India Post Makes Mobile Number Mandatory for Accountable Mail Booking
Mandatory Mobile Number Capture for Booking of Accountable Mail: Department of Posts Issues Fresh Instructions
The Department of Posts has issued fresh instructions making the capture of mobile numbers mandatory at the time of booking accountable mail articles. The order has been circulated by the Mail Operations Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi through a letter dated 21 May 2026.
Download Mobile Number Capture for Booking of Accountable Mail in PDF
According to the Department, the decision was taken after reviewing operational requirements, customer feedback, and complaints received from various postal circles. It was observed that failure to capture mobile numbers negatively affected tracking facilities, delivery communication, and overall customer satisfaction.
With this latest order, the earlier relaxation that permitted booking of accountable mail without mobile numbers in cases where customers refused to provide them has been withdrawn.
Mobile Number Mandatory for All Customers
The Department has clarified that mobile number capture will now be compulsory for all customers while booking accountable mail articles. However, certain exceptions have been allowed in specific cases.
Exceptions Allowed
The following cases have been exempted from mandatory mobile number capture:
Addressee mobile number in case of international articles.
Addressee mobile number when articles are addressed to offices of:
Central Government or State Government Departments
Constitutional or Statutory Bodies such as Courts, CVC, etc.
Sender mobile number in case of bulk mailers or customers whose identity is already established through contracts.
Sender mobile number for articles addressed to CVC under PIDPI.
Dummy Mobile Number to be Used
The Department has instructed that in all such exceptional cases, the dummy mobile number “1234567890” should be entered in the system at the time of booking accountable mail articles.
Instructions for Implementation
All Circles and concerned offices have been directed to ensure strict implementation of these instructions in letter and spirit. The order has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.
The instructions are expected to improve tracking efficiency, delivery communication, and customer service standards across the postal network.