USPS Signature Required: Labels, Services, and Options

USPS offers several signature required services to ensure your mail is delivered securely and only to authorized recipients. Whether you need basic proof of delivery or strict identity verification, understanding what does USPS signature required mean and the different signature options helps you choose the right service for your needs. This guide explains all USPS signature services, when each is required, costs, and what happens if no one is available to sign.

USPS Signature Options Overview

USPS offers three main signature services, plus signature included with certified and registered mail:

• Signature Confirmation: Recipient or any person 18+ at delivery address signs
• Adult Signature: Only persons 21+ with valid ID can sign
• Restricted Delivery: Only the named addressee or their authorized agent can sign (strictest option)
• Certified Mail: Automatically includes signature confirmation
• Registered Mail: Automatically includes signature confirmation

Signature Confirmation

What it is:

Signature Confirmation requires someone to sign for the package upon delivery, but it does not verify the signer's identity. Any person 18 or older at the delivery address can sign—household member, neighbor, office receptionist, etc. The carrier scans the signature electronically and it becomes part of the delivery record accessible via tracking.

When to use:

• You need proof the package was delivered and signed for
• You do not need to verify the identity of who signed
• Sending valuable packages that should not be left unattended
• Business shipments requiring delivery confirmation

Cost:

• Retail (at post office): $4.95
• Online (USPS.com or Click-N-Ship): $3.95

Note: USPS rates change regularly and may vary.

Services that include it:

• Certified mail includes signature confirmation automatically - no extra fee needed
• Registered mail includes signature confirmation automatically with enhanced security
• Priority Mail Express includes signature confirmation as standard
• Learn more about tracking certified mail with signature confirmation

Adult Signature

What it is:

Adult Signature requires the mail carrier to verify the recipient is 21 years of age or older by checking a valid government-issued photo ID. The carrier confirms the person's age before allowing them to sign. This service is commonly used for alcohol shipments, age-restricted products, or high-value items requiring adult verification.

When to use:

• Shipping alcohol (wine, beer, spirits)
• Age-restricted products
• Items that legally must be delivered to adults only
• High-value packages requiring verified adult receipt

Cost:

• $8.40 (as of 2025)

Note: USPS rates change regularly and may vary.

ID requirements:

• Valid government-issued photo ID showing date of birth
• Accepted IDs: Driver's license, passport, state ID, military ID
• Carrier verifies age before delivery

Restricted Delivery

What it is:

Restricted Delivery is the strictest signature option. The mail can only be delivered to the specific person named on the address label or their authorized agent. The carrier verifies identity with a photo ID and will not release the mail to unauthorized individuals. If the named recipient or their authorized agent is not available, the mail cannot be delivered.

When to use:

• Legal documents that must be received by a specific person
• Confidential or sensitive materials
• Court filings requiring personal service proof
• Situations where only one specific person should receive the mail

Cost:

• Certified Mail Restricted Delivery: $13.70
• Other services (COD, Insured Mail, Registered Mail): $8.40
• Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery: $12.35 (online) / $13.35 (retail)
• Must be combined with another service (certified mail, registered mail, etc.)

Note: USPS rates change regularly and may vary.

ID requirements:

• Name on ID must match name on mail exactly
• Carrier will not accept "close enough" matches
• If named person is unavailable, carrier leaves PS Form 3849 notice

USPS Signature Services: Costs Comparison (2025)

Note: USPS rates change regularly. Check USPS.com for current pricing.

How to Add Signature Services

At the Post Office:

• Tell the clerk which signature service you need
• Clerk will affix the appropriate label to your package
• Pay the signature service fee plus postage
• Keep your receipt with tracking number

Online (USPS.com or Click-N-Ship):

• Select your mail service (Priority Mail, etc.)
• Add "Signature Confirmation" or "Adult Signature" as an extra service
• Print label at home and affix to package
• Drop off at post office or schedule pickup

With Certified or Registered Mail:

• Signature confirmation is automatic—no additional fee
• Add Restricted Delivery for additional fee if needed (varies by service)
• Request when filling out PS Form 3800 or PS Form 3806

What Happens If No One Is Available to Sign?

When mail requires a signature but no one is available:

Step 1: Delivery Attempt

The carrier attempts delivery. If no one answers or no one eligible to sign is available, the carrier leaves a PS Form 3849 notice slip in your mailbox.

Step 2: Notice Left

The notice tells you a signature-required item was attempted and provides instructions for redelivery or pickup.

Step 3: Your Options

• Schedule Redelivery: Go to usps.com/redelivery and choose a date when someone will be home
• Pick Up at Post Office: Bring the notice and valid ID to the post office during business hours
• Sign Notice: Sign the PS Form 3849 and leave it in your mailbox—carrier will leave the mail on next attempt (not available for Restricted Delivery or Adult Signature)

Step 4: Time Limit

USPS holds signature-required mail for 15 days. If you do not pick it up or schedule successful redelivery within 15 days, the mail is returned to the sender.

FAQs

Related Guides

• What is Certified Mail? - Includes automatic signature confirmation
• What is Registered Mail? - Maximum security with signature tracking
• PS Form 3849: USPS Redelivery Notice - What to do when you miss a signature required delivery
• How to Fill Out PS Form 3811 (Green Card) - Physical return receipt option
• USPS Electronic Return Receipt - Digital proof of delivery
• How to Track Certified Mail - Monitor your signature required mail
• How to Fill Out PS Form 3800 - Certified mail receipt form