Overview
1.0 Basic Standards for All Extra Services
2.0 Registered Mail
3.0 Certified Mail
4.0 Insured Mail
5.0 Certificates of Mailing
6.0 Return Receipt
7.0 USPS Tracking
8.0 USPS Signature Services
9.0 Collect on Delivery (COD)
10.0 Special Handling
11.0 Intelligent Mail Barcode Tracing
12.0 Money Orders
13.0 Return Receipt for Merchandise
Extra services described in 2.0 through 10.0 provide optional services for mailpieces such as insurance coverage, restricted delivery, and evidence of mailing, or a record of delivery (which includes the recipient’s signature). Mailers can access delivery information for extra services under 1.8.
Extra Service fees are charged per piece in addition to correct postage. See Notice 123—Price List.
Except as provided under 604.6.1 and for official mail of federal government agencies collected under 703.7.0 (for Department of State, see 703.3.0), postage and extra service fees are paid at the time of mailing. Unless otherwise restricted by standards, extra service fees may be paid using precanceled stamps (except for Registered Mail and items with USPS Tracking or Signature Confirmation), ordinary postage stamps, metered or PC Postage indicia, or by permit imprint.
[1-22-17] Exhibits 1.4.1, 1.4.2, and 1.4.3 provide the eligibility of each extra service for domestic mail as follows:
- Exhibit 1.4.1, Eligibility – Domestic Mail
- Exhibit 1.4.2, Eligibility – Other Domestic Mail (e.g., APO/FPO/DPO, territories and possessions, and Freely Associated States)
- Exhibit 1.4.3, Eligibility – Domestic Returns
[3-6-17] Exhibit 1.4.1 provides the eligibility of each extra service for domestic mail. The exhibit also provides the additional extra services that may be combined with each extra service. The combined extra services are subject to the eligibility of the mail listed for each extra service. The following extra services or additional extra services may be added at the time of mailing, if the standards for the services are met and the applicable fees are paid.
Exhibit 1.4.1 Eligibility—Domestic Mail
EXTRA SERVICE | ELIGIBLE MAIL | ADDITIONAL COMBINED EXTRA SERVICES |
Registered Mail Registered Mail Restricted Delivery Registered Mail COD (PM, FCM only) | Priority Mail First-Class Mail First-Class Package Service | Return Receipt Signature Confirmation |
Certified Mail Certified Mail Restricted Delivery Certified Mail Adult Signature Required 1 Certified Mail Adult Signature Restricted Delivery 1 | Priority Mail First-Class Mail First-Class Package Service | Return Receipt 1 (Form 3811 only if with Adult Signature options 1) |
Insurance Insurance Restricted Delivery (If insured > $500.00) Note: Priority Mail Express includes $100.00 of insurance and Priority Mail includes either $100.00 or $50.00 of insurance; see 503.4.0. | Priority Mail Express Priority Mail First-Class Mail First-Class Package Service USPS Retail Ground Bound Printed Matter Library Mail Media Mail Parcel Select Parcel Select Lightweight 1 (bulk insurance only) USPS Marketing Mail 2, 7 (bulk insurance for (nonprofit) parcels only 1 | USPS Tracking Signature Confirmation (if insured for < or =$500.) Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery (if insured for <=$500) Adult Signature Required 1 Adult Signature Restricted Delivery 1 Return Receipt (if insured >$500.00, Form 3811 only.) Return Receipt for Merchandise (if insured for < or =$500) Special Handling-Fragile Hold For Pickup |
Certificate of Mailing (Form 3817 (retail use only) or Form 3665-Firm) for individual pieces only; Form 3665-Firm is for 3 or more pieces presented at one time (see 5.0). | Priority Mail First-Class Mail First-Class Package Service USPS Retail Ground Bound Printed Matter Library Mail Media Mail | Special Handling-Fragile |
Certificate of Bulk Mailing (Form 3606; only evidence of number of identical weight piece mailed (see 5.0). | Priority Mail First-Class Mail First-Class Package Service USPS Retail Ground Parcel Select Parcel Select Lightweight USPS Marketing Mail 7 | Special Handling-Fragile |
Return Receipt (Form 3811 must bear an IMpb linked to the IMpb for the host extra service for the appended mailpiece.) | Priority Mail Express (Form 3811 only) Priority Mail 3 First-Class Mail 3 First-Class Package Service 3 USPS Marketing Mail
(parcels only) 2, 4, 7 Parcel Select 3 Parcel Select Lightweight 4 USPS Retail Ground 3, 5 Bound Printed Matter 5 Library Mail 5 Media Mail 5 | Certified Mail Certified Mail Restricted Delivery Certified Mail Adult Signature Required Certified Mail Adult Signature Restricted Delivery Collect on Delivery Collect on Delivery Restricted Delivery Registered Mail Registered Mail Restricted Delivery USPS Tracking 4 Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery (Form 3811 only) Signature Confirmation (Form 3811 only) Insurance (if insured >$500.00, Form 3811 only.) Special Handling-Fragile Adult Signature Requested 1 (Form 3811 only) Adult Signature Restricted Delivery 1 (Form 3811 only) |
