How to Calculate Certified Mail

Sending an article of mail certified through the United States Postal Service (USPS) provides legal proof of the mailing and a record of delivery. In addition to postage, it currently costs $2.80 to send a piece of mail certified and an additional $2.30 to obtain a return receipt, which provides proof of delivery. A return receipt not purchased at the time of mailing costs $4.60. An electronic notification of delivery costs $1.10, and restricting delivery to the addressee is $4.50.

Instructions

1. Decide which services are appropriate for the article of mail.

2. Log on to the USPS website (see the link in the Resource section), and click on the "Calculate Postage" option on the upper-left side of the page to obtain the current rates.

3. Add the price of each service to the postage for the piece of mail.

4. Apply postage with stamps, meter strips or permit imprint (a prepaid account set up with the USPS).

Tips & Warnings

• You can obtain current postage rates by calling your local post office.

• Always present certified mail to a window clerk to date stamp the receipt.

• Obtain delivery status via the USPS website.

• Obtain the return receipt at the time of mailing; it's cheaper than obtaining the receipt once the item goes into the mail.

• You can't obtain delivery status through the USPS automated phone line.

• Always keep the certified mail receipt until you receive the return receipt with the addressee's signature.

References

• United States Postal Service: Extra Services

Resources

• United States Postal Service