How to Send Certified Mail (USA)

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Have you got something important and secure that you need to send, and that requires confirmation of receipt? Sending USPS Certified mail will ensure that your important pieces of mail, including legal and confidential documents, arrive at their intended destination. Follow this guide to either send Certified Mail from your local post office or to send Certified Mail online. [1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Send Certified Mail from Your Post Office

PDF download Download Article
  1. [2]
    • This form contains a green and white sticker that includes a barcode, which will allow you to track your mail through the USPS. [3]
    • The form also contains a perforated receipt, which serves as proof that you mailed the item.
    • Write all of the required information on the form, including the recipient’s name and address.
  2. Remove the backing and place the sticker along the top edge of the envelope you are mailing, directly to the right of the return address area.
    • Make sure to leave room on the top right portion of the envelope to apply correct postage .
    • On a package, the sticker can be placed to the left of the address area.
  3. Then pay for additional services, including a fee for USPS Certified Mail ($4.35USD as of 8/8/2023 and Return receipt (PS Form 3811) cost either $3.35 for a regular mailed receipt or 2.10 for an emailed receipt). [4]
    • Both first-class and priority mail can be sent via certified mail.
    • First-class mail includes envelopes and packages that weigh 13 ounces or less.
    • Priority mail service offers delivery in a timely and expedited fashion, generally within two to three days.
  4. [5]
    • Restricted delivery service guarantees that a specified person receives and signs for the certified mail. [6]
    • If you select this option, you need to endorse, or initial, the column on the certified mail form that is marked for this service.
  5. Choose whether or not you want to pay for return receipt service, which provides you with a receipt that gives you the certified mail recipient’s signature. [7]
    • You can choose to obtain this receipt via e-mail, with a PDF image of the signature included, or as a physical receipt via snail mail.
    • As with the restricted delivery service, you need to initial the column on the certified mail form marked for this service.
  6. Collect and keep your receipt that has been stamped with the mailing date. A number that is unique to your mailing allows you to confirm the mail delivery online.
    • Keep all documentation for the mailing in a safe place.
  7. Check online at the postal service’s Web site to see when and to whom the certified mail was delivered. The recipient must sign for the mail upon delivery, and the post office keeps a record of this signature. [8]
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Send Certified Mail Online

PDF download Download Article
  1. There are several web businesses that offer USPS Certified Mail delivery. You shouldn't have to pay any monthly fees for an account.
    • Look at the price for sending Certified Mail. Decide if the price is worth what you will pay for the service.
    • Make sure that the service offers next-day USPS tracking for your letter.
    • Check to see that the service provides proof of mailing and USPS proof of delivery.
    • Write a letter in your word processing program. Print and sign it if needed.
    • Alternatively, use a form provided by the recipient. Again, print the form and sign it as needed.
  3. Save the scanned document on your hard drive. Make sure that the document is legible and easy to read.
  4. The service will then address, print and mail the letter on the same business day.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Do I have to be present at a post office to send certified mail?
    Community Answer
    If you mean you personally (as opposed to another person), then no. Only registered mail has to actually be sent from the PO counter. If you affix the proper forms and amount of postage, you can have a carrier pick up certified mail or use a mail box.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 75
  • Question
    Which name goes on the receipt, mine or the person I am mailing it to?
    Community Answer
    On the green and white "Certified Mail Receipt", write the name of the person you are mailing the parcel to. Their address should be entered at the bottom.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 52
  • Question
    Can I send certified mail from any country besides the U.S.?
    Community Answer
    That depends on the individual country that you are in. When in the U.S., you cannot send Certified Mail to foreign addresses. Certified Mail can only be sent to addresses in the United States and its territories, in addition to FPOs and APOs.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 24
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • You cannot send Certified Mail to foreign addresses. Certified Mail can only be sent to addresses in the United States and its territories, in addition to FPOs and APOs. [9]
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If you need evidence of delivery, be sure to check the delivery status as soon as possible. The post office will only keep the delivery and signature information for a limited amount of time.
        Thanks
        Helpful 36 Not Helpful 14
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Send a Registered Letter
      How to
      Send an S.A.S.E. (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope)
      How to
      Write a Letter
      How to
      Address a Letter
      How to
      Know How Many Stamps to Use
      How to
      Address to a PO Box
      How to
      Get a Tracking Number
      Can I Pick Up My USPS Package Before Delivery? Your Questions Answered!
      How to
      Stop Mail for Previous Residents
      How to
      Reactivate a Disabled USPS Account & Why It Was Disabled
      How to
      Contact the United States Postal Service: Customer Support & More
      How to
      Contact FedEx
      A Simple Guide to Getting a Free USPS PO Box
      How to
      Pick a Mailbox Lock
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Certified-Mail-The-Basics
      2. ↑ https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/certified-mail-receipt-form-P_FORM_3800
      3. ↑ https://about.usps.com/forms/ps3800.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.usps.com/ship/insurance-extra-services.htm
      5. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Restricted-Delivery
      6. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Restricted-Delivery
      7. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Return-Receipt-The-Basics
      8. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Return-Receipt-The-Basics
      9. ↑ https://www.certifiedmaillabels.com/blog/certified-mail-can-you-send-it-outside-of-the-united-states

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To send certified mail, go to your post office and fill out a Certified Mail Form 3800, specifying the recipient’s name and address. Indicate whether you want special delivery services, like a return receipt. Then remove the sticker with the bar code from the form and put it along the top edge of your envelope, to the right of the return address. When you’re ready to send your mail, pay the postage and hang on to the form, which will state the mailing date and serve as your receipt. For more details on sending certified mail, through the post office or online, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,111,431 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • J. Thomson

        Sep 28, 2016

        "Your step by step directions really helped m,e as I was getting confused and this has become part of my ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement