Certified mail vs registered

Certified Mail and Registered Mail are both services offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to provide proof of mailing and tracking for packages and letters. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two services.

Certified Mail

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

1. Provide a receipt to the sender, which serves as proof of mailing.
2. Track the package or letter and provide a delivery confirmation.
3. Require the recipient to sign for the package or letter upon delivery.

Certified Mail is often used for important documents, such as tax returns, legal documents, and financial transactions.

Registered Mail

Registered Mail is a more secure and trackable service than Certified Mail. When you use Registered Mail, the USPS will:

1. Provide a receipt to the sender, which serves as proof of mailing.
2. Track the package or letter and provide a delivery confirmation.
3. Require the recipient to sign for the package or letter upon delivery.
4. Provide additional security features, such as a tamper-evident seal and a unique tracking number.
5. Offer insurance coverage up to $5,000 for loss or damage.

Registered Mail is often used for high-value or sensitive items, such as jewelry, artwork, or important documents that require extra security.

Key differences

Here are the main differences between Certified Mail and Registered Mail:

1. Security: Registered Mail offers more security features, such as a tamper-evident seal and insurance coverage, while Certified Mail does not.
2. Tracking: Both services provide tracking, but Registered Mail offers more detailed tracking information.
3. Insurance: Registered Mail offers insurance coverage up to $5,000, while Certified Mail does not.
4. Cost: Registered Mail is generally more expensive than Certified Mail.

When to use each service

Use Certified Mail when:

• You need proof of mailing and delivery for important documents.
• You want to track the package or letter, but don't need the extra security features of Registered Mail.

Use Registered Mail when:

• You need to send high-value or sensitive items that require extra security.
• You want to ensure that your package or letter is delivered safely and securely.
• You need insurance coverage for loss or damage.

Ultimately, the choice between Certified Mail and Registered Mail depends on your specific needs and the value of the item you're sending.