Do you need to send something important and secure that requires confirmation of receipt? USPS (American Postal Service) Certified Mail ensures that your important letter, or package, including legal and confidential documents, will arrive at their destination. Follow this guide to send Certified Mail from your local post office or to send Certified Mail online.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Send Certified Mail from the Post Office
Step 1. Go to a post office and get a 3800 Certified Mail form
- This form contains a green and white sticker, which includes a barcode, which will allow you to track your mail via the USPS.
- The form also contains a punched receipt which serves as proof that you have shipped the item.
- Write all the requested information on the form, including the recipient's name and address.
Step 2. Remove the paper from the sticker and attach it to the top side of the envelope you are mailing, directly to the right of the return address area
- Be sure to leave room at the top right of the envelope for the necessary stamps.
- On a package, the sticker can be placed on the left of the address area.
Step 3. Pay for the necessary postage stamps for your chosen shipping method
Then pay for additional services, including a USPS Certified Mail fee ($ 2.95 in December 2012)
- Both First Class and Priority mail can be sent as certified mail.
- First class mail includes envelopes and packages weighing 400g or less.
- Priority Mail offers shipped and on-time delivery, usually within two to three days.
Step 4. Decide whether to purchase a confidential delivery service
- The confidential delivery service guarantees that only one person specified by you will receive and sign for certified mail.
- If you choose this option you must tick, or put your initials, on the column of the certified mail form marked for this option.
Step 5. Establish Return Service
Choose whether or not you want to pay for the service to have the return receipt, which provides you with the receipt with the signature of the recipient of the certified mail.
- You can choose to have this receipt by email, with a PDF image of the signature included, or a physical receipt by regular mail.
- As with the confidential mail service, you must put your initials on the column of the form for certified mail that indicates this service.
Step 6. * Keep a record
Collect and keep your receipt which has been printed with the shipping date. A unique number assigned to your shipment allows you to confirm mail delivery online.
Keep all shipping documents in a safe place
Step 7. Check the delivery information
Check online from the post office site to see when and to whom the certified mail was delivered. The recipient must sign for the delivery when they receive it and the post office records this signature.
Method 2 of 2: Send Certified Mail Online
Step 1. Create a free account
There are many companies on the web that offer USPS certified mail delivery service. You shouldn't have to pay a monthly subscription for an account.
- Check the price for sending certified mail. Decide if the price is worth the service you will pay.
- Make sure the service offers USPS tracking of your letter from the next day.
- Check to verify that the service has USPS Proof of Shipping and Proof of Delivery
Step 2. Prepare the letter for mailing
- Write a letter to the pc. Print it and sign it if needed.
- Alternatively, use a form provided by the recipient. Again, print it out and sign it if necessary.
Step 3. Scan the document
Save the scan to your hard drive. Make sure the document is understandable and easy to read.
Step 4. Upload the file to your shipping service's website
The service will then address, print and ship the letter on the same business day.
Step 5. Keep a copy of your proof of postage as well as a copy of proof of receipt from USPS
