Certified Mail

Certified Mail is a USPS upgrade to First-Class Mail that provides proof of mailing, tracking, and Electronic Signature upon request. 

It’s as simple as creating a free LetterStream account, clicking Send Letters, and selecting USPS Certified Mail (with or without the Electronic Return Receipt). 

No. LetterStream handles printing, inserting, sealing, postage, and then provides your mailing to the USPS for delivery. You can complete everything from anywhere in the world!

Your account includes mailing history and the USPS tracking updates. If you choose to include the Electronic Return Receipt, you’ll also receive proof of delivery upon successful delivery. 

You’ll receive a unique USPS tracking number for each Certified mail piece. The tracking number and status updates will be visible inside LetterStream or can be tracked directly through the USPS website. 

LetterStream processes and mails your job within two business days. After that, USPS delivery times apply and vary by destination and postal conditions, but they generally average 3-7 business days for Certified mail delivery. 

Yes. You can choose to add the Electronic Return Receipt option to any Certified mailing. Upon successful delivery, they will upload the signature file to their system, giving us access to it a few days after delivery. This is their official electronic signature, which we offer in place of the classic physical green card that is costlier and takes longer to receive back in the mail. 

Restricted Delivery ensures only the named recipient (or their authorized agent) can sign for the letter. It’s available for certain scenarios upon request as a custom add-on. LetterStream cannot guarantee USPS compliance or successful delivery, as the final handling is at the discretion of the postal clerk. 

Yes. Certified Mail can be sent to PO Boxes, and USPS will handle delivery/notification per PO Box rules. Generally they will place a notice inside the box, telling the recipient that it needs to be picked up and signed for at the front desks. 

USPS Certified Mail is domestic-only. For international mail that needs tracking or proof, you’d need to use USPS Registered mail, which we also provide. 

Certain USPS address types aren’t eligible (such as international, military, APO/FPO/DPO), and Certified Mail must be addressed to a specific person or company rather than a generic recipient. 

Certified Mail is ideal for important, time-sensitive, legal, compliance, or financial notices where you need tracking and proof the item was mailed and delivered. 

USPS tracking can pause during transit or processing. If it appears stalled beyond typical USPS timelines, follow the Help Center guidance for USPS delays and contact support if you need help investigating. Please note that delivery is not guaranteed, and we don’t provide refunds for lost or undelivered letters.