Certified mail vs regular mail

Certified Mail and Regular Mail are two types of mail services offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). The main difference between the two is the level of tracking and proof of delivery provided.

Certified Mail:

Certified Mail is a type of mail that provides proof of mailing and delivery. When you send a certified letter or package, the USPS will:

1. Provide a receipt with a tracking number, which serves as proof of mailing.
2. Sign the recipient's signature upon delivery, which serves as proof of delivery.
3. Keep a record of the delivery, which can be used to resolve disputes or track the package.

Certified Mail is often used for important documents, such as:

• Legal documents
• Financial transactions
• Medical records
• Tax returns
• Insurance claims

Regular Mail:

Regular Mail, also known as First-Class Mail, is the standard mail service offered by the USPS. It does not provide the same level of tracking and proof of delivery as Certified Mail. When you send a regular letter or package, the USPS will:

1. Deliver the mail to the recipient's mailbox or post office box.
2. Not provide a signature upon delivery.
3. Not keep a record of the delivery.

Regular Mail is often used for non-urgent correspondence, such as:

• Personal letters
• Bills and statements
• Catalogs and brochures
• Junk mail

Key differences:

1. Tracking and proof of delivery: Certified Mail provides proof of mailing and delivery, while Regular Mail does not.
2. Signature upon delivery: Certified Mail requires a signature upon delivery, while Regular Mail does not.
3. Record of delivery: Certified Mail keeps a record of the delivery, while Regular Mail does not.
4. Cost: Certified Mail is generally more expensive than Regular Mail, especially for larger packages.

In summary, if you need to send important documents or packages that require proof of delivery, Certified Mail is the better option. If you're sending non-urgent correspondence, Regular Mail may be sufficient.