
The cost of sending a certified letter can add up quickly, but it's a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your mail is secure.
In the United States, the current cost of a certified letter is $3.80 for the first ounce, with additional ounces costing $0.70 each.
To give you a better idea, let's consider an example: if you need to send a certified letter that weighs 2 ounces, the total cost would be $3.80 for the first ounce and $1.40 for the second ounce, making the total cost $5.20.
This cost may seem high, but it's a small price to pay for the security and tracking that comes with certified mail.
USPS and Pricing
The USPS and pricing for certified mail can be a bit confusing, but let's break it down. The cost of Certified Mail varies depending on the weight of your mail and whether you want a Return Receipt included.
The USPS charges for Certified Mail, with a base fee of $4.35. This is in addition to the postage for the letter itself, which is $0.66 for a 1-ounce letter.
If you want to send a 1-ounce letter with Certified Mail rates and a Return Receipt, the total cost would be $8.56. This includes the $4.35 certified mail fee, the $3.55 return receipt fee, and the postage for a 1-ounce letter.
Here's a breakdown of the costs:
- First-Class Postage: $0.66 (up to 1 ounce)
- Certified Mail: $4.35
- Optional Return Receipt – Green Card: $3.55
- Optional Electronic Return Receipt: $2.20
As of 2022, Basic Certified Mail rates and Certified Mail fees come in at $4.00, according to US Global Mail. This is a flat rate, regardless of the weight of the mail. In 2020, the fee was slightly lower, at $3.55.
Cost and Fees
The cost of a certified letter can vary depending on several factors. The United States Postal Service (USPS) charges a Certified Mail fee of $4.35, in addition to first-class postage, which is $0.66 for a 1-ounce letter.
You can also add an optional Return Receipt, which costs between $2.20 and $3.55, depending on whether you choose electronic or green card receipt. The total cost of sending a 1-ounce letter with Certified Mail and Return Receipt would be between $6.91 and $8.56.
It's worth noting that prices can vary depending on the location of the sender and recipient. Sending Certified Mail from the east to west coast, for example, requires additional handling and longer delivery times, which can increase costs.
Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with sending a certified letter:
- Certified Mail fee: $4.35
- First-class postage (1-ounce letter): $0.66
- Optional Return Receipt:
+ Electronic: $2.20
+ Green Card: $3.55
* Total cost (1-ounce letter with Return Receipt): $6.91-$8.56
Postage and Rates
Certified Mail rates vary depending on the service you choose. The postage meter rate to send a one-ounce Certified Mail letter with Green Card is $7.82, while mailing from the Post Office counter costs $7.85.
The cost of Certified Mail can also be broken down into its components: First-Class Postage, Certified Mail fee, and optional Return Receipt. For a 1-ounce letter, the First-Class Postage is $0.66, the Certified Mail fee is $4.35, and the optional Return Receipt costs $3.55.
Here's a summary of the costs:
If you want to send a 1-ounce letter with Certified Mail rates and a Return Receipt, the total cost would be $8.56. This includes the $4.35 certified mail fee, the $3.55 return receipt fee, and the postage for a 1-ounce letter.
$3.35
Certified Mail costs $3.35. This fee is in addition to the First Class Mail or Priority Mail delivery fee to send the mailpiece.
The cost of Certified Mail is a flat rate of $3.35, regardless of the size or weight of the mailpiece.
Additional services for Certified Mail include Return Receipt, which costs $2.75 for a mailed receipt or $1.45 for an Electronic Receipt that is emailed to you.
Certified Mail can be used for various types of mail, but it's not the only option available.
USPS Rates Simplified
USPS rates can be confusing, but let's break it down. The postage meter rate to send a one-ounce Certified Mail letter with Green Card is $7.82.
If you mail from the Post Office counter, it's $7.85. This is just a few cents more than the postage meter rate.
SimpleCertifiedMail.com offers a cheaper alternative at $7.57, and you get the USPS Return Receipt (Electronic) within 24 hours.
USPS certified mail costs are comparable to other secure mail services like UPS and FedEx Ground Economy.
However, USPS certified mail is often the most affordable option for sending a certified letter the traditional way.
