United States Postal Service special services

Note: Be sure to complete and attach all applicable forms.

CERTIFIED MAIL – Certified mail provides a mailing receipt, and a record of delivery is kept at the recipient’s post office. A return receipt to provide the sender with proof of delivery can also be purchased for an additional fee. Certified mail service is available only for First-Class Mail or Priority Mail. Certified mail is not available for international mail. For valuables and irreplaceable items use insured or registered mail.

INSURED MAIL – You can purchase insurance coverage up to $5,000 for Standard mail, as well as Standard mail matter mailed at the Priority Mail or First-Class Mail rate. For articles insured for more than $50, a receipt of delivery is signed by the recipient and filed at the delivery post office. Do not insure your packages for more than their value. The amount of insurance coverage for loss will be the actual value, less depreciation. Claims are settled from the receipt of purchase. Cost varies according to the value of the item.

RETURN RECEIPT – This is the sender’s proof of delivery. A return receipt can be purchased for mail sent COD, Express mail, Insured for more than $50, or Registered or Certified. The return receipt shows who signed for the item, the date it was delivered. (Unless Prohibited by Law).

REGISTERED MAIL – Registered mail is the most secure option offered by the US Postal Service. It provides added protection for valuable and important mail. Registered articles are placed under tight security from the point of mailing to the delivery office. Insurance can be purchased on domestic registered mail up to $25,000 at the option of the mailer. Return receipt and restricted delivery services are available for additional fees. Registered mail to Canada is subject to a $1,000 indemnity limit. For all other foreign countries, the indemnity limit is currently $42.30. First Class or Priority mail postage is required on domestic Registered mail.