FedEx Indirect Signatures: What They Mean & How to Get One

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A beginner's guide to FedEx delivery signatures
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If you’ve ever received a FedEx package, you may have seen “indirect signature required” and wondered what it meant. This delivery option requires a signature from someone at or near the delivery address in order for the package to be delivered. It’s a convenient option if the recipient isn’t home to sign for the package themselves. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about indirect signatures, including what they are, how to obtain one, and what to do if no one is available to sign. Plus, learn how to know if a signature is required, and answers to other common questions about FedEx signature requirements.

What does it mean if FedEx requires an indirect signature?

If a FedEx package requires an indirect signature, it means anyone at or near the recipient’s address can sign for the package, like a neighbor or building manager. This allows FedEx to safely deliver the package without the recipient present. The recipient can also sign for the package electronically.

Section 1 of 8:

What does “Indirect Signature Required” mean for FedEx?

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  1. If a FedEx delivery requires an indirect signature, someone at the delivery address or someone nearby, like a neighbor or building manager, can sign to have a package delivered for the recipient. The recipient can also authorize for the package to be released without anyone present by requesting a change through FedEx Delivery Manager or by signing a FedEx door tag. [1]
    • This type of signature is required if the shipper selects it when creating the shipping label for the package.
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Section 2 of 8:

How to Obtain an Indirect Signature

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  1. If you know you won’t be home for the delivery, sign for your package ahead of time with an electronic signature. Do this through the FedEx Delivery Manager app or by visiting FedEx’s website . Create a FedEx Delivery Manager account if you haven’t already, then you’ll be able to access your delivery instructions. [2]
    • Note that you can only sign electronically for indirect signature deliveries, not adult signature or direct signature.
    • If you’ve already missed the delivery, check your door tag to see if you can sign it instead. When the driver attempts redelivery, they’ll accept this signature and drop off your package.
  2. If you’re unavailable, FedEx will ask someone nearby to sign for the package on your behalf. This can be someone at your residence or a neighbor. If you know you won’t be home, give someone you trust a head’s up and see if they’ll be available to sign. [3]
    • You should be able to see who signed for the package once it’s been delivered. If you can’t find your package at your address, contact FedEx customer service .
    • If you don’t have anyone else to sign for you, consider having your package redirected or delivered at a later date. Redirect FedEx Ground shipments for free up to 10 days and Express for up to 5 days. A fee may apply otherwise.
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Section 3 of 8:

What if no one signs for the package?

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  1. If a shipment requires a signature but no one is available to sign, the driver will leave a door tag on the recipient’s front door. The recipient can sign this tag as an indirect signature, and the package will be delivered upon the next attempt. FedEx will typically attempt to deliver a package up to 3 times, after which the package will be taken to a nearby FedEx location for the recipient to pick it up. [4]
    • If a label has been applied to the back of the door tag, it means the driver was unable to leave the package due to signature requirements or because they felt the package was not safe to deliver. In these cases, the driver may not attempt redelivery and will instead take the package to a FedEx location. Contact FedEx customer support if you’d like them to attempt redelivery.
    • The door tag label will include the pickup location address, business hours, and the time the package will be available. The door tag and a government-issued ID are required for pickup.
    • Download the FedEx mobile app and scan the barcode on your door tag to access information about the missed delivery and your options for redelivery.
Section 4 of 8:

How to Request a Change in Signature Requirements

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  1. If you see that your package requires an indirect signature early in the shipping process, reach out to the shipper directly to see if they can change the requirements. This may be a good idea if you’d prefer to sign for the package directly or if you don’t want a signature to be required at all.
    • Be aware that the shipper may not always be able to change the signature requirements, and changing the requirements may affect the delivery time and security of your package.
    • If you request for no signature to be required, FedEx will not be responsible for lost or stolen packages.
  2. In some cases, you may be able to change your signature requirements through the FedEx Delivery Manager app or on FedEx’s website . This allows you to authorize the driver to leave the package at a secure location or with a neighbor. Additionally, if you know you won’t be home, this allows you to change the delivery date or have the package delivered to another location. Log into your Delivery Manager account and follow the on-screen instructions to do so. [5]
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Section 5 of 8:

