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Return receipts and proof of delivery
What certified mail proves, and how to get a PDF of the recipient's signature from USPS.
Last updated October 24, 2026
A return receipt is your record of who signed for your letter and when. With an electronic return receipt, USPS emails you that record as a PDF.
What's included
- Every letter gets a USPS Certified Mail tracking number. It records when USPS accepted your letter and when it was delivered, or when delivery was attempted.
- Letters sent with Electronic selected (the default) and every bulk campaign letter also include an electronic return receipt: a PDF of the recipient's signature and the delivery details.
Get the signature PDF
You can request it from USPS once your letter shows Delivered.
- Open the letter on your Letters page (or in its campaign) and select Track on USPS. You can also enter the tracking number at USPS Tracking.
- On the USPS tracking page, open Return Receipt Email and fill in the form.
- USPS emails you the return receipt as a PDF. Check your spam folder if you don't see it.
Save the PDF with your records as soon as you get it. USPS keeps return receipts only for a limited time.
What these records show
- The tracking record shows that you mailed the letter, when, and each delivery attempt.
- The return receipt shows who signed for it and when.
If the letter wasn't delivered, there's no signature, but the tracking record still shows when it was mailed and each attempt. See When a letter isn't delivered.
Whether these records meet a legal notice requirement depends on the rule you're following and where you are. If you're not sure, ask your attorney.
If something goes wrong
- The return receipt option doesn't appear on USPS: check that the letter shows Delivered. The receipt is only available after delivery.
- Still stuck? Contact us with the tracking number.