What items are illegal to put through a mailbox?
Asked by: Prof. Eva Carroll | Last update: February 27, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (70 votes)
It's illegal to put anything in a U.S. mailbox that isn't official USPS mail, including flyers, menus, or political ads without postage, as mailboxes are federal property, with violations punishable by fines. Items like fireworks, liquid mercury, explosives, and live ammunition are strictly prohibited by law, while items like lithium batteries and matches have strict shipping rules. Even attaching items (taping flyers) to the outside of a mailbox is illegal.
What is illegal to put in a mailbox?
"No part of a mail receptacle may be used to deliver any matter not bearing postage, including items or matter placed upon, supported by, attached to, hung from, or inserted into a mail receptacle.
Is it illegal to put lost dog flyers in mailboxes?
It's illegal to place lost / found flyers inside mailboxes. It's also illegal to affix the flyer to the mailbox in any way. Instead take the flyer to the front door.
Why is it illegal to put things in mailboxes?
According to 18 USC 1725, mailboxes are considered federal property, and only authorized personnel, such as postal workers, are permitted to place items within them. Violating this law is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $5000 for individuals and $10000 for organizations No photo description available.
What is considered mailbox tampering?
Actions that constitute mailbox tampering
This includes graffiti, breaking the mailbox, or any form of physical damage. Obstruction: Blocking access to a mailbox or preventing mail delivery is illegal. This includes parking vehicles in front of mailboxes or placing objects that hinder access.
Figuring Out If It's Illegal To Put Things In Mailboxes
What is considered blocking a mailbox?
Customers must remove obstructions, including vehicles, trash cans, and snow, that impede safe and efficient delivery. Except when a mailbox is temporarily blocked, carriers must have access to the mailbox without leaving the vehicle unless authorized to dismount.
Is it illegal to put notes in mailboxes?
Federal law prohibits anyone from putting materials into a mailbox without postage, according to the United States Postal Service — that covers anything from Christmas cards to cupcakes.
Is it illegal to put a piece of paper in someone's mailbox?
Mailboxes are considered federal property, protected by rules set by the United States Postal Service. Because of this, only authorized persons (mail carriers and the owner of the property of the mailbox) are legally allowed to place things into and retrieve items from the mailbox.
Can you put misdelivered mail in a mailbox?
Don't erase or mark over the information, or write any type of endorsement on the mailpiece. Place the item back in the mailbox or hand the item back to your mailperson.
Who owns the property around a mailbox?
Whoever owns the property the mailbox is on. It's usually an easement, which the owner is still responsible for.
Is it illegal to tape a letter to a mailbox?
Yes, it is illegal for someone to place items in a mailbox that do not have a stamp on them. Mailboxes are for the delivery of stamped mail only, and not private notes or advertisements that have not gone through the proper mailing system. You can report such behavior to the USPS.
Is it illegal to put business cards in mailboxes?
Is it illegal to put business cards on mailboxes? It is against federal law to open and put anything but official US mail in a mailbox. However, you can put things outside of the mailbox, by either taping or securing it under the flag. This isn't always a welcomed practice, and your cards could end up as litter.
Can you legally decorate your mailbox?
Yes, you can legally decorate your mailbox, but decorations must not block the address, interfere with mail delivery, or create a safety hazard, and you must follow USPS guidelines for access, placement, and visibility, plus any specific HOA rules. It's a federal offense to place un-stamped mail or advertising on your mailbox, but adding art, decals, or seasonal items (like wreaths or flags) is generally fine if it adheres to these USPS rules.
Is it illegal to put a letter in your neighbor's mailbox?
If your neighbor is not home, you can place the mail in an outgoing mail slot, and the postal service will re-deliver the mail. While it's technically illegal to place this mail in the neighbor's mailbox, you likely won't be prosecuted for doing so.
Am I obligated to return misdelivered mail?
Yes, you are generally obligated to return misdelivered mail that isn't unsolicited merchandise, often by marking it "Not at this address" and returning it to the mailstream or your carrier, as keeping it could be mail tampering, though you can keep truly unsolicited items sent to you by mistake. For mail addressed to you but for a previous resident, mark it and return it; for mail for someone else entirely at your address, the USPS advises returning it to the mailstream, as it's still considered mail that should be handled correctly.
What is the mailbox rule in law?
The mailbox rule, also called the posting rule, refers to the default rule in contracts law for determining when an offer was accepted. Under the mailbox rule, an offer is considered accepted the moment the offeree mails their letter, rather than when the offeror receives the letter in the mail.
Is it illegal to keep a package accidentally delivered to you?
Yes, it is generally illegal and considered mail theft to keep a package accidentally delivered to you if it's addressed to someone else, especially if sent via USPS, potentially leading to fines or prison time under federal law, though the sender can't demand payment for unsolicited goods sent to you by mistake. For misdelivered items, you should mark it "Return to Sender," give it back to your carrier, or contact the company; for packages addressed to you but not ordered, the FTC says you can keep them as a free gift.
What do I do if the mailman keeps putting mail in the wrong mailbox?
If receiving the incorrect mail in your mailbox is a persistent problem, call the USPS Consumer Affairs office, file a complaint, or report it to your local postmaster.
Can you throw out mail that isn't yours?
Stealing, destroying, defacing, or interfering with the delivery of mail is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. To avoid potential legal troubles, here's what not to do with mail that isn't yours. Throw It Away. Tossing someone else's mail into the trash is tantamount to stealing it.
Can I put a card in my neighbor's mailbox?
It should be fine in the mailbox, especially if you write their name large so the postal worker knows it is intended for the mailbox owner.
Is leaving flyers soliciting?
Yes, handing out flyers is often considered a form of solicitation or "canvassing," and while generally legal for non-commercial/political speech, it depends heavily on local ordinances, property rules (like "no soliciting" signs), and whether you're directly engaging people or just leaving materials, with commercial efforts usually facing more restrictions than political ones.
Can USPS open my mailbox for me?
The Postal Service™ neither opens a locked box nor accepts a key for this purpose.
Is it a felony to put things in mailboxes?
Placing any type of mail or marketing collateral in a mailbox without official postage and not sent through the US Postal Service is considered a federal offense that comes with a fine of up to $10,000.
Is it illegal to put newspapers in mailboxes?
The Postmaster noted an exception to the general rule: newspapers can be placed in mailboxes only on Sunday; a non-delivery day for the Postal Service. He additionally noted that a newspaper receptacle can be mounted on rural or curbside mailbox post or support.
Is it a felony to open someone's mail?
Is Mail Theft a Felony in California? Mail theft is best known as a federal crime, and under USC Section 1702 of Title 18, if you open someone else's mail, it is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.