--- content_id: delivery-action-proof-of-delivery canonical_url: https://11tracking.com/delivery-actions/proof-of-delivery-photo-and-signature/ title: How to Get Proof of Delivery, a Delivery Photo, or a Signature meta_description: Find the final-mile carrier’s official delivery photo, signer, signature, or Proof of Delivery record—and understand what each record does and does not prove. language: en published_at: 2026-07-22 last_reviewed: 2026-07-22 carrier_scope: - USPS — United States - UPS — United States - FedEx — United States and Canada where expressly supported - DHL Express - DHL eCommerce — United States consumer route - Canada Post — Canada - Purolator courier — Canada - La Poste / Colissimo — France jurisdiction_scope: - United States - Canada - France - Limited international explanatory scope --- # How to Get Proof of Delivery, a Delivery Photo, or a Signature To get the strongest available delivery proof, first identify the carrier that performed the **final mile**, then open that carrier’s official tracking page or app. Look for **Delivery Photo**, **Signature**, **Who Signed**, **Proof of Delivery**, or **Delivery Confirmation**. The carrier may require a ZIP or postal code, account number, waybill details, or login. Save the available record privately because access and retention vary. A **Delivered** event, delivery confirmation, photo, signer name, signature image, and Proof of Delivery document are different evidence types. A photo can help compare a location, but it does not automatically verify GPS, the complete address, or what happened after the image was taken. A signature shows that a signature or acceptance method was recorded; it does not automatically prove that the named recipient personally signed or that every delivery dispute is settled. Downloading proof does not open a missing-package report or carrier claim. ## Quick proof-type guide | Proof type | What it can support | What it does not automatically prove | |---|---|---| | **Delivered** event | Carrier recorded a completed delivery outcome | Personal receipt, exact address, photo, or signature | | Delivery confirmation | Date, time, status, and sometimes location wording | Complete proof document or named-recipient receipt | | Delivery photo | Reported placement or attempt scene | Verified coordinates, full address, or continued custody | | Signer name | Name recorded by the carrier | Identity, authority, or named-recipient receipt | | Signature image | A signature was captured in the carrier record | That the named addressee personally signed | | Signed Proof of Delivery | Delivery details plus signer or signature information | Every disputed physical, contractual, or legal fact | | Proof of Delivery without signature | Carrier-recorded completion under a no-signature or release workflow | Personal handoff | | Delivery Confirmation Certificate | Formalized carrier record | Automatic legal conclusion | | Pickup-point event | Location received the parcel or recorded readiness | That the recipient already collected it | | Carrier investigation result | Later operational finding or correction | Universal liability or compensation | Proof is useful only when matched to the question you are trying to answer. ## Which carrier owns the strongest proof? For a multi-carrier or international shipment, use this priority: ```text final-mile carrier proof or raw event > origin-carrier imported event > merchant or marketplace status > third-party normalized tracking ``` The origin carrier, seller, or marketplace may display **Delivered** while the destination carrier holds the actual: - photo; - signer name; - signature; - delivery-location wording; - Proof of Delivery document; - corrected event. Use [Find the Last-Mile Carrier and Local Tracking Number](/international-shipping/find-last-mile-carrier-and-local-tracking-number/) when the delivery operator is unclear. Keep carrier divisions separate. DHL Express proof tools do not automatically apply to DHL eCommerce. A UPS-branded hybrid service may use USPS for the final mile. ## Step-by-step retrieval workflow ### 1. Confirm the exact final-mile carrier and division Check the destination tracking record, local tracking number, delivery notice, merchant record, or official partner event. Examples of important divisions: - DHL Express versus DHL eCommerce; - FedEx parcel and express versus FedEx Freight; - UPS parcel versus another UPS unit; - La Poste / Colissimo versus Chronopost; - Purolator courier versus Purolator Freight. ### 2. Open official tracking independently Do not use an unsolicited message link that says: - view delivery photo; - download signature; - confirm proof; - correct delivery; - pay a fee; - verify identity. Open the carrier’s official site or app yourself. ### 3. Read the exact delivery event Record privately: - date; - time; - exact delivery-location wording; - recipient, agent, neighbor, reception, locker, safe-drop, or signature wording; - final-mile carrier; - any later correction. Interpret the proof beside this event. ### 4. Look for the available proof action Possible labels