When sending certified mail online or as e-certified mail, SimpleCertifiedMail.com is the cheapest option.
The service includes free supplies, labor, and sending of the letter, making it an unbeatable value.
LetterStream is another option, but it's quite expensive, starting at about $30 per letter.
Postage Examples
Postage examples are a great way to understand how postage rates work. The cost of postage depends on the type of mail, weight, and size of the envelope.
For a one-ounce Certified Mail letter with Green Card, the postage meter rate is $7.82, while mailing from the Post Office counter costs $7.85. However, with SimpleCertifiedMail.com, the cost is $7.57, and you receive the USPS Return Receipt (Electronic) within 24 hours.
The cost of First-Class Postage for a one-page letter is $2.34. Certified Mail with Electronic Delivery Confirmation costs $7.74, while Certified Mail with Signature Return Receipt and Electronic Delivery Confirmation costs $10.36.
Here's a breakdown of the costs:
Certified Mail costs $3.35, which is in addition to the First Class Mail or Priority Mail delivery fee. The cost of Return Receipt is $2.75 for a mailed receipt or $1.45 for an Electronic Receipt that is emailed to you.
Who and What
Certified Mail is a service that's been around since 1955, making it a pretty established way to send mail in the US.
It's similar to Registered Mail, but at a lower cost. Certified Mail gives you proof of receipt or delivery attempts, which is a big plus for those who want to know for sure that their packages are reaching their destination.
You can use Certified Mail to send packages or parcels via first-class delivery, and request that the recipient signs for it upon delivery. This way, you'll get notified the moment they sign for it, and you'll also get a record if they deny receiving it.
Who Can Make the Most of Services?

Millions of people have sent or received Certified Mail at some point in their lives, with 56% of Americans having done so.
The business community makes the most use of Certified Mail, as it provides a secure and reliable way to send important documents.
87% of Americans are aware of Certified Mail and either plan to use it or are interested in doing so.
Anyone looking to have mail securely delivered and reliably tracked with a delivery confirmation can find value in Certified Mail.
The cost of Certified Mail is reasonable, especially when compared to the more expensive Registered Mail option.
Most people won't hesitate to pay for Certified Mail, especially if they need to know that their documents arrive on time.
What Is Mail?
Mail is a way to send letters, packages, and parcels through the postal service. It's been around for a long time, with Certified Mail launching in 1955.
Certified Mail is a type of mail that gives you proof of receipt or delivery attempts. It's like Registered Mail, but more expensive.

You can send mail through first-class delivery with Certified Mail, and request that the recipient signs for the package. This gives you peace of mind that your package arrives at its destination.
Certified Mail is tracked every step of the way, and you'll be notified when the recipient signs for the package. You'll also get a record of delivery attempts if the mail isn't delivered the first time.
If the recipient denies receiving the mail, you'll get a record of that too. This program is designed to give you more peace of mind and logistical benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth sending Certified Mail?
Yes, sending Certified Mail is worth it when sending sensitive or irreplaceable items for added peace of mind and secure delivery. It's a small investment for extra protection and assurance.
How many stamps do I need for a certified letter?
To send a certified letter, you'll need to add $4.40 to the First Class Mail price of a traditional stamp, which is $0.68. This means you'll need at least one additional stamp for certified mail.
What is the difference between Certified Mail and certified with Return Receipt?
Certified Mail is a service that verifies delivery, while Certified Mail with Return Receipt adds an extra layer of proof, providing a signed receipt from the recipient. This extra step requires an additional fee, but offers greater accountability and peace of mind.
Is there a fee for an adult signature on Certified Mail?
Yes, there is a fee for an adult signature on Certified Mail, which is $8.50. This fee is in addition to the cost of Certified Mail.
Sources
- https://blog.letterstream.com/mailing-company/2023/09/12/what-is-the-cost-of-certified-mail/
- https://www.sendcertifiedmail.com/news/7-factors-affecting-the-cost-to-send-certified-mail
- https://how-much-does-it-cost-to-send-mail-certified.govbackgroundchecks.com/index.php
- https://www.sendcertifiedmail.com/how-much-does-it-cost
- https://www.usglobalmail.com/blog/how-much-does-certified-mail-cost/
Featured Images: pexels.com