Signature Confirmation | Priority Mail First-Class Mail (parcels only; electronic option only) First-Class Package Service (electronic option only) USPS Retail Ground Parcel Select Parcel Select Lightweight Bound Printed Matter Library Mail Media Mail | Collect on Delivery (COD) Insurance (if < or =$500) Registered Mail Registered Mail Restricted Delivery Return Receipt 6 (Form 3811 only) Special Handling-Fragile Hold For Pickup |
Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery | Priority Mail 3 First-Class Mail 2, 3 First-Class Package Service USPS Retail Ground Parcel Select Parcel Select Lightweight 4 Bound Printed Matter Library Mail Media Mail | Collect on Delivery (COD) Insurance (if < or =$500) Registered Mail Return Receipt 6 (Form 3811 only) Special Handling-Fragile Hold For Pickup |
Adult Signature Required 1 Adult Signature Restricted Delivery1 | Priority Mail Express Priority Mail First-Class Mail 2 First-Class Package Service Parcel Select Parcel Select Lightweight | Insurance Return Receipt (Form 3811 only) Hold For Pickup |
USPS Tracking (Except for Periodicals, USPS Tracking is available for all products, restrictions may apply. USPS Tracking is provided at no additional charge except for USPS Marketing Mail.) | First-Class Mail 2 USPS Marketing Mail 1, 2 (electronic option only) | Insurance (bulk insurance (for USPS Marketing Mail (nonprofit) parcels) only 1, 2) Return Receipt 4 |
Collect on Delivery (COD) COD Restricted Delivery | Priority Mail Express (1-Day and 2-Day only) Priority Mail First-Class Mail First-Class Package Service USPS Retail Ground Parcel Select Bound Printed Matter Library Mail Media Mail | Return Receipt Signature Confirmation 2 (not available for purchase with Priority Mail Express COD) Special Handling-Fragile Hold For Pickup Note: For Registered Mail see Registered Mail COD (9.1.3). |
Return Receipt for Merchandise | Priority Mail USPS Marketing Mail 7 (machinable and irregular parcels only) Parcel Select USPS Retail Ground Bound Printed Matter Library Mail Media Mail | USPS Tracking Insurance (if insured for <=$500) Special Handling-Fragile |
Special Handling-Fragile | Priority Mail Express Priority Mail First-Class Mail First-Class Package Service USPS Retail Ground Parcel Select Bound Printed Matter Library Mail Media Mail | Collect On Delivery (COD) Insurance Return Receipt 6 Return Receipt for Merchandise Signature Confirmation 2 |
1. Not at retail.
2. Parcels only.
3. If purchased with Certified Mail, COD, insurance over $500.00 or Registered Mail.
4. If purchased with bulk insurance over $500.00.
5. If purchased with COD, insurance over $500.00.
6. If purchased with insurance over $500.00, COD, Registered Mail, or Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery.
7. Excludes Marketing Parcels.
1.4.2 Eligibility—Other Domestic Mail
As provided for the classes of mail under 1.4.1, and unless otherwise restricted (also see “Overseas Military/Diplomatic Mail” and “Freely Associated States (FAS)” sections of the Postal Bulletin), extra services are available for mail addressed to APO/FPO destinations (also see 703), and to ZIP Codes in U.S. territories and possessions (also see 608.2.0), or Freely Associated States (also see 608.2.0), as follows:
Exhibit 1.4.2 Eligibility—Other Domestic Mail
1. Available only to select APO/FPO/DPO destinations.
2. Except for items sent to Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.
3. If insured for more than $500.00, signature service provided only if hardcopy return receipt (form 3811) is also purchased.
4. Electronic option is not available for items mailed to APO or FPO addresses or U.S. territories, possessions, and freely associated states.
5. Availability of electronic information regarding an event scan may be limited.
1.4.3 Eligibility—Domestic Returns
Extra services for return mailpieces are available as follows:
Exhibit 1.4.3 Eligibility—Domestic Returns
RETURN SERVICE | ELIGIBLE EXTRA SERVICES (paid by permit holder) | ELIGIBLE EXTRA SERVICES (paid by sender) |
Merchandise Return Service | Registered Mail Insurance < or =$500.00 1, 2 Insurance >$500.00 1, 2, 4 Return Receipt for Merchandise Special Handling-Fragile | Registered Mail Insurance < or =$500.00 1, 2 Insurance >$500.00 1, 2, 4 Return Receipt for Merchandise Special Handling-Fragile Certificate of Mailing 3 |
Priority Mail Return Service First-Class Package Return Service Ground Return Service | Insurance < or =$500.00 2 Insurance > $500.00 2, 4 | Insurance < or =$500.00 2 Insurance > $500.00 2, 4 |
Parcel Return Service | Insurance < or =$500.00 2 Insurance > $500.00 2, 4 | Insurance < or =$500.00 2 Insurance > $500.00 2, 4 Certificate of Mailing 3 |
