Certified Mail is a service offered by the United States Postal Service. By purchasing this extra service, senders are provided:
- Mailing receipt as confirmation that the item was sent
- Required signature from the addressee
- (If requested) Electronic verification that the item was delivered or that a delivery attempt was made
How to send Certified Mail
- Fill out the Certified Mail Receipt (Form PS 3800). Include the recipient's name and address, and leave space for postage in the top right corner. If you're using official mail for a federal government agency or department, you can follow reimbursement procedures for postage and fees.
- Attach the form to the front of the envelope.
- Pay for postage and fees. You can use postage stamps, meter stamps, or permit imprints. The clerk will stamp the form and give you a portion back as proof of acceptance.
- Request a return receipt. If you want a return receipt, you can fill out the Return Receipt Form (PS 3811), also known as the Green Card, and attach it to the back of the envelope.
- Address the return receipt. On the front side, include the recipient's name and address in box one, and check Certified Mail in box three. On the back side, include your return address.
- Endorse the mail. Near the Certified Mail endorsement on the address side, write "Return Receipt Requested".
- Peel and place the return receipt. Place the return receipt on the back of the envelope.