include: - **Proof of Delivery**; - **View Delivery Photo**; - **Picture Proof of Delivery**; - **Who Signed**; - **Signature**; - **Delivery Confirmation**; - **Download**; - **Email Proof**. ### 5. Authenticate only through the official tool The carrier may request: - delivery ZIP or postal code; - origin or destination postal code; - account number; - waybill number; - email or phone; - account login; - shipment reference. These requests can protect private address and signature information. Do not send the same data to an unknown caller, message sender, forum, or unofficial support account. ### 6. Save the record privately Where the carrier permits it: - download the original PDF or image; - email the official proof to yourself; - save the official page; - record the access date; - preserve the original unedited file; - keep the carrier URL and case number. Access can expire or move behind support or account authentication. There is no universal retention period. ### 7. Compare the proof with the shipment and property Compare privately: - order address; - carrier shipment address where available; - location wording; - delivery image; - signer name; - household or workplace records; - building reception, mailroom, or locker records; - pickup-point record. Do not publish another property, signer, neighbor, or employee identity. ### 8. Route any mismatch - **Parcel cannot be found:** use [Delivered but Package Not Received](/package-problems/delivered-but-not-received/). - **Address appears inconsistent:** use [Wrong Address or Address Information Required](/package-problems/wrong-address-or-address-information-required/). - **Package arrived damaged or incomplete:** use [Package Damaged or Contents Missing](/package-problems/package-damaged-or-contents-missing/). - **Proof link or message may be fake:** use [Is This Delivery Text, Email, Fee, or Tracking Link Fake?](/package-problems/fake-delivery-message/). - **Carrier route is needed:** use [Official Carrier Support Directory](/carrier-support/). Preserve independent seller, marketplace, payment, and carrier deadlines while the proof is reviewed. ## What a delivery photo proves A delivery photo can help answer: - where the carrier says the parcel was placed; - whether the scene resembles the intended property; - whether the package appears at a door, porch, lobby, locker, mailroom, or another area; - whether the image was associated with a delivery attempt rather than completed delivery. A photo does **not** automatically establish: - verified GPS coordinates; - the complete street address; - the correct apartment or unit; - who moved the parcel later; - how long it remained there; - theft; - carrier intent; - legal possession; - final liability. A tightly cropped or unclear image may be limited evidence. It is not proof that nothing happened, and it is not proof that the correct property was used. ### If the photo appears to show another location 1. Save the original privately. 2. Record the exact carrier event and time. 3. Compare neutral property features. 4. Check household, building, reception, mailroom, and authorized-receiver routes. 5. Report the mismatch through the official carrier process. 6. Contact the seller or marketplace when an order remedy may be needed. 7. Protect relevant deadlines. Do not publicly identify another residence, enter another property, remove a parcel from a mailbox or secured area, or confront occupants, staff, or a driver. ### If the image is an attempted-delivery photo ```text attempt photo ≠ completed delivery photo ``` Use [What Does “Delivery Attempted” Mean?](/tracking-status/delivery-attempted/) and follow the carrier’s next official action. ## What a signature or signer name proves A signer record can show that the carrier captured: - a name; - a signature; - initials; - an electronic mark; - a code; - an authorized acceptance method. Depending on the service, the signer may be: - the named recipient; - household member; - coworker; - receptionist; - mailroom employee; - concierge; - security; - building manager; - neighbor; - authorized agent; - eligible adult; - pickup representative. A signature does not automatically prove that the named addressee personally signed. A signer name does not automatically establish identity or authority. ### If the signer is unknown 1. Check household members. 2. Check workplace, mailroom, reception, concierge, or security. 3. Check whether a neighbor or agent could sign under the purchased service. 4. Obtain the fuller official POD if available. 5. Report the unresolved mismatch through the carrier. 