Benefits of Using Indirect Signature for FedEx Deliveries

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  1. By obtaining an indirect signature, FedEx can hold someone accountable for receiving the package. This ensures the package was delivered to a responsible party so it is less likely to get lost or stolen. The recipient can easily see who signed for the package and where it was left in their proof of delivery details. [6]
  2. An indirect signature provides several delivery options; the recipient can sign for the package electronically, have someone nearby sign on their behalf, or have the package delivered to a FedEx location to be picked up at their convenience. This helps ensure that the package is delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible while giving the recipient options if they’re unavailable. [7]
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Section 6 of 8:

How to Know if a Package Requires an Indirect Signature

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  1. To determine if your package requires a signature, pull up your tracking information that is emailed to you from the sender or enter the tracking number on Fedex’s website . This will tell you if a signature is required as well as what kind of signature is required. [8]
Section 7 of 8:

Other FedEx Signature Options

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  1. Many FedEx shipments do not require a signature to be delivered. In some cases, though, FedEx may still attempt to obtain a signature at the delivery address. If this is not possible, the driver will typically leave the package in a safe place without receiving a signature. [9]
  2. This signature option means FedEx must receive a signature from someone who is at least the age of majority in their country. A government-issued ID or identification accepted by local authorities is required to sign for the package. If there is no one of age present to sign, FedEx will often attempt to redeliver the package at a later date. In the United States, the recipient must be 21 or older with a government-issued photo ID to receive the package. [10]
    • Unlike indirect signature deliveries, if a package requires an adult signature, it cannot be signed for electronically.
  3. In this case, someone at the recipient’s address must sign for the delivery. Direct signature deliveries are made to the address on the mailing label rather than an individual recipient. If no one is at the address, FedEx may attempt redelivery at a later date. [11]
    • Like adult signature deliveries, direct signatures must be signed in person rather than electronically.
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Section 8 of 8:

FedEx Indirect Signature FAQs

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  1. FedEx does not always require a signature to deliver packages. The signature requirement for a package is selected by the shipper when they create the shipping label, so check your tracking information to see if a signature is required. Signatures are always required for packages that contain things like alcohol, hazardous materials, high-value goods, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, and firearms. [12]
  2. If you’re shipping a package through FedEx , signature options can be found and selected under the “Special Services” section when creating your shipping label. These options will only appear with a destination that is enabled for those services. If you’re shipping from a FedEx location, inform the employee of your signature selection. [13]
    • Note that fees may apply when adding a signature requirement to your shipment.
  3. FedEx delivery signature options are available to select countries (currently 60+). [14] These options and countries may change over time, however. Only the options available in the destination country will be offered when creating the shipping label.
  4. Visit your package’s tracking page on FedEx’s website and click the “Obtain Proof of Delivery” tab. Here, you’ll find proof of delivery with an image of the package and the scanned signature, if a signature is available. Alternatively, have the proof of delivery faxed to you for free by calling FedEx customer support. [15]
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      • It’s a good idea to ask if someone will be around to sign for your package if you know you won’t be home. This way, you’re less likely to miss a delivery.
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      Warnings

      • If you won’t be home and don’t have someone you trust to sign for the package, consider having it redirected to a FedEx location or delivered at a later date when you know you’ll be home. This will help keep your package from getting lost or stolen.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-gb/shipping/signature-options.html
      2. ↑ https://www.shipsaving.com/blog/how-many-times-will-usps-ups-fedex-attempt-delivery
      3. ↑ https://pcsynergy.com/pdfs/shipping/fedexsig.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-us/delivery-manager/door-tag.html
      5. ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/faqs/receiving/delivery/manage-my-delivery.html
      6. ↑ https://www.lateshipment.com/blog/a-guide-to-fedex-and-ups-delivery-signature-options/
      7. ↑ https://www.lateshipment.com/blog/a-guide-to-fedex-and-ups-delivery-signature-options/
      8. ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-us/delivery-options/signature-services.html#:~:text=To%20find%20out%20if%20your,to%20sign%20for%20my%20package ?
      9. ↑ https://pcsynergy.com/pdfs/shipping/fedexsig.pdf
      1. ↑ https://pcsynergy.com/pdfs/shipping/fedexsig.pdf
      2. ↑ https://pcsynergy.com/pdfs/shipping/fedexsig.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-gb/shipping/signature-options.html
      4. ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-ca/contact-us/faq/send-packages/delivery-signatures/delivery-signature-options.html
      5. ↑ https://www.fedex.com/us/developer/webhelp/ws/2022/US/wsdvg/Delivery_Signature_Options.htm/1000
      6. ↑ https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/22/23178645/fedex-delivery-photo-proof-front-door

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