What is sent by 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 receipt that serves as proof of mailing, and the recipient signs for the item upon delivery.

Here are some 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 sender's and recipient's addresses, and the weight and dimensions of the item.
  2. Tracking: Certified mail items are tracked by the USPS, which allows you to track the item's 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 that is returned to you, confirming that the item was delivered to the recipient.
  5. Insurance: Certified mail provides insurance coverage up to $5,000 for loss or damage.

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

  1. Legal documents (e.g., court papers, divorce papers)
  2. Financial documents (e.g., tax returns, loan documents)
  3. Business documents (e.g., contracts, invoices)
  4. Personal documents (e.g., identification, passports)

To send an item via certified mail, you'll need to:

  1. Take the item to a USPS post office or mail it from a mailbox.
  2. Ask the postal clerk to send the item certified mail.
  3. Pay the applicable fee (currently $3.95 for a certified mail receipt and $0.25 for a return receipt).
  4. Fill out the certified mail form, which includes the sender's and recipient's addresses, and any special instructions (e.g., "Signature required upon delivery").

Remember to keep a copy of the certified mail receipt and return receipt (if requested) for your records.