Does USPS Certified Mail require a signature?

Yes. USPS Certified Mail is delivered with a signature on delivery. The signature event is recorded in the tracking history.

What happens if no one is available to sign?

USPS typically leaves a notice and attempts redelivery or holds the item for pickup. Tracking will show delivery attempts and final delivery or return.

Do I need return receipt to get the signature?

Not always. Certified Mail includes a signature event in USPS records. Return receipt provides you a copy of the recipient's signature.

Can someone else sign for certified mail?

In many cases, USPS will accept a signature from an authorized recipient at the delivery address. Add return receipt if you need a signature copy.

Does certified mail require a signature?

Yes. USPS Certified Mail® is delivered with a signature on delivery, and the signature event is recorded in the tracking history.

Send Certified Mail When to add return receipt

Certified Mail signature

Recorded by USPS as part of delivery.

Signature is required on delivery.

Tracking history shows delivery attempts and delivery/return.

Best when you need a paper trail, even without a signature copy.

Return receipt add-on

A copy of the signature for your records.

Electronic return receipt: downloadable signature PDF.

Physical return receipt: the green card mailed back to you.

Useful when a rule, agency, or policy asks for a signature record.

Common questions

Related guides

Return Receipt (Signature Record)

Learn when return receipt is worth adding and how to keep signature records.

Certified Mail

Understand costs, tracking, and record options, then send Certified Mail online.

Send Certified Mail Online

Upload a PDF and we print, prepare, and hand it to USPS with tracking and return receipt records.

Need a copy of the signature?

Add return receipt to get a downloadable signature PDF or the classic green card.

Send with Signature PDF Return Receipt Explained

Does certified mail require a signature?

Certified Mail signature

Return receipt add-on

Common questions

What happens if no one is home to sign?

Is certified mail always signature required?

Do I need return receipt for formal records?

Related guides

Need a copy of the signature?