How much does USPS Certified Mail cost in 2026?

For a 1 oz stamped First-Class Mail letter, USPS Certified Mail starts at $6.37: $0.82 postage plus the $5.55 Certified Mail fee. These rates are effective July 12, 2026.

How much is Certified Mail with return receipt?

A 1 oz stamped letter with Certified Mail and electronic return receipt is $9.28. With a physical green card, the same letter is $11.02.

Does Certified Mail include postage?

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

Is KiteCourier cheaper than going to USPS?

USPS retail is usually cheaper if you only compare postage and fees. KiteCourier is for people who want the mailing handled online, with tracking and records kept together.

USPS Notice 123 effective July 12, 2026

Certified Mail cost in 2026

USPS Certified Mail starts at $6.37 for a 1 oz stamped letter. With return receipt, the common totals are $9.28 electronic or $11.02 physical.

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Common USPS totals

Examples use a 1 oz stamped First-Class Mail letter.

Certified Mail only

$6.37

$0.82 postage + $5.55 Certified Mail fee

With electronic return receipt

$9.28

$0.82 postage + $5.55 fee + $2.91 electronic receipt

With physical green card

$11.02

$0.82 postage + $5.55 fee + $4.65 physical receipt

USPS retail rates

The Certified Mail fee is fixed. Postage changes with weight and envelope size. Rates shown are from USPS Notice 123, effective July 12, 2026.

Item	Retail rate
Certified Mail fee	$5.55
1 oz stamped letter	$0.82
1 oz metered letter	$0.78
Additional letter ounce	$0.29
Electronic return receipt	$2.91
Physical return receipt	$4.65
Large envelope, 1 oz	$1.69

Estimate KiteCourier pricing

Return receipt

Letter length1 sheet

12550

Estimated total

$19.99

Electronic return receipt

Postage, printing, prep, tracking, and records.

Send online

USPS counter vs KiteCourier

USPS retail is the lowest postage-only path. KiteCourier includes the online workflow around the mailing: print, prep, USPS handoff, tracking, and organized records.

USPS counterKiteCourier

Typical price

USPS counter

$6.37-$11.02 for a 1 oz stamped letter, depending on return receipt.

KiteCourier

$14.99 with physical return receipt or $19.99 with electronic return receipt.

Work required

USPS counter

Print the letter, prepare forms, visit USPS, and keep proof yourself.

KiteCourier

Upload the letter. We print, prepare, mail, track, and organize records.

Best fit