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FAQs

These answers will help you navigate the USPS Operation Santa® program.

Santa holding up a letter

Top FAQs

What are key dates to know for the 2023 program?

  • Monday, September 18: Letters can now be sent to 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888.  

  • Monday, November 6: Preregistration and ID verification for adopters begins.  

  • Monday, November 20: Letter adoption begins.  

  • Monday, December 11: Last day to send letters. Letters must be postmarked by this date.  

  • Monday, December 18:This is the last day to adopt letters before the website closes at 8pm ET. We recommend sending packages by this date to arrive by December 25th.

  • 2024 Program dates are subject to change. Check back here for updates.

How can I submit a letter for the USPS Operation Santa® Program?

A letter to Santa should be placed into an envelope with a postage stamp, and sent to 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. Don’t forget your return address — be sure to write it clearly and include an apartment number if applicable, so there is no confusion about where the gift should be sent. Write your return address on the letter itself as well.

Get more tips for writing a letter.

What happens if I move after I mail my letter?

Please ensure you submit a change of address with USPS to be sure that any gifts find you! 

Why can't I see any letters on the site? When will there be more?

New letters are added to the site daily starting Monday, November 20 through December 18. In many instances, letters are adopted as soon as they are posted. If there are no letters, it means they’ve currently all been adopted and are getting their holiday wishes fulfilled. But check back — new letters are added to the site every day. 

Do I have to buy everything the child asked for?

No. You can respond however you’re inspired to. Some people fulfill one or two of the child’s wishes, while still others may choose to grant all the wishes listed.

Do I have to fulfill expensive gift requests?

No, you don’t have to fulfill expensive requests. Hopeful as ever, kids do tend to wish big. But just hearing back from Santa is a win!

Is there a size or weight limit for shipping?

Packages must be under 70 pounds and have a maximum combined length and girth of 108 inches (girth is the distance around the thickest part of the package). If you are worried about the weight or size of your package, consider shipping in multiple boxes. No more than six boxes will be accepted per individual adoption or a total of 12 boxes per family adoption. Read our Shipping Guidelines for more information.

When do I ship my gift?

Remember to ship by the deadline. We recommend shipping gifts as soon as they’re ready. Be sure to check the hours of the participating Post Office location closest to you.

Do I have to pay for postage? How much will it cost?

Participation in the USPS Operation Santa® program requires adopters pay for shipping. Read our Shipping Guidelines for more information on postage costs.

About the Program

When does the 2024 program kick off?

The exact dates for the next program are not set. Please sign up here to be the first to know about the 2024 USPS Operation Santa® program.

What are key dates to know for the 2023 program?

  • Monday, September 18: Letters can now be sent to 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888.  

  • Monday, November 6: Preregistration and ID verification for adopters begins.  

  • Monday, November 20: Letter adoption begins.  

  • Monday, December 11: Last day to send letters. Letters must be postmarked by this date.  

  • Monday, December 18:This is the last day to adopt letters before the website closes at 8pm ET. We recommend sending packages by this date to arrive by December 25th.

  • 2024 Program dates are subject to change. Check back here for updates.

How does it work?

Every year, thousands of families send letters to Santa at the North Pole. The USPS Operation Santa® program makes it possible for people to adopt and respond to these letters, fulfilling the holiday wishes of children and families across the country.

Letters addressed to Santa’s official address are sorted, read and published on the USPS Operation Santa® website with personal information redacted. Adopters are then able to browse and select letters they love and respond with a gift and a note. 

Learn more about the letters, including tips for writing and mailing a letter to Santa to have a wish fulfilled, here

And be sure to read more about the history of this much-beloved tradition that’s been running for over 100 years.

Can anyone in the continental U.S. adopt letters in the USPS Operation Santa® program?

Anyone in the continental U.S., Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands can participate. All you have to do is sign up, create an account and get verified.

Can people in other countries or deployed military overseas send in letters or adopt them?

