USPS Certificate of Mailing Cost in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Discover the 2025 costs for USPS Certificate of Mailing, understand its importance, and learn how it can protect your shipments. Solutions await!

Shipping valuable documents or packages often comes with the worry of whether they will reach their destination. One common concern for senders is ensuring proof of mailing without incurring high costs. Enter the USPS Certificate of Mailing a cost-effective solution for those who need proof that they sent an item without needing full tracking. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the USPS Certificate of Mailing in 2025, from its costs to its benefits, and how it can be a crucial tool for your mailing needs.

certificate of Mailing

What is a USPS Certificate of Mailing?

A USPS Certificate of Mailing is an official receipt that provides evidence that you sent an item on a specific date. While it does not offer tracking or confirmation of delivery, it serves as proof that the mailpiece was handed over to USPS. This service is particularly useful for businesses and individuals who need documentation to confirm that they have mailed time-sensitive or legally significant documents.

The USPS Certificate of Mailing is a simple, stamped receipt issued by USPS that records the date an item was mailed. It is especially beneficial for senders who need to prove they mailed an item, whether it’s for legal purposes, business transactions, or personal assurance.

USPS Certificate of Mailing

Why is a Certificate of Mailing Important?

The Certificate of Mailing is vital for situations where you need to demonstrate that an item was sent, especially in legal or administrative contexts. It can serve as evidence in disputes, help fulfill contractual obligations, and provide peace of mind for senders who want an extra layer of protection.

When dealing with important documents, such as legal papers or time-sensitive contracts, having proof that the document was mailed on a specific date can be invaluable. This proof can help resolve disputes where the timing of mailing is in question.

For instance, in legal cases where documents must be sent by a certain date, the USPS Certificate of Mailing serves as evidence that the sender complied with the deadline. It can also help businesses ensure that they meet contractual obligations by providing evidence of timely communication or delivery of documents.

When Should You Use a Certificate of Mailing?

  • Legal Documents
    When sending important legal documents that require proof of mailing. This can include contracts, court filings, and other legal paperwork.
  • Business Correspondence
    For businesses that need to document the sending of contracts, notices, or invoices. Having proof of mailing can help in resolving disputes or verifying compliance with deadlines.
  • Government Applications
    Mailing forms or applications to government agencies where proof of sending is crucial. This can be important for tax documents, visa applications, or other official forms.

Costs Associated with USPS Certificate of Mailing

The cost of a USPS Certificate of Mailing in 2025 has seen slight adjustments due to inflation and operational changes within USPS. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs you can expect but charges might vary from time to time, so be sure to check the appropriate website for updated information:

  • Domestic Mailing:
    • First-Class Mail letters and packages: $1.85 per item.
    • Certified Mail: $4.15 per item.
    • Priority Mail: $1.85 per item, on top of the Priority Mail service charge.
  • International Mailing:
    • For international mail, the USPS Certificate of Mailing costs $2.35 per item.
USPS Certificate of Mailing Cost
First-Class Mail letters and packages $1.85 per item
Certified Mail $4.15 per item
Priority Mail $1.85 per item
International mail $2.35 per item

These costs provide a budget-friendly way to secure proof of mailing without paying for full tracking services. When compared to services like Certified Mail, which includes tracking and delivery confirmation, the USPS Certificate of Mailing is a more economical option for those who only need proof of sending.

How to Obtain a USPS Certificate of Mailing

Obtaining a USPS Certificate of Mailing is straightforward. Follow these steps:

  1. Prepare Your Mail: Ensure your item is correctly addressed and packaged. Double-check the address to avoid any errors that could delay delivery.
  2. Visit a Post Office: Head to your local USPS office with the item you intend to mail. It’s best to go during off-peak hours to avoid long lines.
  3. Request the Certificate: Inform the postal clerk that you need a Certificate of Mailing. They will provide you with PS Form 3817 or PS Form 3877 for multiple items.
  4. Pay the Fee: Pay the appropriate fee based on the type of mail. Ensure you keep the receipt as this is your proof of mailing.
  5. Keep the Receipt: The postal clerk will stamp the form, giving you a receipt that serves as your Certificate of Mailing. Store this receipt in a safe place, especially if the mailing is related to legal or business matters.

Advantages of Using a USPS Certificate of Mailing

  1. Legal Protection
    Provides proof of mailing in legal disputes. This can be crucial in cases where the sender needs to demonstrate that they have fulfilled their obligation to send documents or payments.
  2. Cost-Effective
    A cheaper alternative to certified or registered mail when proof of sending is sufficient. For businesses that send out large volumes of mail, this can result in significant savings.
  3. Flexibility
    Available for domestic and international mailing. This makes it a versatile option for both personal and business mailings.
  4. Peace of Mind
    Offers assurance that the mail was sent, even if delivery confirmation is not needed. This can be particularly comforting for senders who are mailing important or sensitive documents.

