To sign for a UPS package online, use UPS’s Sign Digitally option. Open the package in UPS My Choice, or click the Sign Digitally link on the UPS tracking page. Authorize the release and say where the driver should leave the package. UPS can then deliver eligible packages without an in-person signature, but it never releases Adult Signature Required packages this way.
Signing online is free for UPS My Choice members, including the free Basic membership. Whether a package qualifies depends on the shipper’s settings and on conditions at delivery, so it helps to know the limits before you count on it.
How Do You Sign for a UPS Package Online?
There are two ways to sign online. Both lead to the same digital authorization.
Option 1: Sign from the UPS tracking page
- Go to ups.com/track and enter your tracking number, or the number on a UPS delivery notice.
- Click the Sign Digitally link in the tracking details. If you don’t see it, the package probably isn’t eligible (see below).
- Confirm the authorization and tell UPS where the package can be safely left.
- Submit it before the driver arrives. UPS records the delivery when the package is released.
Option 2: Sign through UPS My Choice
- Join UPS My Choice for free at ups.com, or log in if you’re already a member.
- Find the incoming package on your My Choice dashboard or delivery calendar.
- Choose the option to authorize release (UPS lists it as “Sign for your deliveries online”) and pick a leave-at location.
- Save the request. UPS applies it to that shipment, if it’s eligible.
If UPS needs to verify your My Choice membership, it mails an activation code to your registered address about 7 to 14 days after you enroll. Some delivery changes aren’t available until you enter that code, so sign up before you’re expecting an important package. If you’ve recently moved, our UPS change of address guide explains how to add a new address to My Choice.
What Does Signing Digitally Cover?
UPS says a digital authorization can be given for one specific package before delivery, and the release applies only to that shipment if it’s eligible. Selecting it also extends the authorization to every package being delivered to you that day, as long as all of them are eligible.
UPS My Choice members can go further and set delivery preferences in their profile, such as a preferred leave-at location, that authorize release of all incoming packages. Those standing preferences are applied to eligible shipments automatically, but UPS can override them for Adult Signature Required packages, shipper-restricted deliveries, unsafe delivery conditions and restricted shipment types.
| Package type | Can you sign online? | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| No signature service | Not needed | Add delivery instructions in My Choice if you like |
| Signature Required | Often, if the shipper allows release | Be home, redirect to an Access Point, or sign the paper notice |
| Signature Required, release blocked by shipper | No | Be home, have someone at the address sign, or redirect |
| Adult Signature Required | Never | An adult 21+ with government photo ID must sign in person |
Who can sign in person depends on the same signature levels. Our overview of who can sign for a UPS package explains each one.
Why Can’t I Sign for My UPS Package Online?
If there’s no Sign Digitally link, the package probably isn’t eligible. UPS lists these reasons a release may be refused:
- Adult Signature Required: UPS must check the recipient’s age and identity at the door, so these packages can’t be released without an in-person signature.
- Shipper requirements: The shipper may require a physical signature and restrict release, often for valuable goods.
- Regulated or restricted items: Shipments that need identity, compliance or legal verification at delivery may not qualify.
- Controlled handoff locations: Some delivery destinations and service types don’t allow unattended delivery.
- No advance authorization: UPS won’t leave a signature package unless you submitted an approved release before delivery.
Even after you sign online, UPS may still ask for a signature. That happens if the driver finds no safe or secure place to leave the package or if conditions raise the risk of loss or damage. UPS makes the final call at delivery.
The paper alternative: sign the delivery notice
If UPS has already tried to deliver and left a delivery notice, you can sign it in the space provided and leave it where the driver put it. That works as a release for an eligible package on the next attempt. You can also enter the notice number on ups.com to choose another option, such as pickup at a UPS Access Point with a government-issued photo ID.
What Should You Know Before Releasing a Package?
Releasing a package moves the risk to you. UPS’s claims page says packages you chose to have released, including signature-required packages released to your address or to your apartment building through My Choice, aren’t eligible for lost-package claims. If the item is valuable and the spot isn’t secure, it’s safer to redirect the package to an Access Point than to sign it away.
A few habits help:
- Choose a leave-at spot out of sight from the street.
- Turn on My Choice delivery alerts and check the delivery photo once it’s dropped off.
- For high-value orders, ask the seller whether the package will need an adult signature before you plan to be away.
To follow the package through each scan before and after you authorize release, use our UPS tracking guide. For an overview of the services and add-ons shippers can choose, see our guide to UPS services and shipping options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is signing for a UPS package online free?
Yes. UPS lists “Sign for your deliveries online” as free for both the Basic (free) and Premium UPS My Choice memberships. You can also use the Sign Digitally link on the tracking page for eligible packages. Some other delivery changes, such as redirecting to another address, carry a fee for Basic members.
Can I sign online for a UPS Adult Signature Required package?
No. UPS says packages sent with Adult Signature Required can’t be released without an in-person signature, because the driver must verify age and identity. Someone at least 21 years old must be at the delivery address with a valid government-issued photo ID, or you can redirect the package to a UPS Access Point and pick it up yourself.
Does one online signature cover all my UPS packages?
A single Sign Digitally authorization applies to that package, and UPS extends it to all packages being delivered to you that day if every one is eligible. To cover future packages too, UPS My Choice members can set delivery preferences that authorize release of eligible incoming packages automatically.
When do I need to sign online for a UPS package?
Before the driver arrives. UPS will only leave a signature-required package if an approved release was submitted before delivery. If you miss that window, UPS may leave a delivery notice and try again the next business day. You can sign the notice or authorize release online before the next attempt.
Sources
- UPS: Signature-Required Deliveries (Sign Digitally and FAQ)
- UPS: UPS My Choice memberships
- UPS: File a Claim (released packages)
- UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service, United States (Section 34)
Explore more in our Shipping Services and Solutions hub.
Part of our UPS Tracking and Delivery guide. Related: UPS Tracking Number, UPS Tracking Statuses, UPS Tracking.
