What is Registered Mail? Everything You Need to Know.

Registered Mail is a unique mailing service known for its high level of security. This blog will outline how to calculate insurance values, manage returns, ship securely, and track your packages effectively.
What is Registered Mail? Everything You Need to Know.
3 Min Read
September 20, 2023
Max
3 min read
Sep 20, 2023

Key Points:

  • Registered Mail is USPS’s most secure mail offering. 
  • While this option provides market-leading security and protection for any shipment, it may increase delivery timelines. 
  • Domestic Registered Mail service is only available with the domestic mail classes of First-Class Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Priority Mail. 
  • Insurance for the shipments can be assessed by matching the item’s declared value, with a limit of up to $50,000. 
  • However, Registered Mail has no guaranteed delivery time, regardless of the mail class used.

What is Registered Mail?

Registered Mail is the most secure service of the United States Postal Service (USPS). This premium mailing service offers top-notch security and accountability for your eCommerce shipments. 

This service has some key characteristics:

  • Protected by safes, cages, sealed containers, locks, and keys
  • Items must be presented to a USPS post office employee or rural carrier
  • A signature is required on delivery
  • Registered Mail Restricted Delivery is only available to the addressee or an authorized individual.
  • Delivery information includes details about delivery attempts and the final status when the item reaches its destination.
  • Registered Mail can be sent to military locations. However, delivery information is not available for APO/FPO/DPO destinations.
  • The post office issues a mailing receipt, and the package is mailed from
  • This service is not recommended if speed of delivery is essential, as it is processed manually

How Does Registered Mail Work?

From preparing a registered mail to sending it, you’ll need to follow six key steps. Here’s how the process works.

  1. Preparing a Registered Mail: To prepare a Registered Mail, you need a specific PS Form 3806. Once you have filled it out for your international or domestic shipment, along with payment and the letter, hand it to the post office employee at the counter. 
  2. Mailing Receipt: When you send a Registered Mail piece, you will receive a mailing receipt that serves as proof of mailing. This receipt is an important document that can be used to track the status of your mailpiece.
  3. Choosing Mail Class: Registered Mail can be used with various mail classes, including First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage. The mail class you choose will determine the delivery speed and cost of your Registered Mail piece.
  4. Declaring Value: When sending a Registered Mail piece, you must declare the value of the contents. This is an important step, as it determines the level of insurance coverage for your mailpiece. You can declare a value up to $50,000 for domestic Registered Mail pieces.
  5. Tracking Delivery Status: Once your Registered Mail piece is sent, you can track its delivery status using the USPS tracking system. You will receive updates on the status of your mailpiece, including either a delivery status or information on an attempted delivery.

It is important to note that registered Mail pieces can be sent from any post office, station, or branch. You can also use rural carriers to send Registered Mail pieces.

However, if you need to send a Registered Mail piece internationally, you can use the USPS International Registered Mail service. This service offers enhanced security for sending important documents and packages abroad, complete with tracking and signature verification upon delivery.

Obtaining a Return Receipt

The Registered Mail fee is non-refundable after the Postal Service accepts the item. However, if the article is lost and a claim is made, the postage will be refunded, but not the Registered Mail fee.

A return receipt provides the sender with proof of delivery and can be purchased at the time of mailing. This includes the recipient’s signature plus the date and time of delivery. You can receive these details on a postcard receipt or request an email copy.

This is particularly important when sending legal documents, as it ensures they are delivered securely and on time.

Insurance

When presenting the item for mailing, you must declare the full value of the mail. Insurance matching the item’s declared value is included up to $50,000. Items with a declared value over $50,000 can be registered, but compensation for loss is limited to this amount.  Learning how shipping insurance can help safeguard the delivery of valuable items. 

‍

Items Maximum Replacement Price
Merchandise Market value or cost
Money / Cash / Currency Full value
Non-valuables - Matter with less intrinsic value, such as letters, files, and records. No value or replacement cost if postal insurance cost is desired
Negotiable Instruments (Documents) - Instruments payable to bearer, including stock certificates and money orders endorsed in blank. Market value (value based on the value at the time of mailing)
Nonnegotiable Instruments (Documents) - Registered bonds, checks, money orders, and drafts to specific recipients, deeds, wills, and similar documents. Stock certificates are considered nonnegotiable unless endorsed in a blank No value or replacement cost if postal insurance coverage desired*
Jewelry, Gems, Precious Metals Market value or cost

Registered Mail International

This service offers additional protection and security in the US. In destination countries, items are handled according to their internal procedures. The recipient’s signature is not required in the destination country. However, return receipts can be purchased for registered items in most countries.

