You mailed an important, time-sensitive document, but the addressee says they never received it. You can avoid this situation by using Certified Mail.
Certified Mail from the U.S. Postal Service requires a signature upon delivery. Included in the additional service is proof of mailing showing when you mailed the item. As well as, proof of delivery, which confirms the item was delivered by the recipients signature.
What if the recipient isn't home to sign for their Certified Mail though? Can Certified Mail be redelivered?
Continue reading to learn about United States Postal Service (USPS) Certified Mail policies for redelivery and how to use these services.
Can Certified Mail Be Redelivered?
In most cases Certified Mail can be redelivered. However, the redelivery must be scheduled. If a redelivery request is not noted, the local Post Office will hold the Certified Mail for 15 days. Within this time, the recipient can go to the Post Office to pick up their letter.
USPS offers redelivery services in most areas of the country.
Why Would I Need Certified Mail Redelivery?
Certified Mail items require a signature for delivery. The mail carrier can't leave it if no one is available to sign. The mail carrier will leave a PS Form 3849 Redelivery Notice.
They will leave a second notice five days after the first one if it has not been picked up or scheduled for redelivery. After 15 days, the item will return to the sender.
The redelivery notice includes important information about the Certified Mail piece:
- Notification that the item is being held at the local Post Office
- The date the item will be available for pick-up
- A barcode number to use to schedule Certified Mail redelivery
- Whether the notice is the first or final one
If you have received a final notice, you should take action quickly to avoid having your item sent back to the sender.
How to Redeliver Certified Mail
The Certified Mail redelivery process is straightforward. Recipients can choose one of three methods to schedule Certified Mail redelivery:
- Using PS Form 3849 Redelivery Notice
- Using the USPS website
- Calling the Post Office
You can also go in person to the Post Office where your item is being held to pick it up.
How to Redeliver Certified Mail Using PS Form 3849
You can fill out the back of PS Form 3849 with redelivery instructions for your mail carrier. Write in the redelivery date you would like and sign the bottom of the form. You can leave the form in your mailbox with your outgoing mail.
Be sure to allow at least two days for the redelivery. Your mail carrier will pick up the notice the first day and redeliver on the second. Keep in mind that you can request a date for the redelivery, but not a specific time.
How to Request Redelivery Online
To request Certified Mail redelivery online, you can scan the QR code on PS Form 3849 or go to the website listed on the form. You'll need the barcode number from the form or the tracking number of your Certified letter. Follow the prompts to enter the required information.
You can get redelivery the same day if you submit your request by 2 am CST, Monday through Saturday.
You'll receive a confirmation number after successfully submitting your online request. Keep this number in case you need to change your redelivery request.
How to Schedule Certified Mail Redelivery by Phone
You can schedule your redelivery by phone using 1-800-ASK-USPS. Customer service agents are available Monday through Friday, 8 am-8:30 pm ET and Saturday 8 am-6 pm ET. Automated information is available 24/7.
You'll need the barcode number from your PS Form 3849.
Editing a Redelivery Request
You can change your redelivery request online or by phone. You must submit the change at least one day before the scheduled redelivery. You have the option of rescheduling or canceling the redelivery.
If you scheduled the redelivery using the USPS website, your confirmation email will have a link to edit your request. You can also go back to the website and click "Edit an existing redelivery request." If you have a USPS.com account, you can sign in and modify your redelivery.
You can modify an existing redelivery request by phone. You'll need the barcode number from your PS Form 3849.
Certified Mail Redelivery Requirements
If Certified Mail redelivery is available in your area, the requirements are straightforward. You need the tracking number or barcode number from the PS Form 3849. The Post Office will only redeliver an item to the original delivery address.
You or your authorized agent must sign to receive your Certified Mail item. Signing the back of PS Form 3849 to request redelivery doesn't fulfill this requirement.
Establishing an Authorized Agent
You can designate someone else to pick up your Certified Mail. Fill out PS Form 3801 (Standing Delivery Order) or write a signed letter to the postmaster.
If you choose to have your authorized agent pick up your Certified Mail, your agent will need a valid photo ID. If your agent is inside your home to sign for your Certified Mail, the mail carrier won't need to see ID. The Post Office assumes that someone inside the home is associated with the intended recipient.
Understanding the Certified Mail Redelivery Process
Certified Mail requires the recipient to sign upon receipt. However, if the person isn't home, they can still get their item.
Can Certified Mail be redelivered? Yes, it can.
The intended recipient can easily schedule Certified Mail redelivery. They can also go to the Post Office to pick up their item.
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