How Much is Certified Mail? USPS Rates 2023
How much is Certified Mail? Businesses and individuals who currently use Certified Mail and those considering its use in the future should take note of the 2023 Certified Mail costs.
The United States Postal Service (USPS), in July, raised its postage rates.
This rate increase received approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) on April 10, 2023, and went into effect on Sunday, July 9.
Join us as we answer this question ‘How Much is Certified Mail?’ and uncover the insights you need to make informed decisions about your mailing needs. How Much is Certified Mail?
How Much is Certified Mail?
The current fee for USPS Certified Mail is captured below:
| USPS Postage & Special Services | New Rates (July 2023) | Current Rates (January 2023) |
| Certified Mail Fee | $4.35 | $4.15 |
| Electronic Delivery Confirmation Receipt | $0.90 | $0.90 |
| Return Receipt Green Card (Old Fashioned Green Card) | $3.55 | $3.35 |
| Return Receipt Electronic Signature (PDF) (replaces Green Card) | $2.20 | $2.10 |
| First Class Postage (1 OZ) (Metered Rate) | $0.63 | $0.60 |
| Additional OZ First Class Postage (*Under 3.5 OZ) | $0.24 | $0.24 |
| Flats 1 OZ rate (9″ X 12″ or 10′ X 13′) | $1.35 | $1.26 |
| Flats rate over 1 OZ. and Letter Rates over 3.5 OZ. | 2 oz. $1.59 3 oz. $1.83 4 oz. $2.07 5 oz. $2.31 6 oz. $2.55 7 oz. $2.79 8 oz. $3.03 9 oz. $3.27 10 oz. $3.51 11 oz. $3.75 12 oz. $3.99 13 oz. $4.23 | 2 oz. $1.50 3 oz. $1.74 4 oz. $1.98 5 oz. $2.22 6 oz. $2.46 7 oz. $2.70 8 oz. $2.94 9 oz. $3.18 10 oz. $3.42 11 oz. $3.68 12 oz. $3.90 13 oz. $4.14 |
| Restricted Delivery Service | $7.10 | $6.65 |
Sending USPS Certified Mail Using the Post Office
To send USPS Certified Mail, you can go to the post office. But it’s important to know that sending certified mail is different from regular mail.
So, let’s learn how to do it before you send any important letters or packages.
1. Fill Out Form 3800
To initiate the process of sending certified mail, your first task is to ask and complete Form 3800.
It’s essential to ensure that you provide all the requested information in the form. The key fields within the document comprise the recipient’s name, address, and zip code.
2. Attach the Barcode to the Envelope
After completing Form 3800, peel off the green and white sticker, which contains the barcode.
Next, attach this barcode to the upper edge of the envelope. It’s essential to position the barcode on the envelope’s front side.
However, ensure that there’s ample space on both sides of the sticker.
3. Hand over the Certified Mail to the Post Office Staff
The next phase of sending your certified mail involves visiting a post office attendant and enlisting their assistance in finalizing your certified mail procedure.
Upon presenting your certified mail form, the attendant will examine the document and input the data you’ve furnished into the USPS system.
Once the information is digitally recorded, the attendant will proceed to scan the barcode affixed to your envelope.
4. Pay the Certified Mail Fee
Following the scanning of the barcode and its association with your mailer, the postal official will inform you of the cost associated with sending a certified letter.
The cost of certified mail can vary depending on the specific service you have chosen, and you can refer to the table provided at the beginning for more information.
5. Keep Your Receipt Safe
Following your payment for certified mail, the post office attendant will provide you with a receipt. The receipt serves as evidence of your certified mail transaction.
Furthermore, the receipt covers all critical information related to the certified mail, including the essential data required for tracking the mail’s progress.
What’s the Delivery Time of USPS Certified Mail?
The delivery time for USPS Certified Mail can indeed vary based on a few factors.
The delivery time for USPS Certified Mail is 2-5 business days. Also, the service offers verification of mailing and delivery, alongside a tracking number.
However, if you want your Certified Mail to be delivered faster, you can choose Priority Mail as the delivery option.
How Do I Track USPS Certified Mail?
The process of tracking USPS Certified Mail is identical to tracking standard packages.
When you send out Certified Mail, you’ll receive a unique tracking number associated with your delivery.
Once you have this tracking number, you can easily monitor the progress of your mail by visiting the USPS Tracking website.
The tracking number found on the website enables you to keep an eye on your package’s movement as it travels from one post office to another.
Does USPS Certified Mail Requires Recipient’s Signature?
If the recipient is unavailable to sign for it, the postal service will not leave the package unattended. Instead, they will leave a notice indicating that a delivery attempt was made.
USPS makes just one delivery attempt for Certified Mail. If the initial delivery fails, the postal carrier will return the letter or package to the nearest post office.
You have the option to sign the receipt and designate someone else to pick up the item on your behalf unless it was sent with restricted delivery.
In cases of restricted delivery, the intended recipient must personally visit the post office and present identification to retrieve the item.
USPS will hold undelivered Certified Mail for 15 days before it is sent back to the sender.
How to Save Time and Money on USPS Certified Mail?
Saving time and money on certified mail can be achieved by simplifying the process and taking advantage of affordable options.
Certified mail is often used for legal or important documents that require proof of delivery.
Some of the tips to help you save time and money when using certified mail include:
1. Decline of Signature
You can choose not to require the recipient’s signature just to lower your certified mail costs.
Interestingly, you won’t get the recipient’s signature, but you’ll still have proof that the mail was delivered.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a good option for important legal documents that need the recipient’s signature.
2. Consider Electronic Return Receipt
Instead of requesting a Green card, consider using electronic return receipt options if available.
This is often cheaper and provides proof of delivery in a digital format.
Electronic return receipts are not only cheaper but also quicker. Unlike green cards that can take days to arrive, you can get an electronic USPS return receipt within just 24 hours.
3. Use Online Services
Many postal services offer online platforms that allow you to prepare certified mail labels and forms from the comfort of your home or office.
This can save you time compared to going to the post office in person.
4. Use Online Services
Many postal services offer online platforms that allow you to prepare certified mail labels and forms from the comfort of your home or office.
This can save you time compared to going to the post office in person.
5. Bulk Mail Discounts
If you have a large volume of certified mail to send, ask about bulk mailing discounts.
Postal services frequently give reduced rates to customers who send a critical amount of certified mail.
With the 2023 rates in place, knowing the fee related to Certified mail is fundamental for making informed decisions about your mailing needs.
Keep in mind, that USPS Certified Mail offers a dependable and secure method for sending significant documents, and there are ways of saving both time and money in the process.
