USPS Offers Age-Verified Delivery Service

The U.S. Postal Service is adding a new age-verification service, expanding the suite of delivery options available to merchants and customers looking for greater control over delivery of their shipments. Adult Signature is now available as a delivery option for commercial account holders and online customers choosing Express Mail, Priority Mail, Critical Mail and Parcel Select barcoded (nonpresort and Regional Ground) shipping services.

Adult Signature is designed to meet the security and privacy concerns of the marketplace and for shipments requiring the signature of an adult by law. The service requires adult age verification in the form of government-issued photo identification from a recipient at the time of delivery.

There are two variations of Adult Signature:

• Adult Signature Required verifies the signature of a recipient 21 years of age or older upon delivery. The cost is $4.75 per piece.
• Adult Signature Restricted Delivery verifies the signature of the addressee (or agent with written authorization) only, who must be 21 years of age or older upon delivery. The cost is $4.95 per piece.

"It's an effective way to ensure shipments are received by an adult or a specific adult addressee," said Gary Reblin, vice president, Domestic Products. "Age verification provides shippers and customers with control over acceptance of shipments at the point of delivery."

Adult Signature is not available for purchase at retail locations or for delivery to APO/FPO/DPO addresses, and it is available to commercial and online customers and can be combined with other extra services such as insurance.

Adult Signature represents the first service placed within a new "Competitive Ancillary Services" product category. Hold For Pickup and Carrier Release delivery options are also available to shippers and customers seeking additional control and convenience over the manner in which packages are delivered.