How do I get USPS proof of delivery with a signature?

Your options, and what each costs

Signature Confirmation can be combined only with insurance of $500 or less (DMM 503 Exhibit 1.4.1), and USPS's extra services page says it can't be used with Adult Signature services, so pick one route per package. Above $500 the insurance already brings the signature.

What USPS's rules say

“USPS Tracking provides the mailer with information about the date and time an article was delivered or the date and time of the delivery attempt.”

“A delivery record (including a signature) is maintained by USPS and is available electronically or by email upon request.”

“An item insured for more than $500.00 receives a delivery scan ... and USPS provides a signature as the delivery record to the mailer electronically”

“USPS maintains a record of delivery (which includes the recipient’s signature).”

“Price includes proof of delivery signature record (if requested at time of purchase)”

How to get the signature record

• Look up the tracking (article) number at usps.com or call 1-800-222-1811; USPS's rule is that delivery information is retrieved by article number (DMM 503.1.8).
• Ask for the proof of delivery letter: “A proof of delivery letter (including a signature, when available) may be provided by email.” (DMM 503.1.8)
• With a paper return receipt (PS Form 3811), the signed green card comes back to you by mail; an electronic return receipt comes by email (green card or email).
• For Priority Mail Express, the delivery record is provided on request and the proof of delivery letter is sent by email (DMM 113.4.1).

The signature on the record isn't always the one written at the door. DMM 503.1.8 says it can be the recipient's signature at delivery “or, for certain services, an electronic signature that was previously provided by the addressee (or representative) and is maintained on file with the Postal Service.” (DMM 503.1.8)

“Eligible mailers may require at the time of mailing that a signature be obtained from the recipient at the time of delivery.”

That on-file signature is how some PO Box holders receive these items. At competitive PO Box locations, box holders can sign an agreement for:

“Signature on File – the option to simplify receipt of Priority Mail Express, mail insured for more $500.00, and Signature Confirmation items”

How long USPS keeps the signature

“If the item is successfully delivered, a delivery record (including the signature of the recipient) is maintained by the Postal Service for one year.”

“For Insurance articles insured for $500.00 or less, the Postal Service maintains delivery information (not including a signature) for six months.”

Neither source gives a period for plain USPS Tracking scans, so we don't give one. If a dispute could come up after these periods, for example a chargeback months later, download the proof of delivery letter while it's available or add Tracking Plus (below).

Keeping the record for years: USPS Tracking Plus

“retain scan data, or scan and signature data for their packages, beyond the Postal Service’s standard data retention period, for up to 10 years for a fee”

“Except for Priority Mail Express, the customer must have purchased an underlying signature service (e.g., Signature Confirmation service, Adult Signature service).”

“Purchase extended tracking history for your item and receive a USPS Tracking Plus Statement via email upon request.”

Tracking Plus is the way past the periods above: Signature Confirmation's own record lasts a year (MCS 1505.17.1), and the 3-, 5-, 7- and 10-year scan and signature options keep it longer. USPS's extra services page says to buy it online through USPS Tracking; DMM 507.11.1 also takes requests through a Shipping Services file.

Worked example: a $400 camera

Edge cases

• Too late to add. Extra services are bought with the label: “The following extra services or additional extra services may be added at the time of mailing, if available, when the standards for the services are met and the applicable fees are paid.” (DMM 503.1.4.1)
• Thin Media Mail packages. Signature Confirmation on Media Mail needs a parcel more than 3/4 inch thick or a rigid box (DMM 503.8.1.2).
• Who may sign. To limit the signature to the named buyer, add Restricted Delivery; with Adult Signature the signer must be 21 or older and show ID.
• Nobody home. A signature package isn't left at the door; what happens next is on when nobody is home to sign.
• Delivery isn't mailing. To prove when you sent something, you need a mailing record instead (proof of mailing).