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Certified mail letter template — Return Receipt Requested
Write the letter, and it is laid out with the line "Sent via USPS Certified Mail No. ____, Return Receipt Requested", in two copies: one to send, one to keep. Certified Mail proves that a letter was mailed and delivered, not what it said, so keep the signed copy.
Two copies print: one to mail, one to keep.
Preview
- CheckEnter the sender's name.
- CheckEnter the sender's address.
- CheckEnter the recipient's name.
- CheckEnter the recipient's address.
- CheckEnter a title.
- CheckWrite the body.
- CheckEnter the date.
A print window opens. Choose “Save as PDF” as the printer to keep a file. Sign both copies and write the Certified Mail number on them.
Certified Mail in the United States
USPS Certified Mail gives you a mailing receipt and, if you ask, electronic proof that the letter was delivered or that delivery was attempted (Domestic Mail Manual 503.3.1.1). It does not prove what was inside the envelope, unlike Japan's 内容証明 or Korea's certified-content mail. Keep a signed copy, and if the contents may matter later, have someone watch you put the letter in the envelope.
Stick the green PS Form 3800 barcode label above the recipient's address, to the right of the return address, and write its number on the letter's Certified Mail line. A Return Receipt, bought when you send, gets you the delivery record with the signature.
Fees from October 4, 2026 (USPS Notice 123): Certified Mail $5.55 plus postage; Return Receipt $4.65 on paper (PS Form 3811) or $2.91 electronic.
- USPS Domestic Mail Manual 503 (Certified Mail)read 2026-10-31
- USPS Notice 123 — Price List (effective October 4, 2026)read 2026-10-31
A letter form, not legal advice. Whether and what to send is your decision; for a dispute, the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (132) or a lawyer can advise.
Quick questions
Does certified mail prove what was in the envelope?
No. USPS Certified Mail gives you a mailing receipt and, if you ask, electronic proof of delivery or of an attempt (Domestic Mail Manual 503.3.1.1). Keep a signed copy, and if the contents may matter later, have someone watch you put the letter in the envelope.
How much does certified mail cost in 2026?
From October 4, 2026 (USPS Notice 123), Certified Mail is $5.55 plus postage. A Return Receipt adds $4.65 on paper (PS Form 3811) or $2.91 electronic.
Where does the certified mail label go?
Stick the green PS Form 3800 barcode label above the recipient's address, to the right of the return address, and write its number on the letter's Certified Mail line.
What does Return Receipt Requested mean?
A Return Receipt, bought when you send the letter, gets you the delivery record with the signature. The letter on this page carries the line "Sent via USPS Certified Mail No. ____, Return Receipt Requested".