1. Insurance may be combined with Special Handling.
2. Insurance must be purchased; no included insurance is provided for returns.
3. Individual pieces using Form 3817 or Form 3665 by sender only.
4. Signature service is not provided for items insured for >$500.
Some extra services may be purchased online or mailpieces may be presented to a retail employee at a Post Office, station, or branch (including any authorized contractor). Except for Registered Mail (see 2.0), COD (see 9.0), and Adult Signature (see 8.0), items with postage and extra service fees affixed may be placed in, but not on, a Post Office maildrop, a street letterbox, or a rural mailbox, or may be given to the carrier (for that delivery address). A mailer may schedule a Pickup on Demand, or schedule a Package Pickup using www.usps.com for items bearing extra services (except for Registered Mail, COD and Adult Signature in certain circumstances); however a physical scan must be received from the USPS as evidence of acceptance (See 1.10 for obtaining mailing receipts for extra service items). Items with extra services bearing a permit imprint must be accepted at the Post Office that issued the permit, at a time and place designated by the Postmaster, except as provided for plant-verified drop shipments.
Mail with extra services may be presented to rural carriers for mailing. When Registered Mail, Insured Mail, Certificate of Mailing, Collect on Delivery (COD), and Adult Signature in certain circumstances, is desired, additional conditions under the standards for the extra service must be met. The USPS is not liable for any article or money left in a rural mailbox until the carrier issues a receipt.
See 604.9.0 for eligible refunds for extra service fees.
When purchasing extra services, mailers must use USPS-provided retail PS Forms or Labels (see forms at http://pe.usps.gov/), or use USPS-approved privately printed forms or labels or barcoded shipping labels under 1.7.2, or under 5.0 for Certificate of Mailing forms.
Except for Certificate of Mailing service using privately printed forms (i.e., facsimiles) as provided under 5.0, if authorized, a mailer may use privately printed extra service forms and labels for domestic mail only, if the forms and labels are nearly identical in design elements and color to the USPS form, with an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) and human-readable numbers that meet USPS specifications in 204.2.0. Prior to use, mailers must send samples of their privately printed form to the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) for review and approval (see 608.8.0 for address and PS Form 5052 for details). Customers affixing both a barcoded address label and a barcoded extra service label on the same mailpiece must ensure that the barcodes on both labels match. Mailers generating shipping labels bearing an IMpb must also affix the appropriate colored non-barcoded color-coded label for Registered Mail (under 2.1.2) or Certified Mail (under 3.2.1). For mailers printing their own barcodes, which requires sending electronic shipping services files, see 204.2.0.
Items for which extra services are added must bear a correct Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb).
Mailers who use the electronic option or print their own labels must submit a copy of their original Form 3152 with their first mailing. Mailers should keep the certification form on file. If requested by the USPS after the first mailing, the form must be presented within 24 hours. Mailers who wish to obtain an electronic entry scan must submit either Form 3152, or Form 5630, with each mailing to include the electronic file number associated with that mailing. The electronic file number on the form must be in either a barcode format (preferred) or written on the form. Mailers of single-piece price mail, with postage affixed using the electronic option price, are not required to submit Form 3152.
Delivery records for extra services are available as follows:
- Information by article number can be retrieved at www.usps.com or by calling 1-800-222-1811. A proof of delivery letter (including recipient’s signature, when available) may be provided by email.
- Bulk proof of delivery allows mailers using privately printed labels to receive proof of delivery signature data electronically. The proof of delivery records are sent in a signature extract file format. Bulk proof of delivery records are available to mailers meeting the standards provided in Publication 199, Supplement for Bulk Proof of Delivery Services, available on RIBBS.
- A return receipt (hardcopy Form 3811) may be purchased at the time of mailing and is received by mail.
Delivery of mail with extra services that require an addressee’s signature is subject to 508.1.0 and 508.2.0. Delivery of Registered Mail (under 2.0) and collect on delivery (COD) (under 9.0) are also subject to additional standards for delivery.
Except for domestic certificates of mailing under 5.0, the mailer receives a USPS sales receipt and the postmarked (round-dated) extra service form for services purchased at retail channels. The mailer must provide the receipt when submitting an insurance claim or filing an inquiry. For articles mailed via PC Postage or other online services, the mailer may access a computer printout online that identifies the applicable extra service number, total postage paid, insurance fee amount, declared value, declared mailing date, origin ZIP Code, and delivery ZIP Code. For three or more pieces with extra or accountable services (includes international Certificate of Mailing) presented for mailing at one time, the mailer uses Form 3877 (firm sheet) or USPS-approved privately printed firm sheets (see 1.7.2) in lieu of the receipt portion of the individual form. All entries made on firm sheets must be computer-generated or made by typewriter, ink, or ballpoint pen. Alterations must be initialed by the mailer and accepting employee. Obliterate all unused portions of the addressee column with a diagonal line. USPS-approved privately printed firm sheets that contain the same information as Form 3877 may be approved by the local Postmaster or manager Business Mail Entry. The mailer may omit columns from privately printed Form 3877 that are not applicable to extra service requested. If the mailer wants the firm sheets receipted by the USPS (postmarked), the mailer must present the firm sheets with the articles to be mailed at a Post Office. The postmarked firm sheets become the mailer‘s receipts. For Registered Mail and COD, the mailer submits the forms in duplicate and receives one copy as a mailing receipt after the entries are verified by the postal employee accepting the mailing. Except for Registered Mail and COD items, the USPS keeps no mailing records for mail pieces bearing extra services.