The USPS Operation Santa® program is only available to those residing in the continental United States and Hawaii, plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Unfortunately, military servicemen and women deployed overseas cannot participate in the program at this time.

Can I donate money to the program?

We appreciate the thought, but as a federal agency, we are prohibited from accepting monetary donations.

Is this a tax-deductible charitable donation?

Because we are not a 501(c)(3) organization, any funds spent on USPS Operation Santa® items are not tax-deductible.

Is the program safe for letter writers?

Absolutely. Every letter writer’s personally identifiable information (PII) is redacted — last names, addresses, school or community names, etc., are blacked out on the letter that is posted on the USPS Operation Santa® website. The sender of the gift does not know the PII of the letter writer.

Does every letter get a response?

No. There is no guarantee that every letter will make it to the website, that your letter will be selected, or that your letter to Santa will receive a response. The program depends on the generosity of others and the magic of the season!

Why doesn’t my Post Office location know about the program?

We are working very hard on communicating program details to our approximately 650,000 employees nationwide. Please contact us at operationsanta@usps.gov if you experience any issues.

Is there any place to adopt a letter in person?

No. The USPS Operation Santa® program is conducted exclusively online.

How can I share information about the program with others?

Resources to encourage others to get involved with the USPS Operation Santa® program can be found here.

Writing a Letter

Who writes letters to Santa?

The USPS Operation Santa® program invites everyone in the continental U.S., Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to write letters to Santa. 

Letters will be posted on USPSOperationSanta.com without personal identifying information, so others can respond to the holiday wishes. There’s no guarantee all letters will be answered, but it is certainly the goal to fulfill as many gifts as possible.

Is there an age limit?

You’re never too young or old to believe in the magic of the season! We realize that younger children or elderly adults may not be able to write themselves, so it’s ok for the parent, guardian, teacher or caregiver to assist writing. 

How can I submit a letter for the USPS Operation Santa® Program?

A letter to Santa should be placed into an envelope with a postage stamp, and sent to 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. Don’t forget your return address — be sure to write it clearly and include an apartment number if applicable, so there is no confusion about where the gift should be sent. Write your return address on the letter itself as well. 

 Get more tips for writing a letter.

Does the letter need to say anything specific?

Being specific with details about the items on your wish list — like game and book titles, sizes (include infant, toddler or teen), colors, etc. — makes it easier for the letter adopter to know what kind of gift to purchase. 

Get more tips for writing a letter

Do you have a letter template I can use?

Yes! You can download and print letter designs and ideas here to get started.

Which letters are chosen for the USPS Operation Santa® website?

Letters are not evaluated based on needs or if they’re fit to be fulfilled. They are posted for the public to decide which ones they want to adopt. However, to be included in the program a letter must: 

  • Be legible 

  • Contain a valid return address — including apartment number — in the letter or on the envelope 

  • Include the writer’s first and last names. Last names will not appear on the website. 

  • Be addressed to 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888 

  • Have a Forever® First-Class Mail® postage stamp on the envelope 

  • Be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service 

  • Be postmarked by December 11, 2023

What happens if I mailed my letter to Santa with no address? 

All letters addressed to Santa are automatically forwarded to Santa’s official mailroom address—as long as they have a stamp. 

What happens if I move after I mail my letter?

Please ensure you submit a change of address with USPS to be sure that any gifts find you! 

Are all letters received posted?

No, there is no guarantee that every letter received will be uploaded for adoption.

How will I know if my letter was received?

We can’t confirm receipt of letters or guarantee that your letter will be uploaded. There’s a chance you may see it on the site, but letters are often adopted as quickly as they are uploaded!

How will I know if my letter was adopted?

The only way to know is if you receive a gift. Believe in the magic of the season!

What happens to my letter to Santa? Will I get it back?

We don’t keep physical letters after the season is over, so unfortunately, you won’t be able to get your letter back.

How does USPS protect the privacy of those who write to Santa?

