx will reattempt delivery the following day, whether a signature is required, or if the package was transferred to a nearby location for pickup.
What do FedEx door tags look like?
A FedEx door tag displays a DT number starting with DT followed by 12 digits and a barcode. It features printed fields for attempt dates and redelivery directions, checkboxes for attempt status and signature requirements, and space on the back for signature release or an applied location label.
How long does FedEx hold packages?
FedEx holds a missed-delivery package at a local facility for up to 7 days before returning it to the shipper or nearest FedEx facility. Hold requests via FedEx Delivery Manager are held up to 10 days for standard shipments or up to 5 days for expedited shipments.
Can I track a FedEx package with the door tag number?
Yes. Enter your door tag number without spaces at fedex.com/doortag or the main FedEx tracking tool, scan the barcode in the FedEx Mobile app, text “follow” and the DT number to 48773, or call 1.800.463.3339 and say “track my package.”
