Is certified mail considered registered mail

In the United States, Certified Mail and Registered Mail are two separate services offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). While both services provide proof of mailing and tracking, they have distinct differences in terms of their purpose, features, and requirements.

Certified Mail:

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

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

Certified Mail is typically used for documents that require proof of mailing, such as tax returns, legal documents, and business correspondence.

Registered Mail:

Registered Mail is a more secure and trackable service that provides additional features beyond Certified Mail. When you use Registered Mail, the USPS will:

  1. Hand-cancel the postage stamp
  2. Provide a receipt to the sender
  3. Record the mailing in their database
  4. Provide a tracking number
  5. Require the recipient to sign for the package upon delivery
  6. Provide insurance coverage up to $5,000 (optional)

Registered Mail is typically used for valuable or sensitive items, such as jewelry, electronics, or important documents that require a higher level of security and tracking.

Key differences:

  1. Tracking: Both services provide tracking, but Registered Mail provides more detailed tracking information, including signature upon delivery.
  2. Insurance: Registered Mail offers insurance coverage up to $5,000, while Certified Mail does not.
  3. Security: Registered Mail requires the recipient to sign for the package upon delivery, providing an additional layer of security.
  4. Purpose: Certified Mail is primarily used for proof of mailing and delivery, while Registered Mail is used for more valuable or sensitive items that require a higher level of security and tracking.

In summary, while both Certified Mail and Registered Mail provide proof of mailing and tracking, Registered Mail is a more secure and trackable service that offers additional features, such as insurance coverage and signature upon delivery.