USPS signature confirmation is another service that the USPS offers alongside those items that people might be more familiar with among their package-sending services such as Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, Certified Mail, and Registered Mail. In this article, we will discuss in detail the USPS signature confirmation service and its benefits.
Table of Contents
What Is USPS Signature Confirmation?
This service provides updates to senders regarding the status of their mail as it is being sent to its final destination. Using the recipient’s signature provides senders with evidence of delivery. The person receiving the mail has to give their signature to receive the parcel.
The USPS Signature Confirmation provides the following information about sent packages:
- Name of the recipient
- The delivery date and the time of delivery (or attempted delivery)
- The shipment location
- A copy of the recipient’s signature which can by email (if requested)
- Is available only with Priority Mail, First-Class Mail parcels, First-Class Package Service, USPS Retail Ground and Package Services (Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail).
- Provides Signature Conÿrmation Restricted Delivery to a specific person for an additional fee. When used, endorse the mailpiece “Restricted Delivery” above the delivery address and to the right of the return address, or see a retail associate for assistance.
- Note that it does not provide insurance cover
What does USPS Signature Confirmation Cost?
The service costs just $2.90 if you buy from a post office and if you opt for the electronic mode then it costs $2.45. Not a bad saving for shopping from the comfort of your home.
The USPS signature confirmation service can be bought for use with the following main classes:
- Priority Mail
- First Class Mail
- USPS Retail Ground
- Collect On Delivery
- Media Mail
- Registered Mail
- Restricted Delivery (in case of COD, Registered Mail, or sum insured for more than $200)
- Return Receipt(in case of COD, Registered Mail, or sum insured for more than $200)
How Does USPS Signature Confirmation Work?
USPS Signature Confirmation is very easy to use and buy. You can add this service at the time of the mailing. If you wish to send the package through the post office then you can buy the form at the post office, or for the electronic mode you will need to add it to your mail piece before you print your package labels.
The 4 step process to follow is outlined below:
Step 1: Fill out the PS Form 153. You can download the form here.
Step 2: Attach the form to your mail or package. The part of the form that you need to attach is the top section with the barcode and the colored (pink) sections – above the words ‘Instructions for Signature Confirmation Service’. It should be attached to the left of the delivery address.
Step 3: Fill out the details of the destination.
Step 4: Pay the fee (either at the Post Office or Online).
What items can be sent using this service?
Your parcel must be a box or an item of mail that’s more than 3/4″ thick at its thickest point. The face of it must be large enough for return and delivery addresses, special service labels, markings or endorsements, and postage.
Conclusion on USPS Signature Confirmation:
By now you should have a very good understanding of the USPS Signature Confirmation process. What it is used for, the classes of mail it applies to as well as how to apply it to the items that you are mailing. Hopefully, the information that is provided by us is sufficient and enough to solve your queries. But if you have any questions, you can ask us or visit the official website of USPS for further help.
If you are sending mail you may also be interested in how to track it. We have an article on tracking as well. You can read it here.