Registered Mail is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for eligibility. Registered Mail is the most secure service that the USPS offers. It incorporates a system of receipts to monitor the movement of the mail from the point of acceptance to delivery. Registered Mail provides the sender with a mailing receipt and, upon request (see 1.8), electronic verification that an article was delivered or that a delivery attempt was made. Customers may obtain a record of delivery (which includes the recipient’s signature) by purchasing a return receipt (6.0), at the time of mailing. Customers may direct delivery of Registered Mail only to the addressee (or addressee’s authorized agent) using Registered Mail Restricted Delivery (2.1.4). Postal insurance is included in the fee for articles with a value of at least $0.01 up to a maximum insured value of $50,000.00. Postal insurance is not available for articles with no value ($0.00). The fees for articles valued over $50,000.00 include insurance up to $50,000.00, and increasingly higher fees for handling costs. The face (address side) of a registered article must be at least 5 inches long and 3-1/2 inches high, regardless of thickness. Registration may not be obtained if:
- Sent as business reply mail or in a business reply envelope
- Addressed to a Post Office to which it cannot be transported safely.
- Prepared improperly or packed inadequately to withstand normal handling (see 2.3.4).
- Tied or fastened with one or more articles, unless enclosed in the same envelope or wrapper.
- Presented for mailing in a padded envelope; envelope or mailer manufactured of spun-bonded olefin, such as Tyvek; plastic envelope or mailer; or envelope or mailer made of glossy-coated paper.
- Not listed as eligible mail under 1.4.
Registered Mail must bear the barcoded red Label 200 (see forms at http://pe.usps.gov/), or a non-barcoded red Label 200-N (when a mailer-generated shipping label bearing an IMpb (under 204.2.0) is also affixed on the same mailpiece). Mailers must place the applicable label above the delivery address and to the right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery address on parcels. If authorized, a mailer may use a privately printed Label 200 under the standards in 1.8).
Registered Mail service is only available at the time of mailing and must be presented as follows:
- A retail employee at a Post Office, station, or branch (including any contractor-operated unit). A postmaster may require that an article of unusually high value be presented only at the main office or at designated stations and branches.
- A rural carrier on a rural route. The article and sufficient cash for postage and required fees for mailing the article may be left in a rural mailbox. The carrier must hand any change to the sender or place it in an envelope and leave the envelope in the box on the carrier’s next trip. Responsibility is not assumed for the article or cash until a receipt is issued. No responsibility is assumed for the change left in the box by the carrier.
- A rural carrier at a nonpersonnel rural unit. The sender must meet the rural carrier to have mail registered.
Registered Mail Restricted Delivery permits a mailer to direct delivery only to the addressee (or addressee’s authorized agent). The addressee must be an individual (natural person) specified by name.The mailer may request Registered Mail Restricted Delivery at the time of mailing by advising the USPS clerk or by marking the mail “Restricted Delivery” the address and to the right of the return address, and paying the applicable fee. A firm mailer must enter the proper fee in the correct column of the firm sheet and place the required endorsement on the mail. Customers may obtain a record of delivery (which includes the recipient’s signature) by purchasing a return (6.0). If a return receipt is requested, the correct block on Form 3811 must be checked to show that restricted delivery is also required. Mail marked “Restricted Delivery” is delivered under the conditions in 508.1.1.7 and 508.1.1.8.
Sealed domestic mail bearing First-Class Mail or Priority Mail postage may be sent as Registered Mail COD when meeting the standards in 9.0 and as follows:
- Such mail is handled the same as other Registered Mail.
- The maximum amount collectible from the recipient on one article is $1,000.00. Indemnity is available up to the registry limit of $50,000.00 by paying the registry fee for the value declared. The total fees charged for Registered Mail COD service include the proper registry fee for the value declared plus the Registered Mail COD fee. The mailer must declare the full value of the article being mailed, regardless of the amount to be collected from the recipient.
- The registered label and the COD form must be affixed to each article. The registration number is used for delivery receipt and indemnity claims.
The mailer must always declare the item’s full value (see chart below) to the USPS (by stating it to the USPS clerk or entering it on the firm sheet if a firm mailer) when presenting it for registration and mailing. Private insurance carried on Registered Mail does not modify the requirements for declaring the full value. The accepting USPS employee may ask the mailer to show that the full value of the matter presented is declared, and may refuse to accept the matter as Registered Mail if a satisfactory declaration of value is not provided. Only articles of no value may be mailed as Registered Mail without insurance.
