Signature-Required Deliveries
UPS offers several signature-related delivery options to help ensure packages are delivered securely.
Signature Services
Here’s what our different signature-related delivery options mean.
Signature Required
If a shipment is sent with Signature Required, UPS will obtain a signature when the package is delivered. The package will not be left unattended unless an approved authorization is in place.
What Recipients Need to Do
- Be available at the delivery address to sign for the package, or
- Make alternate arrangements before delivery
If we attempt delivery when the recipient is not available to sign, we may try again on the next business day or you can redirect the package.
Adult Signature Required
For shipments that require age verification, UPS will only deliver the package to someone at least 21 years old. This can include regulated goods such as alcohol, tobacco, firearms, regulated pharmaceuticals and high-value items.
What Recipients Need to Do
- Ensure that someone 21 or older is present at the delivery location
- Be ready to show a valid government-issued photo ID
If no eligible adult is available, delivery will be attempted again or alternative delivery options may apply.
Sign Digitally
In some cases, you can authorize UPS to deliver your package without obtaining a signature in person and you can authorize it electronically.
What Recipients Need to Do
- Provide authorization in advance through UPS tools (such as UPS My Choice® or by clicking the Sign Digitally link from the UPS Tracking page.)
- Indicate where the package can be safely left
Once authorized, the package may be released without a signature and the delivery will be recorded. Keep in mind, not all shipments are eligible and shipments requiring an adult signature cannot be released this way.
Additional Delivery Options
If you’re expecting a package and unable to sign in person, you may have other options depending on your shipment:
Redirect to a Secure Location
- Send the package to a UPS Access Point® location
- Pick up your package later at your convenience
- Bring a government-issued ID when picking up your package
Use UPS My Choice® to Manage Your Delivery Online
- Authorize a signature release (when eligible)
- Change the delivery location
- Reschedule delivery to a future date
- Place a vacation hold on all packages being sent to your address for a set time
- Set a preferred UPS Access Point location for all your packages to be delivered
Important Notes
- Packages requiring a signature cannot be left unattended without prior authorization
- Some shipments (such as those requiring an adult signature) may not be eligible for alternative delivery options
- Availability of options can vary based on shipment type, destination and applicable regulations
FAQ
Recipients may not be able to authorize a package to be released without a signature in the following situations:
Shipments requiring higher security controls
- Packages sent with Adult Signature Required cannot be released without an in-person signature
- UPS must verify the recipient’s age and identity at delivery
Certain shipment types or shipper requirements
- The shipper may require a physical signature and restrict release eligibility
- Some shipments require a signature for security or compliance reasons
Shipments containing regulated or restricted items
- Packages that require identity, compliance or legal verification at delivery may not be eligible
- This commonly applies to shipments that must follow specific delivery regulations (for example, age-restricted or controlled goods)
Delivery locations that require controlled handoff
- Some delivery destinations or service types do not allow unattended delivery
- Additional delivery controls may apply depending on the location or service selected
When authorization has not been provided in advance
- UPS will not leave a package without a signature unless you have submitted an approved release before delivery
Yes. Even if you sign digitally, UPS may still require a signature at delivery in certain cases.
Delivery conditions or safety concerns
- If the driver determines there is no safe or secure place to leave the package
- If conditions at the delivery location increase risk of loss or damage
Shipment-level restrictions
- If the shipment is not eligible for release based on service rules or shipper instructions
UPS determines eligibility for release based on shipment requirements and delivery conditions at the time of delivery.
Yes, you can provide authorization for an individual shipment prior to delivery.
- Authorization is submitted for that specific package
- UPS will apply the release only to that shipment (if eligible)
- The package can then be left without obtaining a signature
- Selecting this option will extend the authorization for all packages being delivered on that day (if all packages are eligible)
Customers can use tools (like UPS My Choice®) to manage deliveries and provide authorization.
UPS My Choice members may have the option to set delivery preferences (for example, preferred location) in their profile to authorize the release of all incoming packages. These preferences can influence eligible shipments automatically.
However, preferences can be overridden in certain situations, including:
- Adult Signature Required
- Shipper-restricted deliveries
- Unsafe delivery conditions
- Restricted shipment types
This happens when:
- The shipper selected a signature-required service, or
- The shipment includes requirements that override release options
In these cases, the package must be signed for in person unless it qualifies for an approved release option.
If you’re not available:
- UPS may attempt delivery again, or
- You may be able to redirect your package or take other delivery actions depending on your shipment. You can manage these options using UPS My Choice®.
- UPS may leave your package at a UPS Access Point for security purposes
- UPS may leave a delivery notice. Sign the delivery notice in the space provided and place it back where the driver originally left the notice.
Yes. You may be able to have your package delivered to a UPS Access Point® location for pickup. Just note some shipments may have restrictions and you’ll want to bring a government-issued photo ID when picking up your package.
To check whether your package is eligible for a delivery change, visit UPS.com/track, enter your tracking number and click Change Delivery.