The security of the mail is a major priority for the US Postal Service, and on the whole, it does a good job. However, sometimes USPS needs your help in making sure that mail is going to the right person.
So, if you’re curious about whether USPS asks for ID and for which services, you’re not alone. A lot of other people have the same question, so we looked it up. Read on for the answers!
Does USPS Ask for ID In 2024?
For most USPS services, you don’t need to show ID, but to receive some kinds of delivery and to send mail with signature confirmation required, you need to show ID. You also need to show your ID for some other USPS services like setting up a PO Box, purchasing and cashing money orders over a certain amount, etc in 2024.
To find out more about which USPS services require ID and what are acceptable forms of identification, carry on reading. You’ll find all the details below!
Do You Have to Show USPS Your ID?
For most mail services, USPS does not need to see an ID, whether you are receiving deliveries or mailing something.
However, in order to ensure that mail and packages reach the right person, for some USPS services, you need to show your ID as proof of identity.
These services include:
- PO Box
- Priority Mail Express, Certified Mail, Insured Mail, and Accountable Mail
- Commercial Mail Receiving Agency
- Change of Address in person
- Collect on Delivery
- Purchasing a money order over $3,000
- Cashing a money order over $10,000
- Hold for Pickup
- Parcel Return
Does USPS Ask for ID When Delivering Something?
For most mail delivery, letters and packages can just be left in the mailbox or if they are too large to fit in the mailbox, they can be left near the mailbox.
However, for some kinds of mail delivery and pickup, you do need to show your ID.
For a complete list of services for which you need to show some form of ID, you can check the USPS website.
Do You Need ID to Send Priority Mail?
You do need to show ID when sending certified mail, Priority Mail Express, insured mail, and other package services.
Do You Have to Show USPS Your ID When Shipping a Package?
Normally you don’t have to show your ID when shipping packages by US mail, though all packages must have the sender’s name and address.
However, to ship some kinds of packages, you do need to show your ID.
If you are a licensed gun dealer shipping firearms, you will have to show your current Federal Firearms License. Firearms can only be shipped by licensed gun dealers.
What Forms of ID Does USPS Accept?
The USPS can require an ID to establish your identity or verify your address.
Primary forms of ID are used to establish your identity and secondary forms of identification to verify your address.
Acceptable types of primary ID must have a clear photo, and include:
- US government-issued ID: this may be issued by the federal government or a state or tribal government. It can include a driver’s license, state-issued non-driver’s identification card, tribal identification card, U.S. certificate of citizenship or naturalization, U.S. permanent resident or other identification card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Uniformed Service ID card, and a U.S. Armed Forces card.
- Passport
- Matricula Consular (Mexico)
- NEXUS (Canada)
- Corporate Identification
- S. University Identification
Acceptable Secondary Forms of Identification do not need to have a photo but must show your address. These include:
- Lease, mortgage, or deed of trust
- Voter or vehicle registration card
- Home or vehicle insurance policy
- Utility bill (cannot be used when applying for PO Boxes)
- Form I-94, Arrival, and Departure Record
Social security cards, birth certificates, credit cards, and similar forms of ID are not accepted as either primary or secondary identification.
What Does USPS Mean by Adult Signature Required?
Some mail items are sent with the Adult Signature Required service. These are meant to be delivered only to a recipient who is at least 21 years old.
To receive this mail, the recipient has to show a photo ID to the delivery person.
Further, there is also an Adult Signature Restricted Delivery, which requires the recipient to show ID to prove they are over 21 and also to sign for the mail.
How Do I Know If My USPS Package Requires a Signature?
There are four USPS services that require a signature from the receiver. These are intended to ensure that the mail goes to the right recipient, and there is an extra charge for each.
The services for which USPS requires a signature from the recipient are:
- USPS Signature Confirmation
- USPS Adult Signature Confirmation
- USPS Restricted Delivery
- USPS Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
To know more, you can also read our posts on how to delete a USPS account, USPS stamps types, and what days does USPS delivers.
Conclusion
USPS does sometimes ask for ID to confirm that mail is going to the right person or to verify your address for various services. There are a number of different forms of ID that you can use to verify your identity as well as your address.
