How Much Does US Postal Service Certified Mail Cost?

According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), about 3% of first-class mail doesn't make it on time each year. Lost or late mail can be a headache, especially with urgent or private documents. Certified Mail prevents this problem.

When you send USPS Certified Mail, you get proof that you sent it and a delivery record. This secure method is perfect for sending legal papers, health records, and financial reports.

Certified Mail is an added service of USPS. So, let's look at the US Postal Service Certified Mail cost to ensure your important letters are safe.

US Postal Cost

Starting Sunday, July 14, 2024, the rates for sending mail through USPS increased. Certified Mail rates are currently $4.85 per mailing. This cost is for the service alone, not including the USPS postage for your mail item.

Sending With a Return Receipt

Should you opt for the traditional method, using green card (form 3800), the Return Receipt service amounts to an additional $4.10 per mailing. These green cards have long been a staple of mailing methods, providing physical proof of delivery with a recipient's signature.

Skip the traditional green card receipt and opt for an Electronic Delivery Confirmation with Certified Mail Labels for just $0.95. Send a Certified Mail letter with Certified Mail Labels for just $6.49, compared to $9.64 when sending with a Return Receipt through the Post Office.

Opting for Electronic Services

The Electronic Delivery Confirmations is a receipt that provides the same information as the traditional USPS green card receipt. Senders will receive proof of mailing and proof of delivery in their email inbox immediately upon delivery.

Save money further by accessing the Electronic Delivery Confirmation report in your Certified Mail Labels 10-year, complimentary data archive. Rather than paying extra for USPS archives.

Additional Electronic Features

Electronic confirmation provides a modern, cost-effective alternative, offering the same robust tracking and proof of mailing.

Additionally, when you require an electronic signature, the Certified Mail Return Receipt Signature Electronic costs $2.62 per mailing. It streamlines the process, securing evidence of delivery without requiring physical paperwork.

Return Receipt Electronic is a product of USPS. It is used to provide proof of letter delivery. When the Certified Mail® letter is delivered, USPS creates a PDF file that can be emailed to you hours after delivery. A copy of this report is also stored inside your Certified Mail Labels account for 10 years.

Weight Restrictions

While Certified Mail doesn't have unique weight restrictions, it adheres to the weight restrictions of the mail class chosen for the shipment.

For instance, when sending Certified Mail as First-Class Mail letters, the maximum weight is 3.5 oz. The weight limit is 13 ounces for larger envelopes under First-Class Mail.

Unlike other online mailing services, Certified Mail Labels requires no special equipment, postage scales, or software. Easily enter the number of pages you are mailing and make your postage selections. Certified Mail Labels will calculate the postage total for you.

Limited Delivery Options

US Postal Service's Certified Mail is only for deliveries within the United States. It covers all 50 states, making it a safe way to send important documents nationwide.

Additionally, the service includes US territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands. Military addresses are also supported, allowing Certified Mail deliveries to:

Army Post Offices (APOs)
Fleet Post Offices (FPOs)
Diplomatic Post Offices (DPOs)

However, this service doesn't cater to international shipping. If your mail needs to go outside the US, you must consider other USPS international services.

Certified Mail Labels allows you to easily create Certified Mail®, Priority Mail, and Express Mail labels with live USPS Postage online from the comfort of your home or office.

Delivery Timing

How long does it take USPS to delivery Certified Mail? USPS typically delivers Certified Mail in 3 to 10 business days. However, this can change based on several factors. Distance between sender and recipient and current mail volume can affect delivery speed.

Remember, Certified Mail requires a signature upon delivery. If the recipient isn't available, USPS will try to deliver multiple times. If unsuccessful, they'll hold the mail at the local Post Office for the recipient to pick-up.

If you're sending urgent items, give them ample time to arrive. For faster shipping, select USPS Priority Mail or Express Mail. These services promise overnight or next-day delivery with letters arriving in 1-3 business days.

Signature Restrictions

With Certified Mail, a signature is needed upon delivery to verify delivery. This practice ensures safety and authenticity. Yet, exceptions like Return Receipt Signature Restricted Delivery may apply.

A signature restriction occurs when only certain individuals are allowed to sign and receive mail. USPS guarantees that the mail is handed only to the named person or their authorized agent.

Handling Lost Mail

If your certified documents go missing, start by tracking them online. This shows you if there's been a delay or postage mistake. Tracking is included for Certified Mail.

If the tracking isn't helpful or confirms the mail is lost, fill out a help request form on the USPS website. You'll need to detail the shipment thoroughly.

Include sender and recipient addresses, the package description, the tracking number, and the contents list. Adding photos could aid the search.

USPS will then acknowledge your request and email you an update. They'll try to locate and send your mail. If they can't find it, recovery might not be possible.

If your mail had insurance or was sent by Priority Mail Express, you can claim a refund. Start your claim on the USPS website by providing necessary evidence, like proof of value or insurance.

Acting swiftly raises your chances of getting your lost mail back or any deserved compensation. Keep all relevant paperwork and correspondence ready, as they're essential for the search and claim process.

Undeliverable Mail

In case of an unsuccessful delivery attempt, USPS will leave a notice in the recipient's mailbox. This slip informs the recipient of a delivery attempt and details how to retrieve the item or request a re-delivery.

If the mail can't be delivered, the mail item will be held at the recipient's local Post Office. After a few days, USPS will make a second delivery attempt. They'll leave a second notice in the recipient's mailbox if unsuccessful.

If the mail isn't collected within the holding period, it's returned to the sender. USPS returns the entire piece, including any attachments. Therefore, senders will know that the mail didn't reach the intended recipient.

At this point, the sender should attempt to contact the recipient. They may be able to coordinate a time for re-delivery.

How to Cut Costs on Certified Mail

Navigating the USPS Certified Mail cost can be a bit complex. Keep in mind that fees may vary based on your mailing choice, weight, and whether you use electronic services.

Skip the trip to the Post Office and save $3.15 on postage for each Certified Mail® green card receipt with Certified Mail Labels.

Get email notifications with Electronic Delivery Confirmations, Return Receipt Signatures, and tracking. As well as, complimentary access to a 10-year compliance archive at no extra cost. Senders have proof of mailing, letter tracking, and delivery confirmation for each compliance letter. All available 24/7 – 365 days a year.

Certified Mail Labels requires:

No stickers
No forms
No lines at the Post Office
No monthly fees
No special equipment
No contracts
No software or special equipment

Contact our Customer Support Team to learn how Certified Mail Labels can save you time and money. Learn more about how Certified Mail Labels works with a demo call today!