India Post Tracking Number Format
Every India Post consignment uses a standardised 13-character tracking number. Learn how to read it, what each part means, and where to find yours.
The 2 + 9 + 2 Structure
Example tracking number
Service prefix. Identifies the article type (Speed Post, EMS, Registered, etc.) and the origin state.
9-digit unique serial number. Contains only digits (0–9) — no letters in this section.
Country code. Always "IN" for India-origin parcels. International arriving parcels show sender country code (e.g., US, GB).
Service Prefix Codes
The first two letters of your tracking number identify the service type.
| Prefix | Service | Example |
|---|---|---|
EE / EU
|
Speed Post (domestic express) | EK123456789IN |
EM / EA
|
EMS International | EM123456789IN |
RX / RA
|
Registered Post | RN123456789IN |
CP
|
Express Parcel Post | CP123456789IN |
PP
|
Passport Post | PP123456789IN |
LP / LZ / LH
|
Logistics Post | LP123456789IN |
VL / VP
|
Value Payable Post (COD) | VL123456789IN |
The second letter in the prefix typically encodes the Indian state of origin. For example, K = Karnataka, D = Delhi, M = Maharashtra, A = Andhra Pradesh. This is not standardised across all services.
Where to Find Your Tracking Number
Post Office Receipt
The physical receipt given at booking counter. The tracking number is printed prominently, often with a barcode above it.
SMS from India Post
India Post sends an automatic SMS confirmation with the tracking number immediately after booking at most post offices.
Email Receipt
If you provided an email at booking, India Post sends a confirmation email containing the tracking number.
eCommerce Order Page
If your parcel was dispatched from an online marketplace, the tracking number appears under Order Details or Shipping Info.
Passport Seva Portal
For passport consignments, log in at passportindia.gov.in and check your application status page for the Speed Post tracking number.
Booking Post Office
If you cannot find the number anywhere else, visit or call the post office where you made the booking. Provide your name and booking date.
Common Character Confusion
If tracking returns "not found", check these easily confused characters first.
Letter O and digit zero (0) look nearly identical in some fonts. Remember: characters 3–11 are always digits only.
Letter I (capital i) and digit one (1) are often indistinguishable. The first two characters are always letters, so a "1" there is actually an "I".
Letter B and digit 8 can look similar in handwritten receipts. Cross-check by knowing that positions 3–11 are numeric only.
Special Tracking Formats
e-Money Order (eMO)
Electronic Money Orders use a separate 20-digit numeric format rather than the standard 13-character alphanumeric structure. This is the only India Post service with a different tracking format.
International Inbound Parcels
Parcels arriving in India from abroad follow the
same 13-character format but end with the sender country's code (e.g., LX123456789GB
for a parcel from the UK). These can also be tracked using My Speed Post.