6. Contact the seller or marketplace in parallel when needed. Do not publicly accuse the named signer. ### Signature release A valid signature-release or no-signature authorization can produce a completed delivery without a captured signature. ```text no signature image + valid release or no-signature service ≠ automatic carrier failure ``` ## Why a photo or signature may be unavailable Possible reasons include: - no compatible proof service; - final mile performed by another carrier; - photo not captured; - parcel handed directly to a person; - signature service used instead of a doorstep photo; - valid signature release; - photography prohibited; - no safe placement location; - recipient access restricted; - sender or business account has stronger access; - login, ZIP, postal code, account, or waybill match required; - proof appears only after processing; - retention expired; - photo or signature was removed or suppressed; - the event was a delivery attempt; - data has not synchronized; - the carrier uses a merchant-controlled process. Missing proof does not prove that the record never existed or that delivery did not occur. ## USPS — United States USPS separates generic tracking, Proof of Delivery, Signature Confirmation, and Return Receipt. ### Proof of Delivery For compatible services, USPS can email a Proof of Delivery record containing delivery information, recipient name, tracking number, and a signature image **where available**. - [USPS Proof of Delivery](https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Proof-of-Delivery) ### Signature Confirmation Signature Confirmation is a separate extra service. Official tracking can provide a signature-copy request where the service and record support it. - [USPS Signature Confirmation](https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Signature-Confirmation) ### Return Receipt Return Receipt is another distinct proof product. It can include: - recipient signature; - delivery date and time; - actual delivery address when different. - [USPS Return Receipt](https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Return-Receipt-The-Basics) A generic USPS **Delivered** event does not promise a signature image. ## UPS — United States UPS can expose proof through official tracking and UPS My Choice. ### Delivery photo A photo may appear in: - delivery-confirmation email; - automatic notification; - UPS tracking; - UPS My Choice dashboard. UPS can require the delivery ZIP Code before displaying the image. ### Proof of Delivery Use the official UPS POD route. Older proof that is no longer available through the ordinary online period may require direct UPS support. - [UPS Proof of Delivery](https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/tracking-support/proof-of-delivery) - [UPS My Choice](https://www.ups.com/us/en/track/ups-my-choice) ### UPS Ground Saver Do not assume UPS owns the final photo for every UPS Ground Saver shipment. When USPS performs final delivery, the final proof follows the USPS process. ```text UPS-branded service ≠ UPS necessarily performed final delivery ``` ## FedEx — United States and Canada picture-proof scope FedEx separates Picture Proof of Delivery from signed Proof of Delivery. ### Picture Proof of Delivery FedEx provides pictures for eligible residential parcel deliveries in the cited U.S. and Canada scope. For an eligible no-signature shipment, the tracking number can be enough to view the image without an account. A FedEx picture can also document an attempted delivery. Read the event label before treating it as completed delivery proof. - [FedEx Picture Proof of Delivery](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking/picture-proof-delivery.html) ### Signed Proof of Delivery A complete signed POD can require: - tracking number; - FedEx account number; - eligible shipment access. Photo and signature are separate proof types. ### FedEx signature services Current U.S. guidance distinguishes: - **Indirect Signature Required** — an eligible neighbor, building manager, or other indirect recipient may sign; - **Direct Signature Required** — someone at the delivery address must sign; - **Adult Signature Required** — an eligible adult at the delivery address must sign. Under the cited U.S. adult-signature process, the signer’s ID name and address do not necessarily need to match the shipment label exactly. - [FedEx Signature Services](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/delivery-options/signature-services.html) ## DHL Express versus DHL eCommerce ### DHL Express Official DHL Express guidance uses MyDHL+ or Express tracking to request POD with or without consignee signature. The tool can require: - waybill number; - account or contact information; - matching shipment details. When a digital signature was captured, an electronic POD can include a signature image. DHL Express On Demand Delivery can also authorize a no-signature outcome such as: - safe place; - neighbor; - concierge; - security; - Service Point; - locker; - signature release. A POD without signature can therefore be consistent with the authorized delivery method. - [DHL Express Proof of Delivery](https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-my/ship-with-dhl/services/dhl-shipping-tools/proof-of-delivery) - [DHL Express On Demand Delivery](https://delivery.dhl.com/) ### DHL eCommerce Do not apply DHL Express POD rules to DHL eCommerce. For DHL eCommerce, the useful proof may belong to: - the final-mile postal or courier partner; - the merchant or online shop; - a business account unavailable to the recipient. Use the final-mile