Certified Mail Cost 2026: USPS Fees, Add-Ons, and Tips

When you need to send an important document, whether it’s a legal notice, a tax filing, or a time sensitive contract, you need proof. USPS Certified Mail gives you that peace of mind with tracking and delivery confirmation. If you’re new to mailing letters, see our how to mail a letter checklist to prepare everything correctly.

The total Certified Mail cost is a mix of base postage, the Certified Mail service itself, and any extra features you add. In 2026, the basic cost for a one ounce letter starts at over $6. This guide breaks down every piece of the puzzle, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and how to save money.

What is Certified Mail and When Should You Use It?

Certified Mail is a USPS special service that provides the sender with a mailing receipt and electronic verification that an article was delivered or that a delivery attempt was made. It is a way to prove you sent something and that it was delivered.

It is best used for important documents where proof of mailing and delivery is critical. Common use cases for businesses and individuals include:

Legal Documents: Sending notices to tenants, court filings, or demand letters.
Financial Paperwork: Mailing tax returns to the IRS, sending debt collection notices, or important financial statements.
Confidential Records: Shipping sensitive HR documents, contracts, or medical records.

It’s important to know that Certified Mail is a domestic service and cannot be used for international mail.

How Certified Mail Costs Are Calculated

Think of the total Certified Mail cost as a simple formula: base postage plus the main Certified Mail fee plus any optional services. You start with the cost to mail the letter and then stack services on top.

Total Certified Mail Cost = (1) First Class Postage + (2) Certified Mail Fee + (3) Optional Add Ons

A basic one ounce certified letter with no extras will have a clear, predictable Certified Mail cost. However, if you add services like a physical return receipt and restricted delivery, that same letter could cost nearly $20. Understanding each component helps you choose only what you need.

Breakdown of Core Certified Mail Fees

Before you get to the optional extras, two costs are mandatory for any Certified Mail letter. These form the baseline for your total Certified Mail cost.

First Class Postage

Certified Mail is an add on service, not a standalone mail class. This means you must also pay for the underlying postage to get your letter from point A to point B. For most certified letters, this will be standard USPS First Class Mail. Be sure to address the envelope correctly to avoid delays.

As of early 2026, a standard one ounce First Class letter stamp costs $0.78.

This postage covers the first ounce. For more rate examples, see our USPS shipping rates guide. Many official documents weigh more than an ounce, which requires additional postage.

The additional ounce rate for First Class letters in 2026 is $0.29.

For example, a two ounce letter would require $0.78 for the first ounce plus $0.29 for the second, totaling $1.07 in postage. Use our step by step on how to calculate shipping costs to avoid underpaying.

Certified Mail Service Fee

This is the main charge for the tracking and record keeping USPS provides. Paying this fee gets you a mailing receipt (your proof of mailing), a unique tracking number, and electronic confirmation of delivery.

In 2026, the USPS Certified Mail fee is $5.30 per item. This is a special service charge paid in addition to regular postage.

This fee is all about accountability. It doesn’t make your mail travel any faster, it just adds a layer of security and proof.

Optional Services That Add to Your Total Certified Mail Cost

These services provide extra layers of proof and security, but they will increase your final Certified Mail cost.

Return Receipt: Physical vs. Electronic

A Return Receipt gives you concrete proof that your letter was delivered, usually with the recipient’s signature. You have two options: the classic green postcard or a modern digital version.

Physical Return Receipt (The “Green Card”): This is the traditional green postcard that the recipient signs. USPS then mails this card back to you. The cost for this service in 2026 is $4.40.
Electronic Return Receipt (ERR): This is the cheaper and faster digital alternative. Instead of a postcard, you receive a PDF via email, usually within 24 hours of delivery. The PDF includes an image of the recipient’s signature and delivery details. The cost for an Electronic Return Receipt in 2026 is $2.82.

Choosing the electronic option is a simple way to lower your total cost and get your proof much faster.

Restricted Delivery Fee

If you need to ensure your letter is delivered only to the specific person named on the envelope (and not a family member or receptionist), you need Restricted Delivery.

The Restricted Delivery fee in 2026 is $8.40.

This is a premium service for highly confidential documents. It must be combined with a service like Certified Mail. Because of the high price, only use it when absolutely necessary.

Example Certified Mail Cost Calculation

Let’s see how these fees add up. Imagine you’re mailing a two ounce legal document and need maximum proof of delivery.

Postage (2 oz): $0.78 (first ounce) + $0.29 (second ounce) = $1.07
Certified Mail Fee: $5.30
Physical Return Receipt Fee: $4.40
Restricted Delivery Fee: $8.40

Total Certified Mail Cost: $1.07 + $5.30 + $4.40 + $8.40 = $19.17

As you can see, the optional services make up the bulk of the Certified Mail cost. If you sent the same letter with only the electronic receipt and no restricted delivery, the total would be much lower: $1.07 (Postage) + $5.30 (Certified) + $2.82 (ERR) = $9.19.

How to Save on Certified Mail Cost

While Certified Mail is a premium service, there are a few ways to manage the cost.

Use an Online Postage Service

There are two price tiers for a First Class stamp. The retail rate is what you pay at the post office ($0.78), but if you use an online postage service or a postage meter, you get a small discount.

The metered rate for a one ounce letter is $0.74, a savings of four cents. This allows you to buy stamps online without a trip to the post office. While four cents may not sound like much, it adds up for businesses that send mail in volume. Before you send, you can use a free online shipping calculator to see how postage options affect your total cost.

Consider Online Certified Mail Providers

Several companies offer services where you can upload your document, and they will print, prepare, and mail it via USPS Certified Mail on your behalf. This can save significant time and provide a streamlined way to manage your mailing records and electronic receipts, which is ideal for businesses.

Understanding USPS Rules and Limitations

It is important to know that Certified Mail cannot be combined with every USPS service. The most common question is about speed.

USPS does not allow Certified Mail to be combined with the overnight Priority Mail Express service. If you need something delivered quickly with Certified Mail status, your best option is to combine it with regular Priority Mail, which offers delivery in one to three business days. Keep in mind USPS holidays can affect delivery windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to send Certified Mail?

The most affordable way is to send a standard one ounce letter with just the basic Certified Mail service. In 2026, this would cost $0.78 for postage plus the $5.30 Certified Mail fee, for a total of $6.08.

How much does a certified letter with return receipt cost in 2026?

For a one ounce letter, the Certified Mail cost with a physical return receipt is $0.78 (postage) + $5.30 (Certified Mail) + $4.40 (Return Receipt), totaling $10.48. With the cheaper Electronic Return Receipt, the total would be $0.78 + $5.30 + $2.82 = $8.90.

Is an Electronic Return Receipt legally valid?

Yes, for most purposes. The PDF you receive contains the same essential information as the physical green card, including an image of the signature, the delivery date, and the recipient’s address. It is widely accepted as legal proof of delivery.

Can I send Certified Mail internationally?

No, Certified Mail is a domestic only service. For a similar service with international mail, you should use Registered Mail, which offers added security and limited indemnity.

Why is Certified Mail so expensive?

The cost reflects the special handling and detailed record keeping required by USPS. You are paying for a chain of custody that provides a mailing receipt, tracking, and final delivery confirmation, which can serve as legal evidence.

Can I track Certified Mail online?

Yes. Every piece of Certified Mail comes with a unique 20 to 22 digit tracking number. You can enter this number on the USPS website to see your letter’s status from acceptance to final delivery.