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What is USPS Certified Mail? When and How to Use It
Understand USPS Certified Mail for legal documents and important correspondence. Learn costs, tracking, and when to use it.
January 17, 20263 min read45 views
USPS Certified Mail: Complete Guide
Certified Mail provides proof that your mail was sent and delivered, creating a paper trail for important documents.
Certified Mail Costs (2025)
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified Mail fee | $4.15 |
| Return Receipt (green card) | $3.55 |
| Return Receipt Electronic | $2.15 |
| Restricted Delivery | $6.85 |
What Certified Mail Provides
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Unique tracking number | Yes |
| Mailing receipt | Yes |
| Electronic verification | Yes |
| Delivery record | Yes |
| Physical return receipt | Optional (+$3.55) |
When to Use Certified Mail
| Document Type | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Legal notices | Yes |
| Contract cancellations | Yes |
| IRS correspondence | Yes |
| Eviction notices | Yes |
| Demand letters | Yes |
| Important contracts | Yes |
Certified Mail vs Other Services
| Service | Tracking | Proof of Delivery | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Mail | Yes | Yes (signature) | 2-5 days |
| Priority Mail | Yes | Optional | 1-3 days |
| Registered Mail | Yes | Yes (insured) | 10+ days |
| First Class | Limited | No | 2-5 days |
Return Receipt Options
Green Card (Physical):
- Mailed back to you
- Shows signature and delivery date
- Takes 1-2 weeks to receive
- Cost: $3.55
- Emailed to you
- Faster receipt
- Shows signature image
- Cost: $2.15
How to Send Certified Mail
At the Post Office:
Online (with atoship):
Restricted Delivery Option
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Signature required | Only addressee can sign |
| ID verification | Confirms identity |
| Extra security | For sensitive documents |
| Cost | +$6.85 |
Common Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is it insured? | No (add separately) |
| Can I track online? | Yes |
| Weekend delivery? | Yes |
| International? | No (use Registered) |
Legal Considerations
Certified Mail creates legal presumption of:
- Mailing date
- Delivery attempt
- Signature (if obtained)
Tracking Your Certified Mail
Track online via:
- USPS.com
- atoship dashboard
- USPS mobile app
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