In addition to the dozens of different shipping services UPS offers, it also offers various features you can add to packages to help protect them from damage or theft.
One of these features is the company’s delivery signature service- so does UPS require a signature for all packages, and what do you need to know about this service?
Does UPS Require a Signature In 2024?
UPS doesn’t require a signature for every package in 2024. Most signature service packages contain expensive or unique items, sensitive documents, alcohol, or pharmaceuticals. You can tell your package requires a signature by checking your tracking info- if it does, you’ll need to be there to sign for the package, or else UPS will not deliver it.
If you’re interested in using UPS’ signature services for your next package, or just want to know what to expect if you ever need to use this service, be sure to keep reading to learn more!
How Do I Know If My UPS Package Requires a Signature?
You can figure out if your package requires a signature one of two ways- either through a free UPS My Choice account, or by checking out your tracking information.
To use your tracking information, all you’ll need to do is visit the UPS website and type in your tracking number.
Once you’ve entered your tracking number, all of the information related to your package should populate.
At the bottom of the screen, UPS will tell you if there’s a signature required- if you don’t see anything, there’s no signature required!
To use a UPS My Choice account to check whether a package will require a signature, you can either sign up for free, or login to your account by visiting the UPS My Choice page here.
Once you’re into your account, all of the packages associated with your address will be visible.
For each package, UPS will give you any relevant tracking information, which service your package is being shipped with, and if there are additional features like signature services.
If all you see is tracking numbers and related tracking info, and nothing on signature services, then chances are that your package won’t require a signature to be delivered.
Will UPS Leave a Package Without a Signature?
If your package does have a signature service added to it, then UPS will not deliver your package without first receiving a signature.
The only exceptions to these rules apply to UPS My Choice users, which we discuss in more detail in the next section.
If you’re not a UPS My Choice user or there to sign for your package, your UPS courier will leave a note on your door with your tracking number, notifying you of the failed delivery attempt.
There is a place provided on this note that’s labeled ‘your signature,’ where you can sign in order to release your package.
Just sign on the line and place the note back where you found it.
The next time your local UPS courier comes by to drop it off, that slip acts as a signature that allows your courier to leave your package at the door.
If you want to read more about UPS delivery notice slips, how to read them, and how to use them to your advantage, be sure to check out this helpful page of the UPS website.
If your package does not have any signature services added, then UPS will deliver your package normally without trying to obtain a signature.
How Can I Get UPS to Not Require a Signature on My Package?
Most packages already don’t require a signature, so there’s not much you need to do in most cases for your package to be delivered normally.
If you know your package requires a signature, but you want to try and get around needing to be home when your package is delivered, there are a couple strategies you can use.
The only way that you can get UPS to leave a signature service package at your front door, and without having to sign for it, is by using a feature available only to UPS My Choice users.
Through your free UPS My Choice account, you can opt to use a digital or electronic signature in place of having to physically sign for packages that require a signature.
In order to do this, the package must be using the Delivery Confirmation Signature Required service- if the package requires an adult signature, then you cannot sign for the package online.
You can also use your UPS My Choice account to opt for your package to be delivered to a secure location, such as the UPS Store, or with an individual you trust.
If you’re interested in other ways a UPS My Choice account can help make signing for packages easier and less stressful, you can check out this FAQ page on the UPS website.
What Kinds of Signature Services Does UPS Offer?
UPS offers three kinds of delivery confirmation services, two of which require a signature to be obtained before a package can be released from UPS custody.
The first of these two services is called Delivery Confirmation Signature Required.
Under this service, anyone at the residence can sign for the package, regardless of age or whether or not they’re the listed recipient of the package.
Delivery Confirmation Signature Required is also the only service for which you can sign electronically through your UPS My Choice account.
The other signature service UPS provides is Delivery Confirmation Adult Signature Required.
Adult Signature services require that the person signing for the package shows the courier a valid government ID that shows that they are 21 years old or older.
For both signature services, as soon as the recipient signs for the package, the shipper is notified that the package has left UPS custody and is able to access the signature of the recipient.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not UPS notarize, if UPS delivers to door, and if UPS sends text messages.
Conclusion
UPS offers signature services that can be added to certain packages for an additional cost, however, not every single package requires a signature to be delivered.
You can find out if your package requires a signature by checking out your tracking information on the UPS website, or by making a free UPS My Choice account.