MAIL MATTER | VALUE TO BE DECLARED |
Negotiable Instrument (instruments payable to bearer, including stock certificates endorsed in blank) | Market value (value based on value at time of mailing) |
Nonnegotiable Instrument [registered bonds, warehouse receipts, checks, drafts, deeds, wills, abstracts, and similar documents (certificates of stock considered nonnegotiable so far as declaration of value is concerned unless endorsed in blank)] | No value or replacement cost if postal insurance coverage desired 1 |
Money | Full value |
Jewelry, Gems, Precious Metal | Market value or cost |
Merchandise | Market value or cost |
Nonvaluable (matter without intrinsic value such as letters, files, records) | No value or replacement cost if postal insurance coverage desired 1 |
1. A mailer who does not know replacement costs should contact a person or firm familiar with such documents and determine replacement costs before mailing the articles.
When Registered Mail fees are paid by permit imprint, the exact amount of postage and fees paid must be shown within the permit imprint, except for pieces in a manifest mailing where only the registry fee must be shown.
Official mail of authorized government agencies, if prepared under applicable standards in 703.7.0 for transmission of mail without prepayment of postage, may be sent by Registered Mail without prepayment of a registration fee.
When the permit holder chooses Registered Mail with merchandise return service under 505.3.0, the item may be sent without prepayment of postage and fees.
Except for matter registered with merchandise return service, no indemnity is paid for any matter registered without prepayment of postage and fees.
The mail must bear the complete names and addresses of both sender and addressee.
Any envelope or package that appears to have been opened and resealed, or otherwise improperly prepared, may not be registered.
The mailer must securely seal envelopes. Paper or cellulose strips or wax or paper seals must not be placed over the intersections of flaps of letter-size envelopes where the postmark impressions are made. Packages must be sealed with mucilage or glue or with plain paper or cloth tape. Packages containing currency or securities may not be sealed exclusively by paper strips, but must first be sealed securely with mucilage or glue. Large envelopes (flats) that are completely sealed and that also have paper strips or paper tape across the intersections of the flaps may be considered packages for sealing requirements. To be used on Registered Mail, tape must visibly damage the envelope or wrapper if removed and must absorb the ink in a postmark impression. USPS employees are not permitted to help customers prepare or seal mail to be registered.
The mailer must tell the USPS employee whether the item is fragile and, if so, describe the interior packing. All articles presented for registration must be packed as specified in 601.3.0. The USPS may refuse packages not properly packed to withstand normal handling in the mail. Indemnity may be denied if articles are not properly packaged.
A window envelope must have a transparent panel covering the opening to be eligible for registry. If the panel is glued to the envelope, the envelope may contain only matter without intrinsic value. If the panel is part of the envelope, the envelope may be used for all Registered Mail.
In addition to the basic standards for delivery under 1.9.1, the postmaster may require the addressee to call for Registered Mail at the Post Office, if delivery by carrier would not be safe.
If the addressee accepts a registered article in bad condition (repaired with sealing stamps or reenclosed in a new envelope or wrapper), the addressee must open it without disturbing the seal, in the delivering employee’s presence. If anything is missing, the envelope or wrapper must be given to the employee after it is endorsed to show what was missing.
The procedures in this section apply only to Registered Mail with no declared value. Only the mailer, or a merchandise return service permit holder, may file an inquiry for Registered Mail items with no declared value. The inquiry should be made after 15 days from the mailing date, either at www.usps.com by entering the article number or by calling 1-800-222-1811. See Publication 122 for additional information.
A duplicate inquiry may not be filed sooner than 30 days after the original inquiry.
Certified Mail is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for eligibility. Certified Mail provides the sender with a mailing receipt and, upon request, electronic verification that an article was delivered or that a delivery attempt was made. Customers can retrieve the delivery status as provided in 1.8. Certified Mail is dispatched and handled in transit as ordinary mail. Except for Priority Mail pieces with included insurance, no insurance coverage is provided when purchasing Certified Mail. USPS maintains a record of delivery (which includes the recipient’s signature). Customers may obtain a delivery record by purchasing a return receipt (6.0) at the time of mailing. Customers may direct delivery of Certified Mail only to the addressee (or addressee’s authorized agent) using Certified Mail Restricted Delivery (3.2.2); or to an adult using Adult Signature Required or Certified Adult Signature Restricted Delivery when meeting the applicable standards for Adult Signature under 8.1.2e and 8.1.3.
Certified Mail must bear the barcoded green label part of the Form 3800 (see forms at http://pe.usps.gov/), or a non-barcoded green Label 3800-N when a mailer-generated shipping label bearing an IMpb, under 204.2.0, is also affixed on the same mailpiece. Mailers must place the applicable label above the delivery address and to the right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery address on parcels. A mailer of Certified Mail must:
- On Form 3800, enter the name and complete address of the person or firm to whom the mail is addressed.