International Registered Mail ensures secure mail delivery, providing added security for important documents and packages sent abroad.

International Registered Mail is available for the following mail types:

  • First-Class Mail International
  • First-Class Package International Service

Check out the most affordable rates for your shipment with our rates calculator.

What Are the Benefits?

With over 58 million Americans having at least one package stolen in 2024, this service can be a top choice when sending valuable or irreplaceable items. The following factors are important considerations for online store owners looking to guarantee a secure delivery service:

  • Enhanced Security: Registered Mail offers robust security features, safeguarding your valuable products during transit
    • Ideal for sending legal documents, ensuring they are delivered securely and on time.
  • Delivery Confirmation: It provides indisputable proof of delivery and that you’ve sent an order, ensuring trust and transparency with your customers
  • Reduced Risk: The stringent tracking and signature requirements minimize the risk of lost or stolen packages, saving your business from potential losses

How Registered Mail Benefits Online Store Owners

Registered Mail can make it easier for online store owners in multiple ways.

  1. Protecting Your Reputation: Reliable deliveries and secure handling of packages through Registered Mail safeguard your online store’s reputation. Satisfied customers are more likely to return.
  2. Minimizing Shipping Disputes: With proof of mailing and delivery, you can effectively address shipping disputes or customer claims, leading to a smoother resolution process.
  3. Reducing Costs: While Registered Mail may have a slightly higher upfront cost than standard mail services, it can save you money in the long run by preventing losses due to damaged or lost shipments.
  4. Ensuring secure mail delivery for your customers, enhancing their trust and satisfaction with your service.

What’s the Difference Between Registered Mail vs. Certified Mail Service?

While both Registered Mail and Certified mail offer secure mailing options, it’s essential to understand these key distinctions:

  • Heightened Security: With its secure handling from start to finish, Registered Mail offers higher security. This is especially crucial when dealing with valuable or sensitive items
    • Registered Mail Restricted Delivery ensures that only the addressee or an authorized individual can receive the mail, providing an extra layer of security.
  • Delivery Notifications: Both Registered and Certified Mail will give you the option for delivery notifications
  • Speed: While Certified Mail travels at the same rate as normal first-class mail and can take up to 5 business days to reach its destination, Registered Mail will take longer due to the extra security
  • Insurance: You would not typically find insurance with Certified Mail. However, Registered as a more expensive service, this option is included.

Related post: What is Certified Mail? Everything You Need to Know

REGISTERED MAIL

Preparing Your Registered Mail Shipments

Efficiently prepare your Registered mail shipments to optimize the process.

  • Secure Packaging: Use durable packaging materials to protect your products during transit. This safeguards your items and enhances the customer’s unboxing experience.
  • Accurate labeling: Ensure precise labeling with the recipient’s address and pertinent details. This reduces the chances of misdelivery or delays.
  • Documentation: Complete any necessary forms or documentation, including item lists. Organized documentation streamlines the shipping process, making it easier to manage multiple shipments.
    • Ensure that legal documents are securely packaged and accurately labeled to prevent any issues during transit.

Tracking Registered Mail

Registered Mail shipment tracking events can’t be tracked through a tracking number in the USPS portal, as updated scans are not provided. However, the delivery information is provided when a scan indicates either a delivery status or details of an attempted delivery.

If you are shipping to a P.O. Box, USPS will leave a delivery slip inside the box, instructing the recipient to present it to the window clerk. Tracking ensures secure mail delivery, providing updates on the status of your shipment.

How Much Does Registered Mail Fee Cost?

The cost of Registered Mail varies depending on factors such as package weight, destination, and the declared value of your items. Postal services typically offer tiered pricing based on these factors. Domestic Registered Mail is only available for the following mail classes:

  1. First-Class Mail
  2. USPS Ground Advantage
  3. Priority Mail

USPS Signature Options With Easyship

As USPS Registered Mail services are highly secure and manually processed shipments, unfortunately, these services can’t be purchased through Easyship. They must be sent directly from a post office and overseen by a retail employee to confirm receipt of the shipment.

