If you cannot be there to sign, FedEx will usually either try delivery again or hold the package at a nearby FedEx location for pickup. Which of those happens depends on the signature type the shipper selected, the instructions on your door tag, and any restrictions the shipper placed on the shipment. This guide covers FedEx’s U.S. process as published in October 2026.
Why the outcome varies from package to package
The signature requirement is not chosen by the driver or by you. FedEx says the shipper selects the signature option when the package is sent. That choice controls who is allowed to accept the package, whether a neighbor or building manager can sign for it, and whether you can authorize release without being present. Two packages delivered to the same door on the same day can therefore follow different paths after a missed attempt.
Identify the signature type first
Check the tracking page or the door tag before doing anything else. The signature type is the single fact that determines your options.
| FedEx option | Who can accept it | Can someone else sign or authorize release? | Electronic or virtual signing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Signature Required | Someone at the delivery address must sign. | Not for the signature itself. If no one is available, FedEx says it will reattempt delivery or hold the package at a nearby FedEx location. | Not available for direct physical signature packages. |
| Indirect Signature Required | Someone at or near the address may sign, such as a neighbor or building manager. | Yes, for eligible shipments. A signed door tag or FedEx Delivery Manager can authorize release without someone present. | Eligible for virtual signing only where the shipment qualifies. |
| Adult Signature Required | An eligible adult must sign and show identification. | No. The adult must be present to sign. | Electronic signatures are not accepted, and adult-signature shipments are excluded from virtual signing. |
What happens after a missed attempt
A missed attempt does not have one universal result. In general, FedEx may do one of three things:
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- Reattempt delivery. For Direct Signature Required shipments, FedEx says it may try again on a later day.
- Hold the package nearby. FedEx may route the package to a nearby FedEx location for pickup. This is also common when the driver cannot safely leave a package that needs a signature.
- Release it on authorization. For eligible indirect-signature shipments, a signed door tag or a Delivery Manager authorization can allow release without anyone present.
The door tag and the tracking page state which of these applies to your package. Those two sources are the only ones you should act on.
Use only FedEx-approved instructions
FedEx says drivers will not follow handwritten notes or other unofficial communication. Taping a note to the door or leaving a message with the driver will not change how the package is handled. A door tag may provide redelivery or pickup directions, and the official process is the route to follow.
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Check the tracking page and door tag
Scan the barcode on the door tag or open FedEx tracking for the package. Review the reason for the missed delivery and the next step listed there. If the page does not offer a change, the shipment may not be eligible for one.
Use FedEx Delivery Manager
Depending on the shipment, a recipient may be able to request a reattempt, redirect an eligible package to pickup, set delivery preferences, or place a vacation hold. FedEx states that vacation holds can cover up to 14 days. Options and fees vary, and the shipper or signature requirement can block some changes.
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Authorize release with a signed door tag
For eligible indirect-signature shipments, you can sign the door tag to authorize release. This is not available for adult-signature or direct physical signature packages. If the tag does not mention release authorization, assume it is not an option for that shipment.
Pick up at a FedEx location
When a package is held, bring the tracking number or door-tag information and a government-issued photo ID. FedEx’s Hold at Location guidance says a missed-delivery package may be kept for up to seven days before it is returned to the shipper. Confirm the actual pickup deadline on the tracking page, since it can differ by shipment.
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Steps to take now
- Open the FedEx tracking page or scan the door-tag barcode, and note the reason for the missed delivery.
- Identify whether the shipment is Direct, Indirect, or Adult Signature Required. Use the table above to see which options apply.
- If the tracking page offers a redelivery, redirect, or pickup option, select it and confirm the new date or location.
- For pickup, wait until FedEx marks the package ready at the location before traveling there.
- Bring the required ID and tracking or door-tag information to the location.
- If none of the listed options fits your situation, contact the shipper using the shipment details. The shipper controls some restrictions, and FedEx cannot change them on your behalf.
Common questions about the situation
Can I sign the door tag and leave it for the driver?
Only if the tag and tracking page offer release authorization for an eligible indirect-signature package. Adult and direct physical signature packages cannot be released this way.
Can I redirect the package to another address?
Redirection is available for some eligible shipments, but the shipper’s instructions and the signature requirement can prevent it. Check the live shipment page to see whether the option appears.
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What if I am abroad or the package is not U.S.-bound?
This guide covers FedEx’s U.S. guidance only. Signature definitions and recipient options differ by country, so use the FedEx site for your delivery country and confirm the rules on the door tag or tracking page.
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