How to Write a Certified Letter

Make sure your letter gets to the recipient.

There are times when you need to send an important document or letter through the mail and you want to be assured it has been received. The best way to do this is by sending the letter as certified mail, which means the postal carrier must obtain a signature as proof of receipt. Sending your letter through certified mail is an easy process.

Instructions

1. Go to the post office. You must arrange for your letter to be sent certified at the post office through a customer service representative.

2. Fill out the certified mail form, which requires the name and address of both the recipient and sender. The postal representative will attach the form to the front of your letter.

3. Decide if you want a return receipt, which is a postcard that will be sent to you confirming that your letter was received by the intended person.

4. Pay for your certified mail. As of March 2011, sending mail certified through the U.S. Postal Service cost $2.80. A return receipt will cost you an additional $2.30. The customer service representative will mail the letter.

5. Go to the U.S.P.S. website to confirm that your letter has been received through their Proof of Delivery option.

References

• USPS: Certified Mail Service
• USPS: Track and Confirm