Easyship offers a range of similar USPS options to help you deliver items securely to your customers. These include:

  • USPS Certified Mail: provides a mailing receipt to the sender as proof that a package was sent on a certain date, as well as electronic verification of delivery upon request
  • USPS Signature Confirmation: provides the sender with the recipient’s signature, name, delivery date, and delivery address

These options are particularly useful for sending legal documents, ensuring they are delivered securely and on time.

Easyship is the leading shipping and logistics platform, collaborating with a vast network of over 250+ couriers across the globe. This unique position enables us to negotiate exclusive shipping discounts with top-tier couriers, providing you with the opportunity to reduce your shipping costs. Our popular discounts include a wide range of top couriers:

  • Up to 65% Savings on USPS First Class Package
  • Up to 89% Savings on USPS Priority Mail
  • Up to 50% Savings on UPS® Ground
  • Up to 85% Savings on USPS - Ground Advantage
  • Up to 76% Savings on UPS Worldwide Saver®
  • Up to 91% Savings on DHL eCommerce

FAQs about USPS Registered Mail

1. What’s the difference between Registered and Certified Mail?
Registered Mail is the Postal Service’s most secure option, with locked storage, a full chain of custody, and up to $ 50k insurance. Certified Mail simply provides tracking and proof of delivery, making it faster and cheaper but less protected.

2. Does Registered Mail require a signature?
Yes. Delivery isn’t completed until someone signs (or an approved electronic signature is captured). Add a Return Receipt if you need a copy of that signature.

3. What does it mean when mail is “registered”?
Each hand-off is logged, the item travels in locked containers or safes, and it stays insured for its declared value, minimizing risk of loss or tampering.

4. When should Registered Mail be used?
Use it for cash, jewelry, legal originals, sensitive data, or anything valuable or irreplaceable. For routine documents that only need delivery proof, Certified Mail is enough.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key Points:

  • Registered Mail is USPS’s most secure mail offering. 
  • While this option provides market-leading security and protection for any shipment, it may increase delivery timelines. 
  • Domestic Registered Mail service is only available with the domestic mail classes of First-Class Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Priority Mail. 
  • Insurance for the shipments can be assessed by matching the item’s declared value, with a limit of up to $50,000. 
  • However, Registered Mail has no guaranteed delivery time, regardless of the mail class used.
Get Your Ship Together.

By submitting the form, you agree to receive marketing emails from Easyship.

Save up to 91% on Shipping. Try for free.

Effortlessly compare 550+ courier services with one global account. Instant discounts. Start in minutes.

Shipping Internationally? Unsure What Tariffs or Duties Apply?
Try our FREE Tax & Duty Calculator

Trying to stay up to date on the latest cross-border shipping and import requirements? Get an instant estimate of all applicable taxes and duties for every country across 220+ global destinations or sign up and take advantage of our in-built HS Code lookup tool.

Calculate Tax & Duties Instantly (Free Tool)
Ready to Stop Overpaying for Shipping?
Try our FREE Shipping Rate Calculator

Looking for the cheapest way to ship a package? Get an instant shipping quote and compare rates from 550+ courier services across the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, and more. Simply add your package size and delivery location, and you'll find the best deal in seconds.

Calculate Rates Instantly (Free Tool)
Planning Your Campaign?

Get in touch with us now and our shipping consultants can give you a detailed quote and additional info to help with your campaign.

Get in touch
The Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREE
The Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREE
Get in touch with our fulfillment experts!

We believe simple pricing is the best pricing. Get a quote with a simplified pricing structure and no hidden fees.

Contact us
Need help fulfilling your crowdfunding campaign?

We provide the necessary tools needed to keep you on budget for shipping and to safely deliver your product to backers around the world.

Learn more
Try our duty & tax calculator!

Need to estimate your shipping duties & taxes? Our calculator can give you an idea of what to expect.

TRY IT NOW
Save up to 91% on Shipping. Try for free.

Compare 550+ courier services with one global account. Start in minutes.

GET STARTED FOR FREE
Get a Free Quote for Your Campaign

Receive a personal cost estimate for your crowdfunding campaign from our trusted global fulfillment partners. Easyship is a certified Indiegogo partner.

GET FREE QUOTE
Looking for great rates from a top courier?

Save up to 74% on UPS shipping rates by shipping with Easyship. You can run a quote and generate your first shipments in literally minutes!

SHIP WITH UPS TODAY
The cheapest way to ship for eCommerce

Get instant access with volume-discounted shipping rates. Save up to 89% off on USPS, UPS, FedEx, and more. Easyship is free for 50 shipments each month.

