What does it mean to send something certified mail

Sending something via certified mail is a type of mail service offered by postal services, including the United States Postal Service (USPS) in the United States. When you send a letter or package via certified mail, it means that the postal service provides a receipt and a tracking number, which serves as proof of mailing and delivery.

Here are the key benefits of sending something via certified mail:

1. Proof of Mailing: The postal service provides a receipt, known as a "Certified Mail Receipt," which serves as proof that the item was mailed on a specific date and time.
2. Tracking: The item is tracked by the postal service, and you can use the tracking number to monitor its progress and confirm delivery.
3. Signature upon Delivery: The recipient must sign for the item upon delivery, which provides proof of delivery.
4. Return Receipt: You can request a return receipt, which is a signed receipt from the recipient that is returned to you, providing proof of delivery and signature.

Certified mail is often used for important documents, such as:

• Legal documents (e.g., court papers, divorce papers)
• Financial documents (e.g., tax returns, loan documents)
• Business documents (e.g., contracts, invoices)
• Personal documents (e.g., identification, insurance claims)

To send something via certified mail, you typically need to:

1. Take the item to a post office or mail center.
2. Ask the postal clerk to send the item via certified mail.
3. Pay the applicable fee (which varies depending on the weight and size of the item).
4. Fill out the certified mail form, which includes the recipient's address and your return address.
5. Attach the certified mail label to the item.

Keep in mind that certified mail is not the same as registered mail, which provides additional security features, such as a tamper-evident seal and a signature upon delivery.