Strict USPS guidelines for the USPS Operation Santa® program ensure that members of the public do not have access to the personally identifiable information (PII) of those who write to Santa. All PII is redacted from letters before they are posted, and adopters never see an address when sending a gift.

What happens to unanswered letters?

Our goal is to get all letters answered! Regardless of whether they are adopted or not, we don’t keep any physical letters after the season is over.

Creating an Account to Adopt

Why can't I create an account right now?

The identity verification process will resume with the 2024 program. Stay updated to be the first to know about the next USPS Operation Santa® program launch.

I created an account last year. Why do I need to create a new one?

To ensure the safety of our recipients, we do not repurpose accounts or their associated data from previous years. Our adopters are required to create a new verified account each year to participate in the program.

Why do I have to be verified?

Verifying adopters online helps simplify the process of keeping all letter writers safe. We want to ensure that we know who is responsible for each gift sent.

What does it mean to be verified?

In order to verify your identity, we try to match the information you provide with records matching your user information. This allows us to know who is responsible for each gift.

I didn't get verified. Why?

There are several possible reasons why we aren’t able to verify your identity. We might not have been able to identify enough records tied to your name. If you are unable to be verified online, you can come into a Post Office™ location to have your identity verified in person.

Are there other options (other than online) to get my identity verified? 

Yes. In-person verification is an option for customers unable to get verified online. Once you go through the online process and cannot be verified, you will be provided information to take to your local participating Post Office™ location. 

What is in-person proofing?

If we can’t find enough records to confirm your identity online, you can come into a Post Office™ location to verify your account. Once you’ve opted into this service, you will receive an email with detailed instructions for completing the process.

What do I need to bring in order to be verified in person?

Once you’ve opted into in-person proofing, you will have 30 days to come into a participating Post Office™ location. Bring a valid form of identification and your assigned barcode. Please look for an email from USPS® ID Services with details.

How can I participate if I can’t be verified?

If you’re unable to get verified, please know there are other ways to help out with the program. You can encourage friends that have already been verified to adopt letters and share the gifting experience with them.

Adopting a Letter

Is there a limit to the number of letters I can adopt?

Yes. Each registered person can adopt no more than 15 letters. Teams can adopt 15 letters per participating team member. 

Please be sure you are able to fulfill the letters that you do adopt. Every adopted letter is removed from the site. If you are unable to fulfill the request, cancel your adoption on the Your Letters section of your account so it can be adopted by another generous person.  

Can I adopt an entire family?

Yes. Letters from the same household are posted collectively as a family. You can adopt entire families. Because we don’t want anyone to think Santa forgot about them, we encourage families to be adopted together and for each family member to receive something, if you are able.

Are there letters in Spanish? Any other languages?

Yes. While most of the letters received are in English, the letters written in Spanish are posted and are searchable using the language filter. Occasionally, letters written in other languages come in — we will be working on adding additional language filters in the future.

Why can't I see any letters on the site? When will there be more?

New letters are added to the site daily starting Monday, November 20 through December 18. In many instances, letters are adopted as soon as they are posted. If there are no letters, it means they’ve currently all been adopted and are getting their holiday wishes fulfilled. But check back — new letters are added to the site every day. 

Where can I find the letter I adopted?

Your adopted letters can be found under Your Letters in your account profile and in the email account you used to register. If you’ve checked all places and cannot find it, please send an email, with the Letter ID Number, to operationsanta@usps.gov.

I can’t fulfill my letter! How do I cancel my adoption?

You can cancel an adoption under Your Letters in your account profile. This allows the letter to be republished on the site so it can be adopted by someone else. 

Why don’t I see letters from my state when I search for them?

We’re constantly processing new letters to add to the site. Check in daily to see if new letters from your state have been added, or consider adopting from a different state. Please know, shipping rates vary by distance. See our shipping guidelines.

Finding the Right Gift

Do I have to buy everything the child asked for?

