Does USPS Require a Signature in 2024? Who, When and How It Works
Wondering if USPS requires a signature for your package delivery? With over 6 billion packages delivered each year, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has honed an efficient (though not always perfect) system for getting parcels from point A to point B across the country.
But when you‘re sending something valuable or irreplaceable, efficiency may need to take a backseat to security. Read on for a detailed guide on USPS signature confirmation services – who, when, and how they work.
Over 40% of Americans Have Experienced Package Theft
While it‘s difficult to measure precisely, industry estimates suggest over 40% of Americans have experienced package theft at some point.
This means that nearly 1 in 2 packages left unattended are at risk of being swiped. And as more shopping moves online and porch piracy runs rampant, consumers rightly worry about their deliveries going missing.
When USPS Signature Confirmation is Required
Fortunately, USPS offers signature confirmation services to ease consumers’ worries. This requires a delivery signature before a package can be left behind.
You generally need someone to sign for USPS packages in three situations:
The sender purchases a signature confirmation service – Options include Adult Signature Required, Restricted Delivery, and basic Signature Confirmation.
The package is being shipped Priority Mail Express COD – USPS automatically mandates signature confirmation for COD orders paid upon delivery.
Priority Mail Express with added insurance – Items over $500 in value require a signature.
So unless the sender specifically requests signature confirmation, USPS will generally deliver packages without obtaining a signature.
Comparing USPS Signature Confirmation Options
USPS offers several Signature Confirmation services at various price points:
| Service | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Signature Confirmation | Ensures a signature from any responsible person at delivery address | $2.90+ online $3.45+ at Post Office |
| Adult Signature Required | Restricts signatures only to persons 21 years or older | $6.90 |
| Restricted Delivery | Ensures only the intended recipient can sign for the package | $8.75+ online $9.30+ at Post Office |
*Costs valid as of January 2023, subject to change
When to Use Each Type of Service
Deciding which option is right depends on the contents of your package and level of security needed:
Basic Signature Confirmation works for most packages where the sender simply wants to verify it landed safely. This allows delivery to any responsible person (not just the named recipient).
Adult Signature is recommended for wine stores, vape shops, or sellers of products like CBD requiring adult recipients.
Restricted Delivery is best for sensitive documents or very valuable items destined only for the recipient‘s hands. No one else but the named addressee may sign.
What To Do If You Miss a USPS Delivery Requiring Signature
Sometimes life gets busy and you can‘t be home to receive a package in person. When a signature is mandatory but no one is available at the delivery address, here‘s what happens next:
The postal carrier will leave a Missed Delivery notice. This bright pink slip explains that they could not complete delivery.
The package will be returned safely back to your neighborhood postal office for pickup.
Take the pink slip and valid photo ID to the post office listed on the notice. Present these to the clerk, sign for the package, and collect your delivery!
You can also arrange redelivery by calling USPS or scheduling through the USPS website for added convenience. Just be sure to track the package so you‘re notified as soon as it‘s back out for delivery.
Can You See Proof of Signature Online?
Wondering what happens if you need to verify who signed for a package? The USPS tracking page displays delivery confirmation once the carrier obtains a signature.
However, USPS does not show an image of the signature online. If required, the shipper can submit a request through USPS to receive a copy of the signature page for their records. This is handy for high-value goods or sensitive items.
Give Yourself Peace of Mind with Signature Confirmation
While adding a small fee to your shipping, a USPS Signature Confirmation service brings security knowing your package ends up safely in the right hands. With porch pirates running rampant, more senders opt for this extra reassurance.
If you‘re shipping something precious, private, or valuable, upgrading to a signature service helps takes the worry out of the delivery process.
So review the options and see whether adding a USPS Signature Confirmation makes sense to safeguard your next package!