carrier’s official tracking first, then the merchant route when the carrier contract controls access. - [DHL eCommerce U.S. Tracking FAQ](https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/customer-service/ecommerce-tracking-faq.html) ## Canada Post — Canada Canada Post Photo Confirmation and Signature are separate proof types. ### Photo Confirmation Photo Confirmation applies to eligible safe-drop deliveries. Current official guidance reviewed on July 22, 2026 says: - access requires a Canada Post account for privacy and security; - the photo is available in the Track dashboard for one year; - it is archived for another year; - archived retrieval can be requested during that period. These retention periods are date-sensitive and can change. - [Canada Post Photo Confirmation](https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/kb/tracking/photo-confirmation.page) ### Signature The Signature option must be selected when the item is shipped. It records the signer’s name and signature. Official tracking can expose who signed for an eligible shipment. - [Canada Post Signature](https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/articles/parcel-services-shipping-in-canada/signature.page) - [Find Who Signed for a Package](https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/kb/tracking/using-track-to-find-who-signed-for-a-package.page) A safe-drop photo is not the same as a signature handoff. ## Purolator — Canada Purolator requires authentication before exposing private POD information such as delivery address and signature. Authentication can use shipment-matching details such as: - origin or destination postal or ZIP code; - country; - billing account information. ### Photo Proof of Delivery Photo POD applies to eligible shipments that: - do not require a signature; or - use Signature Release. A photo can be absent because: - the parcel was handed directly to the customer or another person; - no safe place existed; - photography was prohibited. Purolator currently says photo proof can be stored for up to one year and provides a process to request removal of a photo or signature from the tracking experience. These are date-sensitive privacy rules. - [Purolator Tracking](https://www.purolator.com/en/shipping/tracker) - [Purolator Photo Proof of Delivery](https://www.purolator.com/en/resources-support/faqs/photo-proof-delivery) ## La Poste / Colissimo — France La Poste / Colissimo can use several proof methods for eligible services, including: - handwritten signature; - digitized signature; - confidential delivery code; - QR-based confirmation. Use: - [La Poste Tracking](https://www.laposte.fr/outils/suivre-vos-envois) - [La Poste Delivery Help](https://aide.laposte.fr/categorie/suivi-de-livraison) The reviewed sources do not establish one universal consumer action that always downloads a complete POD certificate. The sender or business account may have stronger documentary access than the recipient. Use official tracking and help rather than assuming the proof is publicly downloadable. ## Proof retrieval and a carrier claim are separate Obtaining a photo, signature, or POD can help preserve evidence. It does not: - open a missing-package report; - identify the eligible claimant; - file a carrier claim; - pause a deadline; - prove compensation eligibility; - determine who receives payment; - create a seller refund. Use [Who Should I Contact About a Package?](/delivery-actions/who-to-contact-about-a-package/) to identify the responsible party. When formal filing begins, use [How to File a Package Claim](/delivery-actions/package-claim-guide/). ## Preserve proof without exposing private information Keep the original proof privately. Before necessary sharing, redact information that the recipient does not need to expose, including: - full tracking number; - recipient or signer name; - full address; - signature image; - account number; - barcode or QR code; - locker or pickup code; - phone or email; - identity data. Do not post delivery photos or signatures publicly to ask strangers to identify a property or person. ## Proof-link and identity scams Fraudulent messages can imitate: - delivery-photo links; - signature downloads; - POD documents; - address-correction requests; - redelivery fees; - identity verification. Open the carrier’s official site or app independently. Do not use an unsolicited proof, photo, signature, or fee link to sign in, pay, or disclose identity information. ## What Proof of Delivery does not prove A carrier proof record alone cannot determine: - who possesses the parcel now; - whether the named recipient personally handled it; - whether a signer was authorized; - whether the intended unit received it; - whether the complete address was correct; - whether a photo contains verified coordinates; - whether the parcel remained after capture; - whether theft occurred; - whether the driver or sender made an error; - whether the seller owes a refund; - whether a claim is eligible; - who may file the claim; - whether compensation equals the purchase price; - whether a marketplace, insurer, card