How to Mail a Certified Letter
Mailing a certified letter reduces the chances of it getting lost in transition. When sending an important document that is time sensitive or confidential, be it a personal letter, an official or legal document, mailing it as a certified letter ensures that it reaches the right hands. It also enables you to track the letter and lets you know exactly when it was delivered and to whom.
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Instructions
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Ask for a Certified Mail Form 3800 which is a green and white form with a barcode sticker and a perforated receipt.
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Fill out the recipient's name and contact details as requested at the bottom of the certified mail receipt. In the place marked Postmark here, write the date on which you are mailing the certified letter. If you want restricted delivery, that is, you want to ensure that only a particular person receives the certified letter, fill out the respective column. Also, if you would like a return receipt for the delivery of your certified letter, endordse the column marked Return Receipt with your initials. Both these options require an additional fee.
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Tear off the barcode portion of the form and remove the barcode sticker. Place the bar code to the right of the sender's address, leaving ample space for postage stamp. Align the barcode sticker so the dotted line falls on the top edge of the envelope. Fold the thin green strip of the label over the top of the envelope and paste it on the other side.
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Tear off the portion of the label to the far left that has the tracking number. Save this and the certified mail receipt for your records and for tracking purposes.
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Pay the fee required for the type of postage you choose and the certified letter options you have specified.
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Track it using the article number on the label on the USPS website or by calling 1-800-222-1811 any time of the day or night.
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Tips & Warnings
Certified Mail Envelopes reduce the time and effort needed in mailing a certified letter and may be worth considering if you use the service often or are short of time - http://www.certified-mail-envelopes.com/ For legal documents, it is recommended that you use the return receipt and restricted delivery options. With this, the post office retains the records for some time. You could either go to the post office to mail your certified letter or have your carrier pick it up. Alternatively, you could use the Mailing Online feature that allows you to compose your letter, add the mailing list, select the certified mail option, pay and send the letter using the internet from anywhere.
