How does USPS Signature Confirmation work?

[LibraryFan]

Well first, is the Signature Confirmation done with an ink pen or a digital screen like with UPS? If you're not home to receive the package, what do they do?

[Ski]

Everything I have ever signed for USPS has been with an ink pen. If you aren't home, they leave a note on your door that says you missed a delivery that required signature confirmation. You can either pick it up later that day (assuming they are still open) or they will attempt another delivery the next day (usually).

[curtisports2]

It is done with a blue or black ink pen. The carrier then does a photo-capture of the signature with their scanner.

If you are not home, a notice of attempted delivery will be left, stating a time after which the item will be available for you to pick up at the named office on the notice. Note that on the back, where one can sign to authorize redelivery if no one is home, that this option is NOT available when a signature is required. Signature must be performed in the presence of a USPS employee, either at the address or at the post office. Many, many people read those notices only half way, and get angry when they do not get the redelivery they expected.

Contrary to what Ski said, we do not automatically attempt delivery the next day. If we did, that means we have it with us all day, and when you go to the post office to pick it up, it would not be there. More angry people. Which is why we don't do it. If you call or go online to request a 2nd delivery attempt on a specific day, we will accommodate you. But if you are not there to sign, you get another notice.