issuer, court, or regulator will accept the record as conclusive; - legal delivery, title, risk, negligence, fraud, or liability. Treat the proof as evidence of the carrier-recorded event—not as a complete legal or factual conclusion. ## Keep the public timeline beside the proof USTracking can help you save the shipment, organize public tracking events, identify a visible final-mile carrier, monitor for later public corrections, receive notifications, and open official carrier links: - [USTracking for iPhone and iPad](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ustracking-package-helper-ai/id6749468345) - [USTracking for Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smartaistudio.ustracking) USTracking cannot access hidden carrier photos, private signatures, GPS, account records, or POD documents, identify or verify a signer, authenticate the user, contact the carrier or seller, correct the record, open an investigation, file a claim, or guarantee recovery. ## Official sources ### USPS - [Proof of Delivery](https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Proof-of-Delivery) - [Signature Confirmation](https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Signature-Confirmation) - [Return Receipt](https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Return-Receipt-The-Basics) ### UPS - [UPS Proof of Delivery](https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/tracking-support/proof-of-delivery) - [UPS My Choice](https://www.ups.com/us/en/track/ups-my-choice) - [UPS Ground Saver](https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/shipping-services/ground-saver) ### FedEx - [Picture Proof of Delivery](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking/picture-proof-delivery.html) - [FedEx Tracking](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking.html) - [Signature Services](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/delivery-options/signature-services.html) ### DHL - [DHL Express Proof of Delivery](https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-my/ship-with-dhl/services/dhl-shipping-tools/proof-of-delivery) - [DHL Express On Demand Delivery](https://delivery.dhl.com/) - [DHL eCommerce U.S. Tracking FAQ](https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/customer-service/ecommerce-tracking-faq.html) ### Canada Post - [Photo Confirmation](https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/kb/tracking/photo-confirmation.page) - [Signature](https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/articles/parcel-services-shipping-in-canada/signature.page) - [Find Who Signed for a Package](https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/kb/tracking/using-track-to-find-who-signed-for-a-package.page) ### Purolator and La Poste - [Purolator Photo Proof of Delivery](https://www.purolator.com/en/resources-support/faqs/photo-proof-delivery) - [La Poste Tracking](https://www.laposte.fr/outils/suivre-vos-envois) - [La Poste Delivery Help](https://aide.laposte.fr/categorie/suivi-de-livraison) ## Scope and limitations This page explains proof types, official retrieval routes, access restrictions, privacy, retention, and evidence limits using carrier sources reviewed on **July 22, 2026**. Proof tools, authentication, retention, privacy controls, service eligibility, account access, and carrier divisions can change. USPS, UPS, and FedEx examples are primarily U.S.-scoped, except where FedEx expressly includes Canada. Canada Post and Purolator examples apply to Canada. La Poste / Colissimo examples apply to France. DHL Express and DHL eCommerce are separate divisions. This page does not diagnose a live shipment, collect proof or identity data, determine legal delivery or liability, open an investigation, file a claim, or replace the carrier, seller, sender, marketplace, insurer, payment provider, or legal process. **Last reviewed:** July 22, 2026 **Next scheduled review:** August 22, 2026 ## Related 11Tracking guides - [How to File a Package Claim](/delivery-actions/package-claim-guide/) — use this when formal claim readiness, eligible filer, evidence, deadline, and official filing route are the next job. - [What Does “Delivered” Mean?](/tracking-status/delivered/) - [Delivered but Package Not Received](/package-problems/delivered-but-not-received/) - [Who Should I Contact About a Package?](/delivery-actions/who-to-contact-about-a-package/) - [Official Carrier Support Directory](/carrier-support/) - [Change Delivery Address, Reroute, Hold, or Intercept](/delivery-actions/change-delivery-address-reroute-or-hold/) - [Wrong Address or Address Information Required](/package-problems/wrong-address-or-address-information-required/) - [Package Damaged or Contents Missing](/package-problems/package-damaged-or-contents-missing/) - [What Does “Delivery Attempted” Mean?](/tracking-status/delivery-attempted/) - [Find the Last-Mile Carrier and Local Tracking Number](/international-shipping/find-last-mile-carrier-and-local-tracking-number/) - [Is This Delivery Text, Email, Fee, or Tracking Link Fake?](/package-problems/fake-delivery-message/)