Does USPS require an ID? (when shipped, received, signed + more)
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Mail security is a major priority for the US Postal Service, and overall, it does a great job. However, sometimes the USPS needs your help to make sure the mail is going to the right person.
So if you’re curious about whether USPS requires IDs and what services, you’re not alone. A lot of people had the same problem, so we looked it up. Read on for answers!
Will USPS require IDs in 2022?
For most USPS services, you do not need to show ID, but to receive certain types of deliveries and send mail that requires signature confirmation, you do. You’ll also need to show your ID for some other USPS services in 2022, such as setting up a PO Box, buying and cashing money orders over a certain amount, and more.
To learn more about which USPS services require an ID and acceptable forms of identification, read on. You will find all the details below!
Do you have to show USPS your ID?
For most mail services, USPS doesn’t need to look at the ID, whether you’re receiving or mailing something.
However, to ensure that mail and packages reach the correct person, for some USPS services, you will be required to show your ID as proof of identity.
These services include:
- PO Box
- Priority Mail Express, Certified Mail, Insured Mail, and Accountable Mail
- Commercial Mail Receiving Agency
- Change address in person
- cash on delivery
- Buy money orders over $3,000
- Cash money orders over $10,000
- Awaiting pickup
- package returned
Does USPS ask for ID when shipping?
For most mail deliveries, letters and packages can be left in the mailbox, or they can be left near the mailbox if they are too large to fit in the mailbox.
However, for some types of mail delivery and pickup, you do need to show your ID.
For a complete list of services for which you need to present some form of ID, you can check the USPS website.
Do you need an ID to send priority mail?
You do need to show ID when sending registered mail, Priority Mail Express, insured mail and other package services.
Do you have to show USPS your ID when shipping a package?
Generally, you do not have to show your ID when shipping packages by US Mail, but all packages must have the sender’s name and address.
However, to ship certain types of packages, you do need to show your ID.
If you are a licensed gun dealer shipping firearms, you must show your current federal firearms license. Firearms may only be shipped by licensed firearms dealers.
What forms of ID does USPS accept?
USPS may require an ID to identify you or verify your address.
The primary form of identification is used to establish your identity, and the secondary form of identification is used to verify your address.
Acceptable primary ID types must have a clear photo, including:
- U.S. government-issued ID: This may be issued by the federal government or by a state or tribal government. It can include driver’s licenses, state-issued non-driver ID cards, tribal ID cards, U.S. citizenship or naturalization certificates, U.S. permanent resident or other ID cards issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, uniform service ID cards, and U.S. Armed Forces cards.
- passport
- Matricula Consulate (Mexico)
- NEXUS (Canada)
- corporate identity
- S. University Accreditation
Acceptable forms of secondary identification do not require a photo, but must show your address. These include:
- Lease, Mortgage or Trust Deed
- Voter or vehicle registration card
- home or vehicle insurance policy
- Utility bills (not available when applying for a PO Box)
- Form I-94, Arrival and Departure Records
Social Security cards, birth certificates, credit cards and similar forms of identification are not accepted as primary or secondary identification.
What does it mean that USPS requires an adult signature?
Certain messages are sent through services that require an adult signature. These can only be delivered to recipients who are at least 21 years old.
To receive this message, the recipient must show the delivery person photo ID.
In addition, there are adult signature restrictions on delivery, requiring recipients to present ID to prove they are over 21 and sign for the mail.
How do I know if my USPS package requires a signature?
There are four USPS services that require recipient signatures. These are designed to ensure mail reaches the correct recipients, and each comes at an additional cost.
USPS services that require recipient signatures include:
- USPS Signature Confirmation
- USPS Adult Signature Confirmation
- USPS restricts delivery
- USPS Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
To learn more, you can also read our posts on how to delete a USPS account, USPS stamp types, and USPS delivery dates.
in conclusion
USPS sometimes asks for your ID to confirm that mail is going to the correct person or to verify your address for various services. You can use many different forms of ID to verify your identity and address.