No. You can respond however you’re inspired to. Some people fulfill one or two of the child’s wishes, while still others may choose to grant all the wishes listed.

Can I gift slightly used items?

No. For health and safety reasons, we require only new items be sent.

Do I have to fulfill expensive gift requests?

No, you don’t have to fulfill expensive requests. Hopeful as ever, kids do tend to wish big. But just hearing back from Santa is a win!

Can I send the child more than one gift?

Yes, it’s up to you how you fulfill their wishes. Please know that no more than six boxes will be accepted per individual adoption. Read our Shipping Guidelines for more information.

What if a letter asks for something that can’t be mailed?

If your adoption contains a special request that you’d like to fulfill with a special skill, service or item too large to ship, contact us at operationsanta@usps.gov and include your Letter ID so we can help with logistics. 

How much should I spend on my gifts?

It is up to you what you purchase and how much you spend.

Can I send the family cash, a check, or gift cards?

Please do not send checks as we want to keep all gifts anonymous, and please do not mail cash. We recommend sending any monetary value in the form of Gift Cards.*  

*Gift Cards may not be insured against loss; see Domestic Mail Manual Section 609 for details.

Are there any gift restrictions?

Before shopping, please review the general requirements for common gifts that may be restricted and/or prohibited in the mail stream. Gifts declared as hazardous materials that are mailable must be shipped in strong, rigid containers (e.g., fiberboard boxes). USPS-produced packaging (e.g., a Priority Mail® box) is not eligible for shipping mailable hazardous material. Batteries must be installed in electronic devices. 

Electronic skateboards, scooters, e-bikes, fireworks/sparklers and perfume are not mailable and are prohibited in the USPS Operation Santa® program.

Will the recipient know the gift is from me?

No, please remember to keep any written correspondence anonymous — it’s from Santa, after all.

Can I contact the parents of the child who wrote the letter?

To ensure the safety and privacy of our recipients, we do not give access to any personally identifiable information of those participating in the program.

Packaging Gifts

Should I wrap the gifts before packaging them?

You can wrap the presents if you choose, but it isn't required.

Can I put more than one gift in the same box?

Yes, if they are for the same address. If you adopted a family’s letters, make sure to mark each gift with the recipient’s name.

Should I write the recipient's name on the gift(s)?

Writing the child’s name on the gift helps personalize it. If you adopt a family’s letters, labeling gifts makes it easier for the recipients to distribute them.

Can I include a personal note for the recipient?

We recommend you use the Note from Santa found in your instructions packet. It explains the program to parents and where your gift came from. You can write a note of your own as well, just please remember to sign it from Santa to keep it anonymous — and to keep the magic alive!

Should I put my return address on the box?

No, the package is from Santa. Please remember to keep any written correspondence anonymous.

How many packages can I send per adoption?

You can send up to six packages per individual adoption, and 12 packages per family adoption. Please note that you’ll have to pay for postage for every package.

Is there a size or weight limit for shipping?

Packages must be under 70 pounds and have a maximum combined length and girth of 108 inches (girth is the distance around the thickest part of the package). If you are worried about the weight or size of your package, consider shipping in multiple boxes. No more than six boxes will be accepted per individual adoption or a total of 12 boxes per family adoption. Read our Shipping Guidelines for more information.

Shipping Gifts

When do I ship my gift?

Remember to ship by the deadline. We recommend shipping gifts as soon as they’re ready. Be sure to check the hours of the participating Post Office location closest to you.

When is the last day to ship a package?

If you want the gift to arrive before Christmas, we recommend shipping it from a participating Post Office™ location by December 18. The final day for all 2023 USPS Operation Santa® packages to be shipped is January 10, 2024.  

Where can I ship my gift?

There are more than 19,000 Post OfficeTM locations that accept USPS Operation Santa® packages.

How does shipping work since I don’t have the letter writer’s address?

You must have the QR Code® to ship your gift.* The postal clerk will scan it to retrieve the necessary information and will place the shipping label on the package for you. 

*QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc.

Does every Post Office location participate?

There are more than 19,000 participating Post Office™ locations to choose from. Click here to find a location closest to you.

Can someone else ship my package for me?

We ask that you ship your own gifts. However, if you need to have a local friend or family member do it for you, please make sure to provide them with the QR Code® from your adoption confirmation email. Be sure to provide money for postage.

Do I need to bring my confirmation email?

You’ll need the QR Code® to ship your gift. When you’re at a participating Post Office™ location, just have your QR Code ready on your smartphone for our retail associates to scan, or have the printed email with QR Code on hand. Let them know that you’re here for the USPS Operation Santa® program.

I can’t access the QR Code® to ship my package. What do I do?

If you’ve checked your email and under Your Letters on your account profile on USPSOperationSanta.com and cannot find your QR Code, you can email operationsanta@usps.gov for assistance. Please provide your Letter ID Number.

Do I have to pay for postage? How much will it cost?

Participation in the USPS Operation Santa® program requires adopters pay for shipping. Read our Shipping Guidelines for more information on postage costs.

I have a lot of boxes. Is there anything extra I need to do for shipping?

If you have a large shipment, it might help to contact the Postmaster at your nearest participating Post Office™ location to assist you with additional information and anything you need for drop-off. Please remember that only six boxes can be shipped for an individual adoption and 12 for a family and that you are responsible for postage for every box shipped.

Do I have to ship with Priority Mail® service?

Yes. All USPS Operation Santa® packages must be shipped via the Postal Service using Priority Mail® service— a secure, cost-effective way to ship.

Can my mail carrier take the package to the Post Office location for me?

No. The Package Pickup option is not available with USPS Operation Santa® packages.

Can I use the Click-N-Ship® feature to mail my package?

No. To ensure privacy, the Click-N-Ship® feature is not available with USPS Operation Santa® packages.

My Post Office location couldn’t print the label. What do I do?

USPS retail associates can use a re-print function in the admin section of their Retail Systems Software — please ensure this has been attempted first. Otherwise, email operationsanta@usps.gov for assistance.

Why didn’t I get a tracking number?

Tracking information allows you to see the recipient’s address. To protect the letter writer, we do not provide tracking numbers.

Will I know if my package is delivered?

On your profile page, under Your Letters, the status of the package will change to Delivered. Watch #USPSOperationSanta for posts shared by many thankful recipients!

Receiving Gifts

When are gifts expected to arrive?

If your letter is adopted and fulfilled, you could receive a package any time after the website opens in November through mid-January 2024.

My child received a gift. Who is it from?

It’s from Santa! Thousands of his helpers adopt letters each year. Both those who write letters and the people who answer them are kept anonymous to protect participant privacy and preserve the spirit of Santa. If you have any questions or concerns about this program, please contact us at operationsanta@usps.gov

Will I receive notification that I’m getting a gift?

If you have signed up for Informed Delivery ® notifications, you will see that a package is coming to your residence. Otherwise, no, you will receive no notification from the program that you are receiving a gift.

We wrote letters but didn’t know we’d get gifts. We don’t need them. What should we do?

You can donate the gifts to a charity near you and/or you can pay it forward!

What happens if I don’t get a gift?

We hope every letter gets adopted and fulfilled. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. The program relies on the generosity of others and does not guarantee a gift. We encourage anyone not receiving a gift to write again next year.

Team Adoptions (Admin)

How do I create a team?

If you have a group that wants to adopt together, you can create a team! To set up a team, you’ll need to sign up and get verified once registration is open. 

From there, you can name your team, set adoption goals, and share via email with the people you want on your team. 

Is there a limit to the letters a team can adopt?

Yes. Each team member can adopt a maximum of 15 letters.

What are the responsibilities of a Team Admin?

The Team Admin is a facilitator and program manager. They lead the team, ensuring gifts make it to the sleigh on time. However, they are not responsible for buying or shipping their team members’ gifts. Each member of a team is responsible for their own adopted letter — from buying the gift to paying for shipping and finally, dropping off at the Post Office™ location.