Limitations of a USPS Certificate of Mailing

While the Certificate of Mailing offers several advantages, it also has some limitations:

  1. No Tracking
    The service does not include tracking or delivery confirmation. If you need to confirm that an item was delivered, you will need to use a different service such as Certified Mail or Registered Mail.
  2. No Insurance
    It does not cover lost or damaged items. If you are sending valuable items, consider purchasing insurance or using a service that includes insurance.
  3. Limited to Proof of Mailing
    Only serves as evidence that the item was mailed, not received. This means that if the recipient disputes receiving the item, the Certificate of Mailing will not provide proof of delivery.

Last Shot

Navigating the complexities of mailing can be daunting, especially when it involves important documents. The USPS Certificate of Mailing is a simple yet powerful tool that provides proof of mailing without incurring the higher costs of tracking services. By understanding its costs and benefits in 2025, you can make informed decisions about when and how to use this service.

Whether for legal, business, or personal reasons, the Certificate of Mailing ensures you have documented proof that your item was sent, cost-effectively giving you peace of mind. The USPS Certificate of Mailing is not just a piece of paper; it’s a safeguard for senders, ensuring that their effort to mail an item is documented.

In an era where proof and accountability are paramount, having a Certificate of Mailing can be a game-changer for both individuals and businesses. Make sure to leverage this service in 2025 to protect your interests and ensure that your mailings are backed by verifiable proof of sending.

FAQ’S

  1. Can I use a Certificate of Mailing for international shipments?
    Yes, the Certificate of Mailing can be used for both domestic and international shipments, offering proof that the item was mailed from the U.S.
  2. Is the Certificate of Mailing the same as Certified Mail?
    No, Certified Mail includes tracking and delivery confirmation, whereas the Certificate of Mailing only proves that the item was sent.
  3. How long should I keep the Certificate of Mailing?
    It’s advisable to keep the Certificate of Mailing for as long as you might need to prove that the item was sent, especially if it pertains to legal or financial matters.
  4. Can I request a Certificate of Mailing online?
    No, the Certificate of Mailing must be obtained in person at a USPS location, as it requires a physical stamp from the postal clerk.
  5. What happens if my mail gets lost?
    While the Certificate of Mailing proves the item was sent, it does not offer any compensation for lost items. Consider using additional services like insurance for valuable items.
  6. Can I get a Certificate of Mailing for multiple items?
    Yes, you can use PS Form 3877 to obtain a Certificate of Mailing for multiple items, which is often used by businesses sending out bulk mail.
  7. Does the Certificate of Mailing have an expiration date?
    No, the Certificate of Mailing does not expire, but it is recommended to keep it for a reasonable period, especially if it pertains to legal or business matters.

Further Reading

Popular Tags

Blog Business Case Code Snippet Documentation ELEX Address Validation & Google Address Autocomplete Plugin for WooCommerce ELEX Amazon Payments Gateway for WooCommerce ELEX Authorize.net Payment Gateway for WooCommerce ELEX Bulk Edit Products, Prices & Attributes for WooCommerce ELEX Dynamic Pricing and Discounts Plugin for WooCommerce ELEX EasyPost Auto-Generate & Email Labels Add-On ELEX EasyPost Shipping Method Plugin for WooCommerce ELEX Google Product Feed Plugin ELEX Hide WooCommerce Shipping Methods Plugin ELEX ShipEngine Multi-Carrier Shipping & Label Printing Plugin for WooCommerce ELEX Stamps.com Shipping Plugin with USPS Postage for WooCommerce ELEX Stamps.com USPS Auto-Generate & Email Labels Add-On ELEX WooCommerce Abandoned Cart Recovery with Dynamic Coupons ELEX WooCommerce Australia Post Bulk Label Printing Add-On ELEX WooCommerce Australia Post Shipping Plugin with Print Label & Tracking ELEX WooCommerce Catalog Feed for Facebook & Instagram ELEX WooCommerce Catalog Mode, Wholesale & Role Based Pricing ELEX WooCommerce Choose Your Delivery Date Plugin ELEX WooCommerce DHL Express / eCommerce / Paket Shipping Plugin with Print Label ELEX WooCommerce DHL Express Bulk Label Printing Add-On ELEX WooCommerce Discount per Payment Method Plugin ELEX WooCommerce EasyPost Bulk Label Printing Add-On ELEX WooCommerce EasyPost Return Label Add-On ELEX WooCommerce Name Your Price Plugin ELEX WooCommerce Product Price Custom Text (Before & After Text) and Discount Plugin ELEX WooCommerce Stamps.com Bulk Label Printing Add-On ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Print Label ELEX WooCommerce Request a Quote plugin for WooCommerce ELEX WordPress Embed YouTube Video Gallery ELEX WordPress Embed YouTube Video Gallery Plugin FAQ Getting Started Knowledge Base Open Source HelpDesk & Customer Support Ticketing System – Simple & Flexible Plugin Integrations ReachShip WooCommerce Multi-Carrier & Conditional Shipping Plugin Shipping Plugins Uncategorized WooCommerce WSChat - WordPress Live Chat Plugin WSDesk - WordPress Helpdesk Plugin