- If a return receipt is requested, enter the fee on the mailing receipt. Endorse the mail, near the Certified Mail endorsement on the address side of the mailpiece, “Return Receipt Requested.” Enter the Certified Mail number on the return receipt card and address it to the intended recipient on the reverse of the return receipt to show where the receipt is to be sent (this does not have to match the sender’s name and return address on the mailpiece). Attach it on the front of a package or large envelope (or to the back of a small envelope) so the card does not cover the address. When a return receipt is requested, the sender’s name and complete delivery address is required on the mailpiece.
- Affix to the envelope enough postage to pay for the Certified Mail fee, the class of mail used, and any additional extra service fees when applicable.
- If a postmarked sender’s receipt is requested, attach the Form 3800 with the completed receipt to the address side of the article and present the article to the USPS employee, who then round-dates the receipt (and receipts the time, if requested) to show when the article was accepted. Otherwise, attach the “Certified Mail” sticker to the address side of the article, detach the receipt, mark the receipt to show the date, and mail the article.
- For Certified Mail Restricted Delivery, meet the additional standards under 3.2.2).
Certified Mail Restricted Delivery permits a mailer to direct delivery only to the addressee (or addressee’s authorized agent). The addressee must be an individual (natural person) specified by name.The mailer may request Certified Mail Restricted Delivery at the time of mailing by advising the USPS clerk or by marking the mail “Restricted Delivery” above the address and to the right of the return address and paying the applicable fee. A firm mailer must enter the proper fee in the correct column of the firm sheet and place the required endorsement on the mail. Customers may obtain a record of delivery (which includes the recipient’s signature) by purchasing a return receipt (6.0). If a return receipt is requested, the correct block on Form 3811 must be checked to show that restricted delivery is also required. Mail marked “Restricted Delivery” is delivered under the conditions in 508.1.1.7 and 508.1.1.8.
Priority Mail Express is insured against loss, damage, or missing contents, subject to these standards:
- Insurance coverage for Priority Mail Express Open & Distribute shipments ends on receipt at the destination postal facility and the content of each Priority Mail Express container is considered one mailpiece for indemnity coverage.
- All Priority Mail Express signed for by the addressee (or agent) constitutes a valid delivery, and no indemnity for loss is paid. For Priority Mail Express items not requiring a signature, a delivered scan event constitutes a valid delivery, and no indemnity for loss is paid.
- Merchandise insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage, or missing contents and limited to a maximum liability of $100.00. Additional insurance under 4.1.1 may be purchased up to a maximum coverage of $5,000.00. Nonnegotiable documents are insured against loss, damage, or missing contents, up to $100.00 per piece, subject to the maximum limit per occurrence as defined in 609.
- Customers may file a claim online for insured Priority Mail Express at www.usps.com/domestic-claims. Additional terms of indemnity claims are in 609.
[1-22-17] Additional insurance, up to a maximum coverage of $5,000.00, may be purchased for merchandise valued at more than $100.00 sent by Priority Mail Express. The additional insurance fee is in addition to postage and other fees. See Notice 123—Price List is limited to the actual value of the contents, regardless of the fee paid, or the highest insurance value increment for which the fee is fully paid, whichever is lower. When “signature required” service is not requested or when “waiver of signature” is requested, additional insurance is not available.
Priority Mail pieces bearing an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) or USPS retail tracking barcode (see 4.3.4) are insured against loss, damage, or missing contents, up to a maximum of $50.00 or $100.00, subject to the following:
- Insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage, or missing contents and is limited to a maximum liability of $100.00 when the Priority Mail pieces bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) and if the mailer pays Commercial Plus prices.
- Insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage, or missing contents and limited to a maximum liability of $50.00 when the Priority Mail pieces bear an IMpb or USPS retail tracking barcode, and does not otherwise qualify for $100.00 of insurance coverage as described in 4.2a.
- In addition to the insurance coverage under 4.2a or 4.2b, additional Priority Mail insurance may be purchased up to a maximum coverage of $5,000.00.
- Priority Mail pieces meeting the requirements under 4.2, but not supported by a Shipping Services file must have a full acceptance scan in order to qualify for automatic insurance coverage.
- Insurance coverage under 4.2a or 4.2b is not provided for Priority Mail pieces mailed as Merchandise Return Service, Priority Mail Open and Distribute, or Premium Forwarding Service.
- Customers may file claims online for insured domestic Priority Mail items at www.usps.com/domestic-claims. Additional terms for indemnity claims are in 609.
Insured mail is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for eligibility. The following additional standards apply to insured mail:
- Insured mail purchased at a retail Post Office location, online through Click-N-Ship, a USPS-approved provider of PC Postage products or customer-generated integrated barcodes provides up to $5,000.00 indemnity coverage for articles that are lost, damaged or have missing contents. In order to be eligible for insurance indemnity, a mailpiece must have received at least one USPS processing scan or the customer must provide proof of insurance (see 609.3.1). Customers are encouraged to deposit insured mailpieces with a USPS retail associate.
- Bulk insurance prices are available for insured articles entered by authorized mailers who meet the criteria in 4.4. This service is not available for insurance purchased online.
