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Your essential guide to understanding FedEx delivery signatures
If you've ever received a package from FedEx, you may have encountered the term "indirect signature required" and wondered what it means. This option necessitates a signature from anyone at or near the delivery address in order to complete the delivery. It's an ideal choice if the intended recipient is unavailable to personally sign for the package. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about indirect signatures: what they are, how to acquire one, and the next steps if nobody is available to sign. Additionally, we'll provide details on how to determine if a signature is needed and answer other common questions about FedEx's signature protocols.
What does it mean when FedEx requires an indirect signature?
If FedEx requires an indirect signature, it means anyone located at or near the recipient’s address, such as a neighbor or a building manager, is authorized to sign for the package. This ensures that FedEx can deliver the package securely even if the recipient isn’t home. The recipient also has the option to sign electronically for the delivery.
Steps to follow
What does 'Indirect Signature Required' mean for FedEx?
Someone other than the intended recipient can sign for the package. When FedEx requires an indirect signature for a delivery, anyone at the delivery address, or someone nearby—such as a neighbor or building manager—can sign for the package on behalf of the recipient. Alternatively, the recipient may authorize FedEx to leave the package without a signature by making a change request via FedEx Delivery Manager or by signing the FedEx door tag.
- This type of signature is selected by the shipper when the shipping label is created.
How to obtain an indirect signature
Sign electronically for your package. If you anticipate being away when your package arrives, you can sign for it in advance with an electronic signature. To do so, use the FedEx Delivery Manager app or visit FedEx’s website. After setting up a FedEx Delivery Manager account, you'll be able to modify your delivery instructions.
- Remember, electronic signatures are only applicable for indirect signature deliveries—not for adult or direct signatures.
- If you missed the delivery, check the door tag for any signing options. If the driver attempts redelivery, your door tag signature will be accepted and the package will be delivered.
Have someone else sign for the delivery. If you’re not home, FedEx will allow someone nearby, such as a neighbor, to sign for the package in your place. Be sure to inform a trusted person in advance if you expect to be unavailable to sign.
- Once the package is delivered, you’ll be able to see who signed for it. If you can't locate the package at your address, contact FedEx customer service.
- If no one is available to sign, you can request to have the package redirected or rescheduled for delivery. FedEx Ground shipments can be redirected for free up to 10 days, while Express shipments are eligible for redirection up to 5 days. A fee may apply for redirection beyond these periods.
What happens if no one is available to sign for the package?
The FedEx driver will leave a door tag at the delivery address. If the shipment requires a signature and no one is available to sign, the driver will place a door tag on the recipient’s front door. This tag can be signed as an indirect signature, allowing the package to be delivered during the next attempt. FedEx generally attempts delivery up to three times. If unsuccessful, the package is taken to a nearby FedEx facility for pickup.
- If a label is placed on the back of the door tag, it indicates the driver couldn't leave the package due to signature requirements or security concerns. In this case, no further redelivery attempts will be made, and the package will be available for pickup at a FedEx location. Contact FedEx support if you'd like to request redelivery.
- The door tag label includes the pickup location address, business hours, and when the package will be available. A government-issued ID is required for pickup.
- Use the FedEx mobile app to scan the barcode on your door tag for more details on the missed delivery and redelivery options.
How to request changes to the signature requirements
Contact the shipper. If you notice that your package requires an indirect signature early in the shipping process, you can reach out to the shipper to inquire about changing the requirements. This could be helpful if you'd prefer to sign for the package in person or if you'd prefer not to have a signature requirement at all.
- Keep in mind that the shipper might not always be able to alter the signature requirements. Changing them could also affect your delivery time and the security of the package.
- If you request no signature, FedEx won’t be liable for lost or stolen packages.
Use FedEx Delivery Manager. In some situations, you can adjust your signature preferences through the FedEx Delivery Manager app or on FedEx’s website. This service allows you to authorize the driver to leave the package in a secure spot or with a neighbor. Additionally, if you know you won’t be home, you can change the delivery date or redirect the package to another location. Simply log into your Delivery Manager account and follow the instructions provided on-screen.
Advantages of Using Indirect Signatures for FedEx Deliveries
Indirect signatures ensure safe package delivery. When FedEx obtains an indirect signature, it holds someone responsible for receiving the package. This process helps to confirm the delivery was made to a reliable party, reducing the chances of the package being lost or stolen. The recipient can easily check who signed for the package and where it was left through the proof of delivery details.
It offers more delivery flexibility. An indirect signature provides multiple options for receiving the package: the recipient can sign electronically, designate someone nearby to sign on their behalf, or opt for the package to be delivered to a FedEx location for pickup at their convenience. This flexibility helps ensure quick and efficient delivery, even if the recipient isn't available.
How to determine if a package requires an indirect signature
Check the tracking details for signature requirements. To find out if your package requires a signature, simply refer to the tracking information sent to you by the sender or enter your tracking number on FedEx's website. This will indicate whether a signature is needed and specify the type of signature required.
Other Signature Options Available with FedEx
No signature required. A large number of FedEx shipments do not require a signature for delivery. However, in some situations, the driver may still try to collect a signature at the delivery address. If this isn't feasible, the package will typically be left in a secure location without requiring a signature.
Adult signature required. This option mandates that FedEx obtains a signature from someone who is of legal age in their country. A valid government-issued ID or equivalent is needed to sign for the package. If no eligible signer is available, FedEx will often attempt a redelivery at a later time. In the U.S., the recipient must be 21 or older with a photo ID to receive the package.
- Unlike indirect signature deliveries, an adult signature cannot be provided electronically.
Direct signature required. For direct signature deliveries, someone at the recipient's address must sign for the package. These deliveries are made specifically to the address listed on the shipping label, rather than to the individual recipient. If no one is available to sign, FedEx may attempt redelivery at a later time.
- Similar to adult signature deliveries, direct signatures must be completed in person and cannot be signed for electronically.
Frequently Asked Questions About FedEx Indirect Signatures
Is a signature always required for FedEx deliveries? Not all FedEx shipments require a signature. The shipper decides whether a signature is necessary when creating the shipping label. You can check your tracking information to confirm if a signature is required. Signature requirements are always enforced for packages containing alcohol, hazardous materials, high-value items, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, and firearms.
How can I choose signature services? When shipping a package through FedEx, you can select signature options under the “Special Services” section during the label creation process. These options will only be available if the destination supports them. If you're sending the package from a FedEx location, inform the employee about your signature preference.
- Note: Additional fees may apply when adding a signature requirement to your shipment.
Are signature options available for international deliveries? FedEx offers signature services to over 60 countries. The availability of these options may vary by country and change over time. Only the signature options available for the destination country will appear when you create the shipping label.
How can I get proof of delivery? To obtain proof of delivery, go to your package’s tracking page on FedEx’s website and click on the “Obtain Proof of Delivery” tab. You'll be able to view the proof of delivery, including an image of the package and the scanned signature if applicable. Alternatively, you can request the proof of delivery by fax, free of charge, by calling FedEx customer support.
- If you know you won’t be home, it’s a good idea to ask if someone can be there to sign for your package. This will help ensure you don’t miss the delivery.
Important Warnings
- If you know you won't be home and don't have anyone reliable to sign for the package, consider redirecting it to a FedEx location or rescheduling the delivery for a time when you'll be available. This will reduce the chances of your package being misplaced or stolen.
