Signature Requirements allow you to control how and to whom a package is delivered. When enabled, USPS will require a signature at delivery and maintain a delivery record for proof of delivery.
This feature is ideal for:
High-value shipments
Sensitive or regulated products
Age-restricted items
Orders where delivery confirmation is critical
When creating or editing a shipment:
Navigate to additional services on the right side of the page
Select Signature Requirement
Choose the signature type that best fits your shipment
Click Save and complete label purchase
Pricing is shown clearly before you confirm.
Signature Type | Recipient Requirements | Age Verification | Restricted to Named Recipient | Proof of Delivery | Best For |
Standard Signature | Anyone at delivery address | No | No | Yes | Basic delivery confirmation, moderate-value shipments |
Restricted Standard Signature | Named addressee or authorized agent | No | Yes | Yes | Legal documents, sensitive or high-value shipments |
Adult Signature | Any recipient 21+ with valid ID | Yes (21+) | No | Yes | Age-restricted products, regulated goods |
Restricted Adult Signature | Named addressee or authorized agent 21+ | Yes (21+) | Yes | Yes | Highly regulated or compliance-critical shipments |
Use the table below to quickly decide which option is right for your shipment.
If your shipment… | Use this Signature Type | Why |
Needs simple proof of delivery | Standard Signature | Confirms delivery with minimal restriction |
Must be delivered only to a specific person | Restricted Standard Signature | Prevents acceptance by anyone else |
Contains age-restricted items | Adult Signature | Ensures recipient is 21+ |
Requires both age verification and recipient verification | Restricted Adult Signature | Maximum control and compliance |
Is high value but not age-restricted | Restricted Standard Signature | Limits delivery to the intended recipient |
Is regulated or compliance-sensitive | Restricted Adult Signature | Meets strict delivery and legal requirements |
What it includes
Requires a signature at delivery
USPS records the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery
Signature and delivery confirmation are stored electronically by USPS
Recommended for
Proof of delivery
Moderate-value shipments
General delivery confirmation
What it includes
All features of Standard Signature
Delivery restricted only to the named addressee or their authorized agent
Recipient must be a specific individual
Recommended for
Legal or sensitive documents
High-value items
Shipments requiring recipient-specific delivery
What it includes
Requires a signature from a recipient 21 years of age or older
Valid government-issued ID is required
USPS stores electronic delivery and signature records
Recommended for
Age-restricted products
Regulated goods
Compliance-driven shipments
What it includes
All Adult Signature requirements
Delivery limited to a specific named individual or authorized agent
Recipient must be 21+
Shipment is returned if age requirements are not met
Recommended for
Highly regulated shipments
Alcohol or compliance-sensitive products
Maximum delivery control
Signature Requirement fees are shown before label purchase
Fees apply per shipment
Pricing varies by signature type and follows USPS rates
Signature Requirements do not guarantee first-attempt delivery
USPS may attempt redelivery or leave a notice if no eligible recipient is available
Signature options must be selected before purchasing a label
Availability depends on USPS service class and destination
Some courier services automatically require a signature when insurance is added. Learn more → Priority Mail Express Insurance & Signature Requirements
Does a signature requirement guarantee my package won’t be lost or stolen?
No, but it significantly reduces delivery risk by enforcing stricter delivery rules.
Can I add or remove a signature requirement after purchasing a label?
No. Signature requirements must be selected before label purchase.
Will USPS leave the package if no one is available?
Generally no. USPS will attempt redelivery or leave a delivery notice.
Where is the signature record stored?
USPS maintains the official delivery and signature record, accessible electronically.
