How to certify mail usps

To certify mail with the United States Postal Service (USPS), you can follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of certification you need: The USPS offers several types of certification services, including:
   • Certified Mail: Provides proof of mailing and delivery.
   • Certified Mail Return Receipt: Provides proof of mailing and delivery, as well as a return receipt signed by the recipient.
   • Certified Mail Restricted Delivery: Requires the recipient to sign for the item.
2. Prepare your mailpiece: Make sure your mailpiece is properly addressed and packaged.
3. Take your mailpiece to a post office: You can certify mail at any USPS post office. You'll need to present your mailpiece and a valid form of payment (cash, credit card, or debit card).
4. Fill out the certification form: The postal clerk will provide you with a certification form (PS Form 3800) to fill out. The form will ask for the following information:
   • Your name and address
   • The recipient's name and address
   • The weight and size of the mailpiece
   • The type of certification you're requesting
5. Pay the certification fee: The fee for certification varies depending on the type of certification you choose. As of 2022, the fees are:
   • Certified Mail: $3.60
   • Certified Mail Return Receipt: $5.95
   • Certified Mail Restricted Delivery: $6.95
6. Affix the certification label: The postal clerk will affix a certification label to your mailpiece. This label will include a unique tracking number and a barcode.
7. Mail your certified mailpiece: Once you've completed the certification process, you can mail your certified mailpiece.

Tips and Reminders:

• Make sure to keep a copy of the certification form and the tracking number for your records.
• Certified mail is not insured, so if the item is lost or damaged, you may not be able to recover the value.
• If you're sending a valuable or important item, you may want to consider using a more secure shipping method, such as Priority Mail Express or a private courier service.
• Certified mail can take several days to a week to arrive, depending on the destination and the type of mail service used.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your mailpiece is properly certified and tracked by the USPS.