Is there mail on MLK Day 2026? USPS pauses regular delivery Jan. 19, with limited exceptions
Regular U.S. mail delivery is not running on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2026.
On Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, the U.S. Postal Service is observing the federal holiday, meaning post offices are closed and standard letter and package delivery is paused for the day. Normal service resumes Tuesday, Jan. 20.
What’s closed for USPS on MLK Day
If you’re asking “is there mail today,” the answer for most households is no. On MLK Day, USPS typically suspends:
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Regular mail delivery (letters and flats)
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Most standard package delivery
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Retail counter service at post offices
Some self-service options may still be available in certain post office lobbies, depending on the location and building access.
The main USPS exception: Priority Mail Express
The notable exception is USPS Priority Mail Express, which is generally delivered even on federal holidays in many areas. Availability can vary by location and local staffing, so the most reliable indicator is the item’s service level and its tracking updates.
What about UPS and FedEx on MLK Day?
Private carriers handle MLK Day differently than USPS, and service can be limited.
UPS
UPS generally does not provide pickup or delivery service on MLK Day for most standard services. UPS Express Critical is the exception for time-sensitive shipments. UPS Store hours can vary by location because many are independently operated.
FedEx
FedEx often operates on a modified schedule for MLK Day. “Modified” can mean reduced pickup options, adjusted delivery commitments, or limited service for certain products depending on your area. Local FedEx Office hours can also vary.
How to tell if your package will arrive on MLK Day
To avoid guessing, use this quick checklist:
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Identify the carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx).
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Confirm the service level (standard vs. express/critical).
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Look for a delivery estimate that specifies an actual date (not just “out for delivery”).
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If it’s USPS and not Priority Mail Express, expect delivery to shift to Tuesday, Jan. 20.
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If it’s UPS or FedEx, expect limited operations depending on the service you chose and your local route.
Why mail pauses on MLK Day
MLK Day is a federal holiday, and USPS follows the federal holiday calendar for retail operations and regular delivery. That’s why the day often creates a one-day ripple: tracking may show movement or scans, but doorstep delivery typically resumes the next business day.
For most people, the takeaway is simple: no regular USPS mail on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, with deliveries returning Tuesday, and only select express options moving through the holiday.