- Insured mail provides the mailer with a mailing receipt. No record of insured mail is kept at the office of mailing; however, the USPS maintains insured mail delivery records for a period of time. An item insured for $500.00 or less receives a delivery scan. An item insured for more than $500.00 receives a delivery scan (includes returns products meeting the applicable standards in 505) and the USPS obtains and provides the recipient’s signature as the delivery record to the mailer electronically (excludes returns products). Customers may optionally obtain a delivery record by purchasing a hardcopy return receipt (Form 3811; also see 6.0 excludes returns products). Customers may direct delivery of mail insured for more than $500.00 only to the addressee (or addressee’s authorized agent) using Insurance Restricted Delivery (4.5).
- Postal insurance may be purchased at only one source for each mailpiece; combining postal insurance from multiple sources is not permitted.
- First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service, and Priority Mail may be insured, if it contains matter that is eligible to be mailed at USPS Marketing Mail, USPS Retail Ground, or Package Services prices.
- For insured mail, the mailer guarantees to pay the applicable return and forwarding postage, unless the mailer writes instructions on the wrapper or envelope not to forward or return the mail.
The following types of mail may not be insured:
- Parcels containing matter offered for sale, addressed to prospective purchasers who have not ordered or authorized their sending. If such matter is mailed, payment is not made for loss, damage, or missing contents.
- Nonmailable matter.
- Articles so fragile that they cannot be carried safely in the mail regardless of packaging.
- Articles not adequately prepared to withstand normal handling in the mail. As a rule, any mailable package should be insurable.
- Matter mailed at First-Class Mail prices (including Priority Mail) that consists of items described in 123.3.0,133.3.0, 233.2.0, and 283.2.0, and required to be mailed at First-Class Mail prices.
USPS employees are required to ask whether the mailpiece presented for insurance contains anything liquid, fragile, perishable, flammable, or potentially hazardous.
The treatment of pieces is determined by the insurance amount as described in 4.3.1c and under the following conditions:
- For retail pieces insured for $500.00 or less, the mailer must affix a barcoded Form 3813 (see forms at http://pe.usps.gov/) to each piece above the delivery address and to the right of the return address.
- For retail pieces insured for more than $500.00, the mailer must affix a barcoded Form 3813-P (see forms at http://pe.usps.gov/) to each piece above the delivery address and to the right of the return address.
- Mail for which insurance is purchased online must meet the standards in 204.2.0 and in Publication 199 and must include the text marking “Insured” in the indicia area of the online label; no Form 3813 or 3813-P is required.
- All insured pieces must be postmarked by USPS unless postage is paid by postage meter stamp, permit imprint, or PC Postage (when insurance is purchased online). Mailing receipts are provided under 1.10.
- Private insurance endorsements or markings may not appear on the address side of mail but may appear elsewhere, if they do not resemble official postal endorsements.
For insured mail, a mailer may leave the mail in a rural box if the mailer has purchased insurance online, or with a note showing the requested amount of insurance based on the value of the article, if stamps are affixed for postage and fees, or money for postage and fees is left in the box.
To mail at the bulk insurance prices, for USPS Marketing Mail (except Marketing Parcels) and Parcel Select Lightweight, mailers must obtain an authorization under 4.4.2 and meet the following criteria:
- Mail a minimum of 10,000 insured articles annually. Mailers may total all insured articles mailed at multiple locations.
- Provide a printed Form 3877 or facsimile and a copy of Form 3877 on a disk or other electronic medium.
- Pay postage and fees with permit imprint under a manifest mailing system (705.2.0).
Mailers must apply for authorization to mail at the bulk insurance prices through their local Postmaster by completing the customer portion of the bulk insured service verification form. The Postmaster will verify on this form that the mailer meets the requirements in 4.4.1, certifying that the mailer qualifies, and then forward the form to the manager of Corporate Accounting (see 608.8.0 for address). After reviewing the information, Corporate Accounting will notify the Postmaster of their concurrence who will then notify the customer of the approval.
Insurance Restricted Delivery permits a mailer to direct delivery only to the addressee (or addressee’s authorized agent). The addressee must be an individual (natural person) specified by name.The mailer may request Insurance Restricted Delivery at the time of mailing by advising the USPS clerk or by marking the mail “Restricted Delivery” above the address and to the right of the return address and paying the applicable fee. A firm mailer must enter the proper fee in the correct column of the firm sheet and place the required endorsement on the mail. Customers may obtain a record of delivery (which includes the recipient’s signature) by purchasing a return receipt (6.0). If a return receipt is requested, the correct block on Form 3811 must be checked to show that restricted delivery is also required. Mail marked “Restricted Delivery” is delivered under the conditions in 508.1.1.7 and 508.1.1.8.
Certificates of Mailing are subject to the applicable basic standards in 1.0, see 1.4 for eligibility. Certificates of Mailing (Form 3817 and Form 3665 (firm sheet), including USPS-approved privately printed versions as provided under 5.1.7) may be presented only at the time of mailing and provide evidence that individual mailpieces have been presented to the USPS for mailing. Certificates of Mailing do not provide a record of delivery, and the Postal Service does not retain copies of either form. Form 3817 is available for fewer than three individual pieces, presented at one time at a retail Post Office, station or branch). Form 3665 (firm sheet) is available for three or more pieces, as limited in 5.1.6. Each individual Form 3817 or each sheet of the Form 3665 (firm sheet) (or USPS-approved privately printed form) is postmarked (round-dated) at the time of mailing; the form(s) are then returned to the mailer and become the mailer‘s receipt.
