Need to track a Royal Mail package? Enter your Royal Mail tracking number below to get live shipment status instantly. Royal Mail is the UK's national postal service, handling the majority of standard domestic mail and a large share of inbound international postal items, with delivery to every UK address six days a week for most mail classes.
Royal Mail Tracking Number Format — How to Find It
Royal Mail tracking numbers typically follow this format: 2 letters + 9 digits + GB
Example: AB123456785GB
You'll usually find your Royal Mail tracking number on your shipping receipt, order confirmation email, or the waybill slip attached to your package at pickup.
How Royal Mail Shipping Works
Royal Mail's tracked services (such as Tracked 24 and Tracked 48) provide regular scan updates, but untracked or international standard mail may show very limited or no scan history until delivery, which is normal for that service tier rather than a sign of a problem.
Inbound international items handled by Royal Mail go through UK customs (Border Force and HMRC); if duties or VAT are owed, Royal Mail typically issues a separate fee notice before or at the point of delivery.
Typical delivery time: Royal Mail Tracked 24: next business day. Tracked 48: 2-3 business days. International Tracked: 5-7 business days. International Standard: 7-25 business days.
Common Tracking Status Meanings
Label Created - Shipping label generated, awaiting courier pickup
Picked Up - Courier has collected the package from sender
In Transit - Package is moving between sorting facilities
Arrived at Hub - Package at local distribution center
Customs Clearance - Package being processed by customs
Out for Delivery - On delivery vehicle for final delivery
Delivered - Package successfully delivered to recipient
Royal Mail Tracking Not Working? Common Reasons Why
If your Royal Mail tracking isn't updating, here's what's usually going on:
24-48 hour delay: First scan may take up to 2 days after pickup
Weekend or holiday: No scans on non-business days
Customs hold: International packages may be delayed for inspection
Incorrect tracking number: Verify with your sender
If there's no update after several business days, double check the tracking number against your order confirmation, then reach out to Royal Mail's own customer support if the issue persists.
Where do I find my Royal Mail tracking number? Your Royal Mail tracking number is printed on the shipping receipt or waybill given at pickup, and is also usually included in the order confirmation or shipping notification email from whoever sent the package.
Why does my Royal Mail tracking show no updates at all? Standard untracked international mail often has minimal scanning compared to tracked services, so it's common to see no movement updates until the item is delivered or arrives at a sorting hub.
Will Royal Mail contact me if customs duty is owed? Yes, Royal Mail typically sends a fee notice (often by card through the door or by post) if VAT or customs duty needs to be paid before delivery.
What if Royal Mail tracking shows delivered but I didn't receive my package? Contact Royal Mail directly as soon as possible. Check with neighbors or household members first, and ask the carrier for proof-of-delivery details such as a photo or signature if available.
Is OG Track free to use for Royal Mail tracking? Yes, OG Track's Royal Mail tracking lookup is completely free with no signup required.