Sending out physical mail has become a bit complicated, to say the least. With so many options to consider, senders often end up becoming frustrated when they can’t figure out what to do. One of the choices that you make when whether you might need USPS signature confirmation or the USPS tracking service.

We’ve spent much of our lives sending emails instead of actuals letters or packages. It can get annoying to choose between extra services you didn’t know if you need.

But we’ve got some good news. There’s a solution!

We’ll tell you what you need to know about USPS signature confirmation and USPS tracking so you can make an informed decision.

List of Contents

What Is Signature Confirmation?

Signature Confirmation is a USPS service that requires the receiver of a package to sign for it. This is to document that the delivery goes to the right person, or at least there’s record of who it was delivered to in the event of a mistake. This type of confirmation provides the sender with information about the delivery date and time, and whether or not the delivery was a success.

Another thing that sets Signature Confirmation apart from Tracking is a delivery and signature record maintained by USPS. This record is available online or through email. The USPS keeps records, but no record is maintained by the location you sent from.

Sometimes you need to be sure that the delivery doesn’t just arrive, but is also delivered to the intended recipient. Then you need Restricted Delivery along with the signature confirmation.

You should use Signature Confirmation:

- You’re sending a gift to someone and don’t want anyone but them to open it

- The package you’re sending is particularly sensitive

If you want to save yourself from false claims of non-delivery

What is USPS Tracking or Delivery Confirmation?

USPS Tracking used to be called Delivery Confirmation. The system provides the sender with information about the date and time of tracked delivery. You receive notifications of delivery attempts and successes.

Contrary to the Signature Confirmation record which is available later, the information provided by the USPS Tracking is only available at the time of mailing. Unlike Signature Confirmation, the post office doesn’t maintain any permanent record of the delivery.

It’s best to choose USPS Tracking service:

- When the package you’re sending out isn’t if a sensitive nature

- If you don’t need a specific recipient to receive the package

When there’s no fear of a false claim of non-delivery

Neither of the two confirmation services includes insurance as a default. You can always purchase it separately if needed.