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The United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers mail to 160+ million addresses nationwide. From postcards to letters, documents to packages, USPS makes it possible for these items to get delivered to their recipients' doorsteps.
However, the speed at which USPS delivers mail pieces depends on the type of service sending parties choose. So, when mailing something through USPS, you should know how Certified Mail vs. Priority Mail compare and differ.
Below we've compiled a postal service comparison guide of these two popular mail delivery options. Read on to discover what they are and how they differ so you can make a more informed choice.
What Does Certified Mail Mean?
Certified Mail is a numbered Extra Service from USPS that provides enhanced security and accountability compared to Standard Mail. Opting for Certified Mail benefits you by:
- Allowing you to verify that the USPS has sent your item with a mailing receipt confirmation
- Letting you track the status of your item, such as if USPS has attempted to deliver it
- Giving you peace of mind through an electronic verification confirming your item's delivery
- Providing you with a higher level of assurance by requiring the recipient's signature upon delivery
Skip the trip to the Post Office and purchase Certified Mail online with Certified Mail Labels. Save $3.15 on postage for each Certified Mail® green card receipt and print USPS labels from anywhere.
What About Priority Mail?
Similar to Certified Mail, Priority Mail is a numbered USPS Extra Service. It allows you to track items you've sent via USPS. The estimated delivery time (EDT) is not guaranteed, although it's usually between one and three days. The speed at which Priority Mail items get delivered depends on the sender's and the recipient's locations.
You can choose to mail Priority Mail items at the nearest Post Office. For a faster and easier option, print their labels at home with Certified Mail Labels. You can then drop your letter in any USPS outgoing box to be mailed.
Certified Mail vs. Priority Mail: When to Choose Which
When deciding which of these two USPS mail-handling services to choose, consider the following factors:
- Estimated delivery time
- Restrictions on who can accept and receive the item
- The items you're sending
Estimated Delivery Time
As mentioned above, the EDT for Priority Mail is typically between one and three days. The EDT for Certified Mail depends on the mail class you choose, which could be Priority Mail or First-Class Mail.
First-Class Mail is the least expensive option for sending letters, postcards, and flats (large envelopes). The EDT for this service is three to ten business days, excluding postal holidays and Sundays.
Suppose you need to ensure the recipient receives the item as soon as possible, but don't necessarily require their signature as proof of delivery. In that case, you can opt for Priority Mail. If you need someone at the delivery address to sign and account for the item's delivery, go for Certified Mail.
Restrictions on Who Can Accept and Receive the Item
With Certified Mail, the addressee's signature or that of a person residing at the delivery address is mandatory upon delivery. Certified Mail items will not be delivered to mailboxes. Even if you purchase this service alone, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that the recipient or someone at the address must accepted it.
On the other hand, Priority Mail, if purchased alone, doesn't have the same restrictions. However, you can add and pay for Extra Services, including Certified Mail. Some of the other Extra Services you can purchase with Priority Mail are:
- Certified Mail Restricted Delivery: Only the specific addressee (or a person they've authorized) can sign for the mailed item
- Adult Signature: Requires the signature of an adult (21 years or older) to sign for the delivery
- Adult Signature Restricted Delivery: Requires the signature of an adult accepting the item and the signature of the adult addressee
All those Extra Services can quickly increase Priority Mail costs. However, they offer more assurance that the item gets delivered to the addressee as soon as possible.
The Items You're Sending
Certified Mail provides proof of mailing and delivery through a signature. Making it's ideal for sending critical documents needing confirmation of receipt.
Individual tax returns are a perfect example. The Internal Revenue Service estimates receiving 140 million of these documents during the 2024 tax year. Unless you're filing online, you should send yours via Certified Mail.
Rental housing-related documents are another typical example, given that renting is common in the United States. The Pew Research Center says that renters live in 33.4% of occupied houses in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2024. If you're a new landlord, consider using Certified Mail to send important documents, such as rental agreements and notices.
Consider using Priority Mail if you need letters or small mail packages weighing up to 70 pounds delivered quickly. You can also choose this option and add an Extra Service (e.g., Certified Mail) if you must send crucial documents that are time-sensitive.
Ready to Send Certified or Priority Mail From Home?
In this Certified Mail vs. Priority Mail comparison guide, you learned that the former provides enhanced security and accountability. Conversely, Priority Mail is best for items that require immediate delivery.
Whether you need to send items via Certified or Priority Mail, Certified Mail Labels is happy to help. Create:
- USPS Certified Mail® labels
- Priority Mail labels
- Express Mail labels
with USPS Postage online! Sender receive email notifications with:
- Electronic Delivery Confirmations
- Return Receipt Signatures
- Immediate tracking
- 10-year compliance archive
- Proof of mailing
Get started today by contacting our Customer Support Team. Schedule a Live Demo. Our Customer Support Team will walk you through the platform and highlight options to best serve you and your business.