If you're not home to sign for a parcel or registered post letter, or there's no safe place for us to leave the item1, we'll take it to one of the nearest Post Offices.


You'll have 10 business days to collect it before the item is returned to the sender. When you collect a parcel or letter from the Post Office, we'll ask you to show ID proving that you're either:

  • the person it's addressed to (the 'addressee')
  • someone who's authorised to collect on the addressee's behalf

Received a notification saying your parcel is in a Parcel Locker? 

See info on missed deliveries placed in Parcel Lockers.

What ID you need to bring

When you collect a parcel or letter from the Post Office, we'll ask you to show ID, which differs depending on who the item is addressed to.

Can't make it there yourself?

Other people can collect your parcel for you one of two ways.

  1. Someone who lives with you can collect it with suitable ID.
    Anyone from the delivery address can collect the item as long as they have proof of address and suitable ID.
  2. Someone who doesn’t live with you needs authority to collect
    You can also have someone from a different address collect your parcel by giving them collection authority.

Ways to give someone authority to collect

Sharing collection authority when tracking

When a parcel is awaiting collection you'll see an option to 'Let someone collect this parcel'. Send a friend by creating a collection authorisation image to download and share via email, SMS or your preferred messaging app.

You need a MyPost account to do this and the person collecting needs suitable ID.

Get the AusPost app

Using a collection notification card

If you’ve received an awaiting collection card, complete the 'collection authorisation' section. The person collecting should take the completed card to the Post Office along with suitable ID.

Please note: Some senders sending specific parcels, for example phones or alcohol, may require in-person collection by the addressee only, in which instance the collection authorisation option cannot be used.

Can't collect from that Post Office?

You can transfer your item to another Post Office within Australia for $7.05. (Handy if you're travelling or have a new address.)

Not sure why your item was taken to a particular Post Office? Report a delivery issue and ask us to waive the transfer fee.

Missed deliveries5 placed in Parcel Lockers

If your mobile number is included on your parcel, your missed delivery (or PO Box parcel) may be placed in a free 24/7 Parcel Locker, so you can collect it day or night. Parcel Lockers are free, secure and easy to use.

If your parcel is eligible for Parcel Locker collection, we’ll send you an SMS or email when it arrives. To open the locker, use the access code provided in your SMS or email, following the on-screen prompts at the locker.

You have 48 hours to collect your parcel. If you are unable to collect your parcel it will be available over the counter.

Want to use a Parcel Locker for your next delivery? Find out how

Get more delivery options with the AusPost app

For the quickest, smartest tracking experience, use the AusPost app to manage your deliveries on the go.   


You can also choose to send your parcel to any of thousands of Australia Post locations around the country.

When you log in to the AusPost app you can:

  • Get more delivery options. Give us the okay to leave parcels in a safe place2, or change your delivery address while your parcel is on its way3
  • Use collection points. Collect your parcels anytime, day or night, from a free, secure 24/7 Parcel Locker4
  • See delivery dates and delays. Track your parcel, stay up to date and keep an eye on any delivery delays
  • Share collection authority. Let someone else collect your parcel from the Post Office with three taps
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
Learn more about managing your deliveries

1 Parcel delivery is dependent upon how an item is addressed, the location of a property, and Australia Post operational requirements for security and occupational health and safety.

Australia Post will card or deliver parcels according to the following methods:

  • delivery to the door
  • street delivery into a mail box with an approved size, location and number
  • delivery over the counter at a Post Office
  • roadside delivery into a mail box with an approved size, location and number
  • a Post Office box, locked bag, private mail bag or community bag

2 The option to have your parcel left in a safe place will only be available if the sender has agreed to allow it. This applies to parcels in transit and addressed to a street address. Additionally, the shipping information provided by the sender must include your registered email address, mobile number, or other details that allow us to match the parcel to your MyPost account.

3 Parcel redirection is only available for parcels in transit and addressed to a street address. Additionally, the shipping information provided by the sender must include your registered email address, mobile number, or other details that allow us to match the parcel to your MyPost account. Changing your delivery address may result in a delay in delivery, depending on the location.

4 You have 48 hours to collect your parcel once it has arrived at a Parcel Locker or Parcel Collect (Post Office) location. Post Offices will accept parcels up to 22kg and not greater than 105 cm in one dimension. Letters and standard mail that can be delivered to your letterbox, including Express Post letters, will not be accepted. Please refer to the full Parcel Locker terms and conditions for further details.

5 'Missed deliveries' includes parcels addressed to a street address or PO Box.