Certified Mail is a special service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that provides senders with proof that their mail has been sent and delivered. It’s designed for sending important documents or packages where confirmation of receipt is crucial. When you send mail certified, the USPS provides a receipt as evidence of mailing, and upon delivery, the recipient must sign for it, creating a record of delivery.
USPS Certified Mail service is characterized by several key features that offer security and verification for senders:
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Mailing Receipt: Upon sending your mail, you receive a physical receipt from the USPS. This receipt serves as your primary proof that you sent the item on a specific date.
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Electronic Delivery Verification: The service includes electronic tracking that allows you to confirm online that your mail was delivered or that an attempt was made to deliver it. This delivery status is easily accessible, providing real-time updates on your mail’s journey.
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Maintained Delivery Record: USPS keeps a record of delivery, including the recipient’s signature, at the delivery Post Office for two years from the mailing date. This maintained record offers long-term proof of successful delivery.
Electronic Delivery Confirmation Explained
Certified Mail essentially gives senders both proof of mailing and proof of delivery. This is achieved through electronic updates sent via email, notifying the sender when their mail has been successfully delivered. The proof of delivery documentation, which includes a copy of the recipient’s signature, is stored by the USPS for two years.
It’s important to note that the physical signature proof of delivery is not automatically sent back to the sender with standard Certified Mail service. However, you can request a hard copy of the signature at the time of mailing by purchasing the Return Receipt Electronic service. Alternatively, if you need the signature proof after mailing, USPS offers a Return Receipt After Mailing service for an additional charge.
Return Receipt with Signature PDF for Enhanced Proof
For those needing definitive evidence of receipt, including a visual record of the signature, USPS offers the Return Receipt Electronic PDF option. This service builds upon the Electronic Delivery Confirmation by providing a digital Return Receipt in PDF format. This PDF document includes the recipient’s signature and the exact address where the mail was delivered.
This enhanced service provides robust evidence of delivery and legal proof of receipt, documented through:
- Recipient’s Signature: A scanned image of the recipient’s signature, captured at the time of delivery.
- Delivery Address: Confirmation of the address where the mail was successfully delivered, ensuring it reached the intended recipient.
By offering these detailed features, Certified Mail and its enhanced options like Return Receipt provide a reliable and legally sound method for sending important mail with confidence.
