What's the difference between certified and registered mail

In the United States, both certified and registered mail are types of mail services offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that provide proof of mailing and tracking. The main difference between the two is the level of insurance and tracking provided:

Registered Mail:

• Provides proof of mailing and tracking
• Requires a signature upon delivery
• Offers $50,000 in insurance coverage (optional)
• Tracking information is available online
• Delivers to a specific address, not a post office box
• Has a higher cost compared to Certified Mail

Certified Mail:

• Provides proof of mailing and tracking
• Does not require a signature upon delivery
• Offers $5,000 in insurance coverage (optional)
• Tracking information is available online
• Can be delivered to a post office box or a physical address
• Has a lower cost compared to Registered Mail

In summary:

• Registered Mail provides more comprehensive tracking and insurance coverage, but requires a signature upon delivery and has a higher cost.
• Certified Mail provides basic tracking and insurance coverage, but does not require a signature upon delivery and has a lower cost.

When to use each:

• Use Registered Mail for high-value or sensitive items that require a signature upon delivery and additional insurance coverage.
• Use Certified Mail for routine correspondence, documents, or packages that don't require a signature upon delivery and have a lower value.

Keep in mind that both services provide proof of mailing and tracking, which can be useful in case of disputes or lost mail.