Shipping Glossary

Signature Confirmation

What signature confirmation is, when to use it, and how it protects your shipments.

Definition

Signature confirmation is an add-on shipping service that requires someone at the delivery address to provide a signature before the carrier will release the package. It serves as proof of delivery and protects against theft and false non-delivery claims.

What Is Signature Confirmation?

Signature confirmation comes in several levels depending on the carrier. Standard signature confirmation requires any person at the address to sign. Adult signature requires someone 21 or older to sign and show ID, which is mandatory for certain items like alcohol and firearms. Direct signature requires the specific addressee to sign. When no one is available to sign, the carrier will typically make multiple delivery attempts and may leave a notice for the recipient to pick up the package at a local facility. Signature confirmation adds $3-6 to the shipping cost depending on the carrier and type of signature required.

Why It Matters

Signature confirmation protects high-value shipments and provides legally defensible proof of delivery. It's essential for expensive items, age-restricted products, and situations where package theft is a concern.

How Each Carrier Handles Signature Confirmation

USPS

USPS offers Signature Confirmation ($3.70) requiring any person at the address to sign, and Restricted Delivery ($6.40) requiring the specific addressee to sign and show ID. Adult Signature Restricted Delivery ($7.15) requires ID proving the signer is 21+.

FedEx

FedEx offers Direct Signature ($6.75) requiring someone at the address to sign, Adult Signature ($7.50) requiring a signer 21 or older, and Indirect Signature ($5.25) where the driver can release the package if they obtain a signature or determine the address is secure.

UPS

UPS offers Delivery Confirmation Signature Required ($5.50) requiring a signature from anyone at the address, and Adult Signature Required ($7.00) requiring the signer to be 21+ and show government-issued ID.

Tips

Use signature confirmation for items valued over $200 to protect against 'item not received' claims

Adult signature is required by law for shipping alcohol, tobacco, and firearms

Inform your customers when signature is required so they can plan to be available for delivery

Use I'd Ship That to easily add signature confirmation when purchasing your shipping labels

Related Terms

Shipping Insurance • Tracking Number • Package Tracking

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does signature confirmation cost?

Costs vary by carrier and signature type. USPS Signature Confirmation is $3.70. FedEx Direct Signature is $6.75. UPS Signature Required is $5.50. Adult signature options cost $1-2 more than standard signature with each carrier.

What happens if no one is home to sign?

The carrier will leave a delivery attempt notice and typically try again the next business day. After 2-3 failed attempts, the package is held at the nearest carrier facility for pickup. USPS holds for 15 days, FedEx for 7 days, and UPS for 5 business days before returning to sender.

When should I require signature confirmation?

Use signature confirmation for high-value items (over $200), age-restricted products (alcohol, tobacco), important documents, prescription medications, and shipments to addresses with known theft issues. It's also recommended for expensive e-commerce orders to protect against fraudulent non-delivery claims.

Can the recipient waive the signature requirement?

With some carriers and signature levels, yes. USPS and FedEx allow recipients to authorize release without a signature by leaving a signed note or using the carrier's online tools. However, adult signature and restricted delivery cannot be waived.

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