Can I change my team name?

Yes! This feature is reserved for a Team Admin only. You can make the change from the Team Overview page from your team page. Change the team name only if you absolutely have to, as it might confuse your teammates.

How many teams can I create?

You can create as many teams as you like. There is no limit, but please be sure to keep them motivated and to fulfill the letters you all adopt. We don’t want Santa to forget anyone this holiday.

Can I delete a team after it’s been created?

Unfortunately, no! But you can lock the team under Team Overview > Edit Team, which will prevent anyone from joining.

Team Adoptions (Member)

Can I invite people as a team member?

Team links can be shared, but your Team Admin decides who can join the team.

Can I join more than one team?

Absolutely. You can be a part of as many teams as you like, just please be sure to keep track of all your adopted letters.

Can I leave a team at any point?

Yes, but please be responsible for any letter you adopted with the team. Adopted letters can be found in your profile under Your Letters and in your email. If you can’t fulfill the letter, please cancel it so it can be adopted by someone else.

I got rejected from a team, what happens to my letters?

If you adopted a letter under a team, then got rejected or removed from the team, that letter still belongs to you and can be found under Your Letters in your account profile. You are responsible for fulfilling it. If you can’t fulfill the letter, please cancel it so it can be adopted by someone else. 

Additionally, if you think your team rejection was a mistake, please reach out to the Team Admin to invite you in again.

Shipping Guidelines

Size and Weight Requirements

Participation in the USPS Operation Santa® program requires adopters to pay for shipping.

  • Contents must not weigh more than 70 pounds.
  • In most cases, the maximum combined length and girth is 108 inches (girth is the distance around the thickest part of the package).

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Many common household and consumer products may not be mailed. Although these items are not dangerous when stored in your home, they can become dangerous when shaken or exposed to temperature or pressure changes.

Before shopping, please review the general requirements for common gifts that may be restricted and/or prohibited in the mail stream. Gifts declared as hazardous materials that are mailable must be shipped in strong, rigid containers (e.g., fiberboard boxes). USPS-produced packaging (e.g., a Priority Mail® box) is not eligible for shipping mailable hazardous material. Batteries must be installed in electronic devices.

Electronic skateboards, scooters, e-bikes, fireworks/sparklers and perfume are not mailable and are prohibited in the USPS Operation Santa® program.

For additional information, see all regulations.

Packing the Box

  • When you mail a package, choose a sturdy box with enough room for cushioning material around the contents.
  • It's suggested not to reuse boxes as they can weaken in the shipping process. But if you decide to reuse, make sure any labels or markings are removed or completely covered over.
  • Pack the gifts with cushioning material around the contents to protect fragile items and prevent items from shifting in transit.
  • Tape your box shut and reinforce the seams with packing tape.
  • Do not use cord, string, or twine because it may get caught in the mail processing equipment.
  • Do not wrap the box in wrapping paper.

Addressing and Labeling

Do not write any addresses or notes on the package.

When you're at a participating Post Office location, have your QR Code® ready on your smartphone for the retail associates to scan. Or print your QR Code and affix it on your packages beforehand. Make sure to let the retail associates know that you're there to ship a USPS Operation Santa® package.

Suggestions on How to Minimize Postage Costs

  • Postage is based on size, weight and distance. Smaller, lighter packages shipped in-state or to an adjacent state will be the less expensive shipping option.
  • Adopt a letter in the same state as the one you live in, or in a nearby state.
  • Look at the dimensions of the gift very carefully, paying special attention to size and weight.
  • Consider a gift card for larger, heavier items. If you want to send just a gift card, it must be sent in a Priority Mail® envelope, 4” x 6” or larger to accommodate the shipping label.

Contact

Have a question you don't see an answer to here? Please contact us at operationsanta@usps.gov and include the Letter ID.