Can certified mail be left in mailbox
According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), certified mail can be left in a mailbox if the addressee is not present to receive it. However, there are some conditions and considerations to keep in mind:
- Delivery to mailbox: If the addressee is not present, the USPS will attempt to deliver the certified mail to their mailbox, if it is accessible. This is known as "mailbox delivery."
- Signature required: Certified mail requires a signature upon delivery, which means the addressee or someone authorized to receive the mail must sign for it. If no one is present to sign, the mail carrier will leave a notice of attempted delivery.
- Notice of attempted delivery: If the mail carrier is unable to deliver the certified mail to the addressee, they will leave a notice of attempted delivery in the mailbox. This notice will indicate that the mail was attempted to be delivered and provide instructions on how to retrieve it.
- Redelivery: If the addressee is not present to receive the certified mail, they can contact the USPS to arrange for redelivery. The USPS will attempt to deliver the mail again at a later time.
- Hold for pickup: If the addressee is not present, they can also opt to have the certified mail held for pickup at their local post office. The USPS will hold the mail for a specified period, usually 15 days, before returning it to the sender.
In summary, certified mail can be left in a mailbox if the addressee is not present, but the USPS will leave a notice of attempted delivery and the addressee must sign for it upon retrieval. If the addressee is not present, they can arrange for redelivery or have the mail held for pickup at their local post office.