What is Certified Mail?

Certified Mail is a classification of Special Service mail offered by the U.S. Postal Service, providing proof of mailing plus proof of delivery, if desired.  Each piece of Certified Mail is assigned a unique tracking number (“Article Number”) kept on file by the USPS.

Certified Mail may either be sent with or without a Return Receipt, which is a small, green card that may be mailed back (for an additional fee) to the sender by the USPS as proof of delivery.  Anyone may sign for the Certified Mail.

For further assurance, senders may opt for Restricted Delivery Service, which guarantees that a specified recipient signs for the Certified Mail piece upon delivery.  The USPS offers Return Receipt Electronic delivery, providing electronic confirmation when the mail reaches its destination.  The letter carrier obtains a signature and both signature and delivery information are stored electronically for retrieval by the sender.

Certified Mail is primarily used for critical business mailings or to send confidential information.  Certified Mail is available for Priority Mail and First Class letters mailed within the United States, U.S. territories, APOs and FPOs.