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:
- 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.
- Tracking: Certified mail items are tracked by the USPS, which allows you to track the item's progress and confirm delivery.
- Signature upon Delivery: The recipient must sign for the item upon delivery, which provides proof of delivery.
- 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.
- Insurance: Certified mail provides insurance coverage up to $5,000 for loss or damage.
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, passports)
To send an item via certified mail, you'll need to:
- Take the item to a USPS post office or mail it from a mailbox.
- Ask the postal clerk to send the item certified mail.
- Pay the applicable fee (currently $3.95 for a certified mail receipt and $0.25 for a return receipt).
- 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.