Meaning of certified mail
Certified Mail is a type of mail service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that provides proof of mailing and delivery. When you send a letter or package via Certified Mail, the USPS provides a unique tracking number and a receipt that serves as proof of mailing.
Here are the key features of Certified Mail:
- Proof of Mailing: The USPS provides a receipt that serves as proof of mailing, which includes the date and time of mailing, the recipient's address, and the tracking number.
- Tracking Number: A unique tracking number is assigned to the mailpiece, which allows the sender to track the delivery status of the mailpiece online.
- Signature upon Delivery: The recipient must sign for the mailpiece upon delivery, which provides proof of delivery.
- Return Receipt: The USPS provides a return receipt that the recipient can sign and return to the sender, which serves as proof of delivery.
Certified Mail is often used for important documents, such as:
- Legal documents, such as court papers or divorce papers
- Financial documents, such as tax returns or investment statements
- Medical records or test results
- Business documents, such as contracts or invoices
- Personal documents, such as passports or identification cards
The benefits of using Certified Mail include:
- Proof of Mailing and Delivery: Certified Mail provides a paper trail that can be used as evidence in case of disputes or legal issues.
- Tracking and Delivery Confirmation: The tracking number allows the sender to track the delivery status of the mailpiece and confirm that it has been delivered.
- Security: Certified Mail is more secure than regular mail, as it requires a signature upon delivery and provides a paper trail.
Overall, Certified Mail is a reliable and secure way to send important documents and ensure that they are delivered to the intended recipient.