What's the difference between certified mail and return receipt?

Certified Mail provides tracking and a delivery record. Return receipt is an add-on that gives you a copy of the recipient's signature.

Do I always need return receipt?

Not always. If tracking and a delivery record is enough, certified mail alone may work. Add return receipt when you want the recipient's signature record saved with your file.

Electronic vs physical return receipt?

Electronic return receipt provides a PDF signature record after delivery. Physical return receipt is the traditional green card mailed back to you.

How much does return receipt cost?

Electronic return receipt is $2.82 and physical return receipt is $4.40, before any printing, postage, or service fees.

What is a Return Receipt?

Q: What is a return receipt?

A return receipt is an optional add-on to Certified Mail that gives you a copy of the recipient's signature record.

Return receipt is how you get a copy of the recipient's signature for your records.

Send with Return Receipt

Certified Mail vs Return Receipt

The base service

Certified Mail

Mailing record
Real-time tracking
Delivery confirmation

Copy of signature

The add-on

Return Receipt

Everything above
Copy of recipient's signature
PDF or green card

Use it when the signature record should live with your mailing history.

When do you need it?

Standard certified mail creates a delivery record. Some situations also call for keeping your own copy of the signature record.

Common scenarios:

Formal disputes requiring a signature record
IRS or government tax disputes
High-value debt collection
Contract cancellations with strict notice requirements
Landlord-tenant disputes where records matter

Electronic vs Physical

Electronic Return Receipt

After delivery, USPS sends a PDF with the signature to your dashboard. Searchable and easy to store.

$2.82 add-on

Physical Return Receipt

The traditional green card. USPS mails it back to you after delivery. Takes longer but some prefer a physical copy.

$4.40 add-on

Common Questions

Yes. See what happens if no one is available and when return receipt is worth adding.

Certified Mail

Understand costs, tracking, and record options, then send Certified Mail online.

Send Certified Mail Online

Upload a PDF and we print, prepare, and hand it to USPS with tracking and return receipt records.

Ready to send with return receipt?

Upload the PDF, choose a return receipt, and keep the signature record with your mailing history.

Send with Return Receipt View Pricing