What is Certified Mail USPS in 2024? Everything You Need to Know
Certified mail through the United States Postal Service (USPS) allows senders to receive delivery confirmation with recipient signature for important documents and packages. This guide will overview everything you need to know about certified mail in 2024 – from policy changes this year to an in-depth look at how to send certified mail step-by-step.
Key Certified Mail Statistics and Trends
To start, let‘s look at some key data points on how extensively certified mail is used:
- Over 700 million certified mail pieces were sent by USPS in 2021 alone, making up over 5% of total USPS mail volume last year.
- USPS earns over $800 million in revenue from certified mail services every year as of 2022.
- Both certified mail volume and postage rates increased in 2024 due to inflation and higher commercial usage. Sending a basic certified letter now starts at $4.10, up from $3.75 last year.
So certified mail represents a major offering within USPS‘s product portfolio – one that millions rely on each year to send important documents and letters securely.
How Does Certified Mail Compare to Other USPS Options?
Certified mail fits between basic USPS mail classes and premium delivery services in terms of cost, speed, and protection:
| Feature | First Class Mail | Certified Mail | Priority Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to send | $0.63+ | $4.10+ | $8.30+ |
| Delivery speed | 1-3 days | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| Tracking | No | Yes | Yes |
| Insurance | No | No | Yes, $100 value |
| Delivery confirmation | No | Yes, with signature | Only with added fee |
As you can see, certified mail is very affordable compared to Priority Mail, while offering delivery confirmation that regular first class mail does not. This makes it ideal for situations where legal proof of delivery is needed on a budget.
Sending Certified Mail in 2024 – Step-By-Step
Here is the full process for sending certified mail with USPS this year:
Purchase PS Form 3800 at your local post office counter. This contains the certified mail barcode sticker used for tracking.
Fill out the form with delivery and return address details. Select a physical return receipt slip or electronic delivery confirmation.
Affix the completed certified mail sticker to your envelope or package. Retain the post office receipt section for your records.
Pay the applicable certified mail fee + standard USPS postage rate for your mail class and weight at the post office counter.
Drop your certified mail piece off with the postal clerk to send on its way, registered in USPS tracking system!
Once your piece is delivered, you‘ll receive the return receipt you selected showing the signature confirmation.
What if No One is Available to Sign for a Certified Mail Delivery?
If the intended recipient is not able to sign for a certified mail piece on initial delivery attempt, here is the process:
- A delivery notice is left at the destination address with instructions for picking up the mail at the local post office within 5-7 days
- If unclaimed after the first notice, USPS makes two more attempts to redeliver the certified mail over the next 2-3 weeks
- If no delivery is achieved after 3 attempts, the mail piece is marked as undeliverable and returned to the sender
So you can have confidence certified mail will either reach your intended recipient, or the return process provides visibility if delivery is ultimately not possible.
Common Certified Mail FAQs
Can I insure certified mail or file claims for lost pieces?
No, certified mail does not include any built-in value protection. You need to purchase additional USPS insurance using registered mail services if your contents are valuable.
How should I prepare packages for certified shipping?
Use sturdy boxes under 70 lbs, remove or cross out any old labels, tape securely, and reinforce seams with additional packing tape to withstand shipment handling.
Can I track certified mail packages like other USPS packages?
Yes, the certified mail barcode label provides full visibility into tracking events as your package travels to its destination.
How long does the post office hold unclaimed certified mail?
If recipients are unable to sign for a certified mail piece on initial delivery, it will be held at their local post office for 5 to 7 business days before being returned to the sender.
I hope this guide has helped explain everything you need to know about using certified mail services with the USPS! Let me know if you have any other questions.
