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:

  1. 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.
  2. Tracking Number: A unique tracking number is assigned to the mailpiece, which allows the sender to track the delivery status of the mailpiece online.
  3. Signature upon Delivery: The recipient must sign for the mailpiece upon delivery, which provides proof of delivery.
  4. 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:

  1. Legal documents, such as court papers or divorce papers
  2. Financial documents, such as tax returns or investment statements
  3. Medical records or test results
  4. Business documents, such as contracts or invoices
  5. Personal documents, such as passports or identification cards

The benefits of using Certified Mail include:

  1. Proof of Mailing and Delivery: Certified Mail provides a paper trail that can be used as evidence in case of disputes or legal issues.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.