SIGN UP FREE TO SAVE
Find your perfect fulfillment partner with expert help

Let Easyship connect you to the largest shipping and fulfillment network on Earth. You’ll find trusted partners for all things logistics. Guidance is free from our global shipping experts.

ASK AN EXPERT
Don’t miss our money and time-saving features!

Explore the powerful features that 100K+ merchants use to ship smarter, not harder. Shipping automation, live rates at checkout, live duty and tax – all free to try with Easyship.

EXPLORE ALL FEATURES
Start saving on shipping in seconds

Create your free Easyship account to streamline shipping and save with discounted rates. No hidden fees. No minimums. Just savings.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT
Create Your Shipping Policy Free

Use our guided walk-through to build the perfect shipping policy for your eCommerce business.

CREATE YOUR POLICY FREE
Looking to intergrate your Shopify store?

With 550+ pre-negotiated shipping services available with discounts of up to 91%, you can save time & money today when you integrate your Shopify store with Easyship

REGISTER FOR FREE
Use Easyship Free Every Month

Easyship is free to use for 50 shipments every month. You’ll save big on our discounted shipping rates up to 91% off, and save time with smart automation. Signup is fast and free.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT
Don’t miss the key steps to fulfillment success

Follow the easy path to fulfillment success. Easyship’s free fulfillment checklist provides a proven step-by-step so you can ship at scale without the guesswork.

VIEW THE CHECKLIST
Ship for less with any courier, guaranteed

Save up to 89% off all shipping rates. Easyship offers the guaranteed cheapest volume-discounted rates on the market from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ global couriers.

SIGN UP TO SAVE
Don’t miss all our money and time-saving features!

Explore the innovative features that 100K+ merchants use to ship smarter, not harder. Shipping automation, live rates at checkout, live duty and tax – all free to try with Easyship.

EXPLORE FEATURES
Want the cheapest rates?

Register for an Easyship account today and you will gain access to the cheapest rates, instantly.

REGISTER FOR FREE
Watch out for international duty and tax!

What exactly does it cost to ship cross-border? Use the free duty and tax calculator from Easyship to view accurate import costs for any shipment to anywhere.

USE FREE
Protect Your Crowdfunding Budget from Cost Creep

Prices are rising, deliveries are slowing. Get up to speed on the state of crowdfunding shipping with expert Easyship analysis and keep your campaign on budget.

LEARN MORE
Discover the Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 550+ courier services at a glance.

GET A FREE QUOTE
Discover Your Cheapest Way to Ship

Find the guaranteed cheapest shipping in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discounted rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ global couriers at a glance.

COMPARE RATES FREE
Compare the best rates in seconds

Get an instant estimate of the cheapest shipping rates with our free calculator tool.

GET FREE RATE QUOTES
Save money on every shipment

Save up to 91% off shipping with Easyship’s discount courier rates. Create your free account to save instantly on 550+ courier services, including USPS.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT
Ready to ship internationally?

Get help from our global shipping experts on warehousing, global shipping and to connect with our network of trusted 3PLs.

GET FREE SHIPPING TIPS
How’s Your Covid Shipping Policy?

Use our free shipping policy generator to formulate your safest, most customer-friendly shipping policy in seconds.

GET YOUR SHIPPING POLICY
Try Pre-generated Return Labels For Free

Register for an Easyship account today and get 30-days access to a Premier plan with access to Pre-generated Return Labels.

Generate Return Labels Today
Discover the Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS® & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREE
Get Up to Speed On Covid Shipping

Explore our Covid shipping resources to make sure your shipment arrives on time and in good condition.

LEARN MORE
Free Shipping for the Holidays 101

Learn how the leading brands offer free shipping, calculate costs, and ship on a budget for the holidays in our free shipping guidebook.

LEARN MORE
Your Perfect Shipping Policy, Ready in Minutes

Use Easyship’s free shipping policy generator to formulate your perfect holiday shipping policy for returns, tracking, and more. Just follow the prompts and you’re done!

GET YOUR SHIPPING POLICY
Scale Your Growth Internationally With Pro Tips

Learn how to ship internationally without missing a step. Our case studies show you proven tactics for shipping worldwide from Easyship users who did it right.

READ CASE STUDIES
No items found.
Share on:

Related Articles

No items found.