Does certified mail need a stamp

In the United States, certified mail does require a stamp, but it's a bit more complicated than that.

When you send a certified mail piece, you need to affix a postage stamp to the envelope or package, just like you would for regular mail. However, the stamp you use must be a First-Class Mail stamp, which is currently $0.55 (as of 2022).

Here's the important part: the stamp is not just for postage, but also serves as proof of mailing. When you use certified mail, you'll need to complete a Certificate of Mailing form (PS Form 3811) and attach it to the outside of the envelope or package. This form includes the sender's and recipient's information, as well as the date and time of mailing.

The post office will then stamp the form with a special certification mark, which serves as proof that the mail piece was mailed on a specific date and time. This certification mark is what makes the mail piece "certified."

So, to summarize: yes, you do need to use a stamp on certified mail, but it's not just for postage – it's also part of the certification process.