Does UPS Require a Signature in 2024? A Complete Guide
UPS does not universally require signatures on all packages, but certain shipments do need a recipient‘s signature before delivery in 2024. This comprehensive article explains UPS‘ signature policies, when signatures are required, and how you can plan ahead to prevent missed deliveries.
A Look at UPS Signature Stats for 2024
According to UPS, less than 2% of their total shipments require a signature upon delivery. However, that statistic jumps to 15% for packages shipped with UPS‘ premiere Next Day Air service.
Signatures are more commonly required for:
- High-value goods over $500
- Restricted items like alcohol, tobacco, ammunition
- Sensitive documents or healthcare products
- Dangerous goods and hazardous materials
Requiring a signature is UPS‘ way of verifying delivery and sharing liability – once signed for, responsibility transfers from UPS to the recipient.
When Does UPS Require a Signature?
UPS determines signature requirements based on the package contents, service level, shipper instructions, and destination. Some common scenarios when a signature is needed:
Next Day Air Packages – Given their high value or urgent nature, many Next Day Air shipments require an adult signature.
Alcohol Purchases – Signatures are required on all alcohol deliveries, as recipients must be 21+ years old.
High-Value Goods – Jewelry, electronics, artwork and other valuables often have signature requirements to prove delivery.
Prescription Medications – Signatures are mandated when shipping prescription drugs to ensure accountable delivery.
Hazardous Materials – Signatures confirm hand-off of dangerous goods like chemicals, paints, batteries, etc.
Tobacco & Firearms – Adult signatures are required for age-restricted or regulated items.
International Shipments – Customs paperwork often requires recipient signatures to clear shipments.
How to Check if a Signature is Required
Rather than guessing, there are a couple ways to definitively check if your UPS delivery requires a signature:
Examine the Tracking Number Details
After entering your UPS tracking number at ups.com, scroll down the page for signature details. You will see "Delivery Signature Required" printed if a signature is needed.
Check Your UPS My Choice Account
UPS My Choice provides shipment alerts and delivery details for all packages coming to your address. Register for a free account and you can view any signature requirements.
Compare UPS Signature Requirements
| UPS Service | Signature Required? | Eligible for My Choice Waiver? |
|---|---|---|
| Next Day Air | Frequently | Yes |
| 2nd Day Air | Sometimes | Yes |
| Ground | Rarely | Yes |
| Adult Signature Required | Always | No |
What Happens if You Miss Your UPS Delivery?
When a signature is required but nobody is available, UPS will follow this process:
The driver will leave a "missed delivery" notice on the door.
To release the package, the resident must sign the notice and leave it for the driver.
After 3 failed attempts, UPS returns the undelivered package to the shipper.
Obviously, missed deliveries due to signature requirements can be inconvenient. But UPS My Choice provides ways to prevent this.
Use UPS My Choice to Waive Signatures
UPS My Choice members can waive signature requirements for eligible packages by:
- Providing an electronic signature to authorize delivery
- Having packages left in a safe space on their property
- Rerouting deliveries to a UPS Access Point location
The key is communicating your delivery preferences before the first attempt. This prevents missed deliveries when you‘re not home.
My Choice is free to join and greatly expands delivery flexibility. The only signature requirement it cannot waive is Adult Signature Required.
UPS Adult Signature Required
Adult Signature Required means that recipients must show a valid photo ID proving they are 21+ years old before signing for delivery. UPS uses this service for:
- Alcohol like wine, beer, and spirits
- Ammunition and firearms
- Cannabis where legally permitted
- R-rated merchandise
Since an adult signature is mandated for these packages, My Choice cannot authorize an electronic signature. However, My Choice users can pre-approve leaving these packages in a safe location if they know they will be unavailable.
Signing for Someone Else‘s Package
UPS does allow someone else to sign for a package, provided they are present at the delivery address. Drivers often request identification to verify residence when allowing an alternate signer.
Granting a trusted person signature authority prevents missed deliveries. Just beware that the signee assumes responsibility once in possession.
Conclusion
While not every shipment requires a signature, they are common for high-value and restricted goods transported by UPS in 2024. Verify any signature requirements using your tracking number or My Choice account. Then leverage UPS‘ flexible delivery options to take control of when and where packages arrive – avoiding missed deliveries and keeping deliveries on track.
