Signature Confirmation
Signature confirmation is a paid carrier add-on that requires someone at the delivery address to sign for a package, and its adult signature versions require the signer to be 21 or older.
Why it matters for ecommerce brands
Signature confirmation reduces fraud and item-not-received losses on valuable orders, but it adds cost and failed delivery attempts, so apply it by rule rather than to every order. Adult signature, which requires a signer 21 or older, is often legally required for alcohol and other age-restricted products. For example, if signature service costs, say, $7 per package and you add it only to the 4% of 20,000 monthly orders above $400, the cost is $5,600 a month instead of $140,000. Review the value threshold every quarter.
Common questions
- When should I require signature confirmation?
- Common triggers are orders above a set value, products with high resale value, addresses with past theft claims, and age-restricted goods that legally need an adult signature. Using it on every order raises cost and missed deliveries.
- What is the difference between direct signature and adult signature?
- Direct signature lets anyone at the address sign, while adult signature requires the signer to show ID proving they are 21 or older. Adult signature costs more and fails more often because fewer people can sign.
- Does USPS offer signature confirmation?
- Yes. USPS offers Signature Confirmation and Adult Signature as paid add-ons for services such as Priority Mail and Ground Advantage. The fee is added per package on top of postage.