Enter any Royal Mail tracking number for real-time status. Tracked 24, Tracked 48, Special Delivery, and International Tracked services all supported.
Track Royal Mail Package
Royal Mail tracking numbers: 13-char domestic (AB123456789GB), international formats vary by service (RN, TK prefix). Tracked 24: next working day. Special Delivery: by 1 PM guaranteed. Updates within 2-10 minutes of each scan. Contact: 03457 740 740.
How Royal Mail shipment updates work
Key facts about Royal Mail
Tracking number format
13 characters (e.g. AB123456789GB); prefix indicates service type
Tracking example
AB123456789GB
Support phone
03457 740 740
Royal Mail shipment statuses explained
Use the last visible scan to decide whether to wait, track more closely, or escalate.
| Status | What it means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| We've got it | Package accepted into the Royal Mail network and initial processing has begun. | Normal - transit has started. |
| In transit | Moving between Royal Mail facilities. Can last 6-48 hours depending on distance. | Normal. If over 48 hours, the package is likely traveling between regional hubs. |
| Arrived at delivery office | Package is at your local delivery depot. Typically delivers the same or next working day. | No action needed. If Friday evening, expect delivery Monday for non-priority services. |
| Out for delivery | Package is on the delivery vehicle. Delivery expected within 1-6 hours. | Be available if a signature is required. Check your Royal Mail app for live tracking. |
| Delivered | Package delivered to your address with timestamp and GPS coordinates. | Check door, safe location, or neighbour. If missing, contact Royal Mail after 24 h. |
| Delivery attempted | Driver couldn't complete delivery - no answer or access issue. | A notification card should be left. Rebook online at royalmail.com or collect from your delivery office. |
Tracking number formats for Royal Mail
Identify your tracking number type before entering it into the search box above.
Standard format
AB123456789GB13 characters (e.g. AB123456789GB); prefix indicates service type
How to track a Royal Mail shipment
Follow these steps to get real-time status on any Royal Mail shipment.
Find your Royal Mail tracking number
Look in your dispatch email from the sender or retailer. Royal Mail tracking numbers are 13 characters (e.g. AB123456789GB). The first two letters indicate the service - TK or TD for Tracked, SD for Special Delivery, RN for International Signed.
Enter it in the tracker above
Paste the number into the tracking field and press "Track Package". The system identifies the Royal Mail service type from the prefix.
Read your decoded status
Your status appears in plain English with the full scan history. Royal Mail packages pass through 5-7 scan points domestically. Each scan updates within 2-10 minutes of the physical event.
Act on delivery exceptions
If delivery was attempted, rebook via royalmail.com or collect from your delivery office. For Special Delivery, use the Royal Mail app for live tracking when the driver is nearby.
Royal Mail tracking FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Royal Mail tracking and delivery.
01 What does 'In transit' mean on Royal Mail tracking?
In transit means your package is moving between Royal Mail facilities. This status can last 6-48 hours depending on the distance traveled. If it shows for more than 48 hours, the package is likely traveling between regional hubs - this is normal for longer distances. Only escalate if the status hasn't changed for over 5 working days.
02 How long does Royal Mail tracking take to update?
Royal Mail tracking updates within 2-10 minutes after each physical scan. The initial scan typically appears within 24 hours of posting. Packages scanned before 3 PM usually show updates within an hour. International packages may take 24-48 hours to show updates when transferring to another country postal service.
03 Why is my Royal Mail tracking not showing any information?
If no tracking information appears after 48 hours, common causes include: the package was posted in a collection box rather than at a post office (adds 12-24 hours), a damaged barcode, or a system sync delay. Contact Royal Mail with your proof of postage if nothing appears after 48 hours - they can manually trace the item.
04 What does "Held at delivery office" mean on Royal Mail?
This means your package is waiting at your local Royal Mail delivery office because a delivery attempt failed or the item required a signature and no one was home. You can collect it with your notification card and photo ID, or rebook delivery online at royalmail.com. You typically have 18 days before it is returned to the sender.
05 Which Royal Mail services include tracking?
Tracked 24, Tracked 48, Special Delivery Guaranteed, and all International Tracked services include end-to-end tracking. Standard 1st Class and 2nd Class letters do not include tracking. Signed For services provide a delivery scan only. Check your postage receipt for the service used.
06 How do I get proof of delivery from Royal Mail?
Go to royalmail.com/track-your-item and enter your tracking number. Once delivered, click "View proof of delivery" to download a PDF certificate. For Special Delivery and Tracked services, this includes a recipient signature, delivery timestamp, and GPS coordinates. Delivery photos are available for 61% of tracked deliveries but are only retained for 90 days.
More Royal Mail help guides
Need direct help from Royal Mail?
If the latest scan still does not make sense, contact Royal Mail directly with your tracking number ready.
What to know about Royal Mail
Track any Royal Mail package instantly. Enter your tracking number for live status, decoded messages, and expert help with common Royal Mail delivery issues.
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