A Certificate of Mailing from the USPS costs $1.50, in addition to the standard postage fees for your mailpiece. This service provides official proof of the date your mail was presented to the Postal Service.
Understanding the Cost Breakdown
The total expense for sending an item with a Certificate of Mailing includes two main components:
| Component | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Fee | The specific charge for the Certificate of Mailing service itself. | $1.50 |
| Postage Costs | The standard postage required for your mailpiece (e.g., First-Class Mail). | Varies |
| Total Cost (Example) | For a standard letter (e.g., $0.68 postage) | $2.18+ |
Note: The postage cost varies based on the mailpiece's weight, size, and mail class.
What is a Certificate of Mailing?
A Certificate of Mailing is an extra service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that documents when and where your mailpiece was submitted for delivery. It's a non-negotiable receipt that serves as proof you mailed an item on a specific date. Unlike services like Certified Mail, it does not provide tracking or proof of delivery; its sole purpose is to verify the mailing date.
Key Benefits:
- Proof of Mailing: Provides tangible evidence of the date your item entered the mail system.
- Compliance: Useful for legal or contractual requirements where proof of mailing by a deadline is necessary.
- Peace of Mind: Offers assurance that an important document or item was dispatched as intended.
For more information on the official procedures and details, you can refer to the USPS Domestic Mail Manual on Extra Services.
How to Obtain a Certificate of Mailing
Acquiring a Certificate of Mailing is a straightforward process:
- Prepare Your Mailpiece: Ensure your letter or package is properly addressed and packaged.
- Complete PS Form 3817: Fill out PS Form 3817, Certificate of Mailing. These forms are typically available at your local post office.
- Present at Post Office: Take your completed mailpiece and the filled-out form to a USPS retail associate. You cannot simply drop it in a mailbox.
- Pay Fees: Pay the Certificate of Mailing fee ($1.50) in addition to the required postage.
- Receive Receipt: The postal employee will stamp the form with the mailing date, providing you with your official proof.
Why Use a Certificate of Mailing?
While it doesn't offer tracking or delivery confirmation, a Certificate of Mailing is invaluable in specific situations where proving the mailing date is critical.
Practical Applications:
- Legal Documents: Sending court filings, notices, or other time-sensitive legal correspondence where proof of dispatch date is crucial for compliance.
- Contractual Deadlines: Submitting bids, applications, or responses to deadlines where the mailing date determines adherence.
- Proof for Records: Maintaining an official record that a specific document was sent on a particular date for personal or business archives.
- Insurance Claims: Providing evidence that necessary paperwork was mailed by a certain deadline for insurance purposes.
