Certified mail us postal service

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a certified mail service that provides proof of mailing and delivery. Here's an overview of the process:

What is Certified Mail?

Certified Mail is a type of mail service offered by the USPS that provides proof of mailing and delivery. When you use Certified Mail, the USPS will:

  1. Hand-cancel the postage stamp
  2. Attach a receipt to the envelope
  3. Provide a tracking number
  4. Record the mailing information in their database

Benefits of Certified Mail

Using Certified Mail offers several benefits, including:

  1. Proof of Mailing: You'll have a record of when the mail was mailed, which can be useful in case of disputes or claims.
  2. Proof of Delivery: The recipient will sign for the mail, providing proof of delivery.
  3. Tracking: You can track the status of your mail online or by contacting the USPS.
  4. Return Receipt: You can request a return receipt, which is a signed receipt from the recipient that is returned to you.

How to Use Certified Mail

To use Certified Mail, follow these steps:

  1. Prepare your mail: Make sure your mail is properly addressed and packaged.
  2. Take it to a post office: Take your mail to a USPS post office or a self-service kiosk.
  3. Request Certified Mail: Inform the postal clerk that you'd like to use Certified Mail.
  4. Pay the fee: The fee for Certified Mail is currently $3.95 for each piece of mail.
  5. Sign the receipt: Sign the receipt provided by the postal clerk to confirm that you're the sender.
  6. Attach the receipt: Attach the receipt to the envelope.
  7. Mail your package: Mail your package as usual.

Tracking Your Certified Mail

You can track your Certified Mail online or by contacting the USPS. Here's how:

  1. Visit the USPS website: Go to the USPS website and click on "Track a Package" or "Track a Shipment".
  2. Enter the tracking number: Enter the tracking number provided by the USPS.
  3. Check the status: Check the status of your mail to see when it was mailed, when it was delivered, and any updates in between.

Remember to keep a record of your Certified Mail tracking number and receipt, as you may need to refer to them in case of disputes or claims.