When a check is "released" by the IRS , does that mean it's been mailed?

[loniberta]

I verified my identity December 3rd , 2018 for my 2017 refund , my date was set for nine weeks later on February 4th, 2019 I have not received it guessing because of the government shutdown, I spoke to customer service she said my refund would be released on the 15th she was a bit rushy , so I wasn't able to ask does released mean it will be mailed? 

[LeeM · Accepted solution]

Yes, that means the check has been mailed. The IRS ships USPS first class which usually takes between 2-5 days for the check to get there.

As always, you can check the status of your IRS refund at http://www.irs.gov/refunds