Certified vs. Registered Mail: Understanding USPS Special Services
It is important to know which service to use if you need documentation for an important letter or parcel. The terms "certified" and"registered"are often used interchangeably. However, they are actually very different services.
Certified mail provides a mailing receipt, a trackable number and proof of receipt. It is often used for legal documents, and other mail items requiring provable delivery by a specific date.
For a higher fee, registered mail provides the services of certified mail and additional protection for items that are irreplaceable or have high monetary value. Registered mail may currently be insured for up to $25,000. A well-known example of when registered mail was selected was when the Hope diamond was shipped to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958 and was insured for $1 million.
By adding a USPS return receipt (the PS Form 3811 "green card") to either a certified or registered mail piece, the sender will receive the card back in the mail after delivery with a hand-written signature and date of delivery.
For more information or questions regarding mail services, please contact the Division of Mail Management Services at (301) 496-3586 or mcsbcs@mail.nih.gov.
FAQs
In short, use Registered Mail if you are sending an item that is valuable such as cash or jewelry. Use Certified Mail if your mailed item does not have a lot of intrinsic value but you need proof of mailing and proof of delivery of the mailpiece, such as when sending tax documents or legal notices.
What is the difference between certified mail and certified mail restricted delivery? ›
Certified Mail Adult Signature Required – Only a recipient 21 years or older can sign for the package. Certified Mail Restricted Delivery – Only the recipient can confirm the delivery (not a family member or receptionist)
What is the difference between certified mail and certificate of mailing? ›
What is the difference? A certificate of mailing only proves that mail was shipped on a certain date, but it does not prove or confirm that the mail was delivered. Certified mail provides proof that the mail was shipped AND delivered.
What is better certified or registered mail? ›
For a much higher cost and with strict packaging requirements, Registered mail provides the services of Certified mail, plus additional protection for items that are irreplaceable or have monetary value. Registered mail may currently be insured for up to $25,000.
What's the difference between a registered letter and a certified letter? ›
Both registered and Certified Mail are very similar in services, yet they serve different purposes. Certified Mail provides the sender proof that the shipment was mailed and when it's delivered. On the other hand, registered mail provides the sender package updates from every step of the shipment process.
What happens if no one signs for Certified Mail? ›
The delivery person can't leave Certified Mail without a signature. If no one is home to receive it, the postal worker will leave a note that a delivery attempt was made. USPS only makes one delivery attempt. After that, the carrier returns the letter or package to the nearest post office.
Which is cheaper registered or Certified Mail? ›
It's also important to note that Certified Mail is less expensive, so you'll save money on shipping, too. Especially when you send your Certified Mail pieces using Certified Mail Labels.
When would you want to use Certified Mail? ›
If the documents you're sending are important for legal reasons, the Certified Mail service will help you to prove that they were delivered to their intended recipient, giving you legal protection, should you ever need it.
How much does it cost to send Certified Mail through USPS? ›
The U.S. Postal Service has announced a postage rate increase to be implemented on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Highlights for Certified Mail® customers include: Certified Mail is increasing $0.05 (1.15%) to $4.40 from $4.35. Return Receipt (PS Form 3811) is increasing $0.10 (2.82%) to $3.65 from $3.50.
What happens if Certified Mail is not delivered? ›
USPS will hold the letter at the local Post Office for 15 business days before they will mark the letter “Unclaimed” and return the letter to the sender.
The Postal Service is required to keep on file proof of delivery records for certified mail for two years.
Does USPS Certified Mail require a signature? ›
Second, certified mail is a secure method of delivery. It requires the recipient's signature upon delivery, ensuring that only the intended recipient can receive the item. This added security gives senders peace of mind that confidential documents or high-value items will reach the proper recipient.
Why would someone send Certified Mail? ›
But, why do people send certified mail? Even though individuals send certified mail, it's most common for businesses to send it. People commonly receive certified mail from attorneys, the IRS, debtors, jury duty, etc. Due to the security of this type of mail, it is a great way to send legal documents.
Do I put a stamp on Certified Mail? ›
The certified mail fee must be paid in addition to the correct postage. The fee and postage may be paid with ordinary postage stamps, meter stamps, or permit imprints. The fee and postage on official mail of federal government agencies and departments are collected under the applicable reimbursem*nt procedures.
What is the most secure way to mail documents? ›
Registered Mail™
Registered Mail is the most secure method the Postal Service offers. Registered Mail is designed to provide added protection for Valuable Mail.
Does certified or Registered Mail require a signature? ›
Think of the two like this, both of these services require signatures. Certified Mail is used when you need proof that someone receives your letter. Registered Mail is used when you need to insure the item that you are mailing e.g. jewelry.
Does Certified Mail require a signature from the recipient? ›
The answer is yes, Certified Mail requires a signature upon delivery. One of the main reasons for certified letters is to prove that the letter was received by the intended recipient—by way of a signature.
