How much does USPS certified mail cost?

USPS certified mail cost is the sum of regular postage plus a certified mail fee. If you add return receipt (signature proof), that adds an additional fee.

Does certified mail include postage?

No. Certified mail is an add-on service. You still pay normal postage based on mail class, weight, and destination.

How much is certified mail with return receipt?

Certified mail with return receipt costs postage + certified mail fee + a return receipt fee. USPS offers return receipt as a physical green card or an electronic option.

Certified Mail Costs

Postage + Certified Fee + Return Receipt

Weight & ClassPostageStarts at $0.78 ($0.74 metered)

USPS ServiceCertified FeeFixed at $5.30

Signature ProofReturn ReceiptPDF $2.82 • Green card $4.40

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Example Breakdown

1 oz metered letter with electronic proof.

Postage (1 oz metered letter)$0.74

Certified Mail Fee$5.30

Electronic Return Receipt (PDF)$2.82

Total Estimate$8.86*

Additional Rates

Retail USPS rates (as of Jan 18, 2026).

Base Services

Certified Mail Fee$5.30

First-Class Mail Letter (1 oz, stamped)$0.78

First-Class Mail Letter (1 oz, metered)$0.74

Additional Ounce (letters)$0.29

Nonmachinable Surcharge (letters)$0.49

Add-on Proof

Return Receipt Electronic (PDF)$2.82

Return Receipt physical (Green Card)$4.40

Large Envelopes (Flats)

Large Envelope (1 oz)$1.63

Large Envelope (2 oz)$1.90

Large Envelope (3 oz)$2.17

Large Envelope (4 oz)$2.44

Large Envelope (5 oz)$2.72

Large Envelope (6 oz)$3.00

Large Envelope (7 oz)$3.28

Large Envelope (8 oz)$3.56

Large Envelope (9 oz)$3.84

Large Envelope (10 oz)$4.14

Large Envelope (11 oz)$4.44

Large Envelope (12 oz)$4.74

Large Envelope (13 oz)$5.04

USPS prices change. Rates shown above are retail prices from USPS Notice 123 (effective Jan 18, 2026). View the current USPS price list.

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