For Certificate of Mailing, in addition to the correct postage, the applicable Certificate of Mailing fee must be paid for each article on Form 3817 or listed on Form 3665-Firm and for duplicate copies of either form. When postage evidencing indicia are used to pay the fee, they must bear the full numerical value of the amount paid in the imprint.
A Certificate of Mailing form must be completed by the mailer and all entries must be typed or printed in ink, by ballpoint pen, or computer-generated. Alterations must be initialed by the mailer and acceptance employee. Mailers must obliterate all unused portions of the addressee column with a diagonal line. The postmarked form or firm sheets becomes the mailer‘s receipt. Certificate of Mailing forms must show the names and addresses of the sender and addressee(s) and may show the amount of postage paid. The mailer may also place identifying invoice or order numbers on the certificate as a reference. When the number of articles presented justifies such action, the mailer must comply with these standards:
- When the mailer requests the maximum of two individual certificates (Form 3817) at the same time, the forms must be affixed by the stub to the pieces.
- When the mailer describes and lists three or more individual pieces on Form 3665 (firm sheet) or a USPS-approved privately printed form, but does not present the pieces in the order shown on the sheets, the mailer must consecutively number each entry line on the sheet and lightly number each piece to show both the corresponding sheet and line number.
- When the number of articles presented exceeds the allotted space on the form, use multiple sheets, and in the provided blank spaces in the lower left of the form, number them consecutively to show sheet number and total number of sheets (such as “Page 1 of 4,” “Page 2 of 4,” etc.).
To obtain a duplicate copy of the certificate after mailing (Form 3817 only), the mailer must present the original postmarked certificate and an additional certificate endorsed “Duplicate” or a copy showing the original dates of mailing. The additional certificate is postmarked (round-dated) to show the current date.
For certificate of mailing (Form 3817 only), a mailer may provide mail to the rural carrier with the fee for the certificate. The carrier obtains the certificate at the Post Office, attaches the stamps, obtains the postmark (round-date) on the certificate on the day of mailing, and delivers the certificate to the mailer on the next trip.
Certificate of Mailing Form 3665 (including USPS-approved privately printed versions) with mailings of fewer than 50 pieces and less than 50 pounds of corresponding articles presented at one time must be presented to a retail Post Office, station, or branch. Certificate of Mailing Form 3665 (including USPS-approved privately printed versions) with mailings of at least 50 pieces or 50 pounds of corresponding articles presented at one time must be presented to a Post Office business mail entry unit (BMEU) or authorized detached mail unit (DMU).
[4-3-17] If authorized, a mailer may use privately printed Certificate of Mailing forms (i.e., facsimiles) for domestic mail only, if the forms are nearly identical in design elements and color to the applicable USPS form. Prior to use, mailers must send a sample of their privately printed form to com_facsimile@usps.gov for review and approval. Mailers may use their current USPS-approved privately printed Form 3877 firm sheets as a domestic Certificate of Mailing, in lieu of the Form 3665 until February 28, 2018.
[4-3-17] Certificate of Bulk Mailing is subject to the applicable basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for eligible matter. Form 3606-D, or USPS-approved privately printed forms of form 3606-D as provided under 5.1.7, may be presented only at the time of mailing and is used to specify only the number of identical-weight pieces mailed; it does not provide evidence that a piece was mailed to a particular address. Each Form 3606-D is postmarked (round-dated) at the time the mailing is presented and is returned to the mailer as their receipt. Certificate of Bulk Mailing service does not provide a record of delivery and the Postal Service does not retain any copies of Form 3606-D. The Form 3606-D cannot be used as a Certificate of Mailing of individual mailpieces or itemized lists. Mailers may use their current USPS-approved privately printed Form 3606 as a domestic Certificate of Bulk Mailing in lieu of the Form 3606-D until February 28, 2018.
The applicable Certificate of Bulk mailing fee must be paid for mailings of identical-weight pieces reported on Form 3606-D, or for additional copies of the form if requested at the time of mailing, in addition to the correct postage. Mailers using Form 3606-D may affix ordinary stamps or postage evidencing indicia on the form to pay the fee. When postage evidencing indicia are used, they must bear the full numerical value of the fee in the imprint. Mailers using Form 3606-D with a permit imprint mailing also may pay certificate of mailing fees, at the time of mailing, using the same permit imprint.
Certificate of Bulk Mailing Form 3606-D (including USPS-approved facsimiles) with identical-weight mailings of fewer than 50 pieces and less than 50 pounds must be presented at any retail Post Office, station or branch. Certificate of Bulk Mailing Form 3606-D (including USPS-approved facsimiles) with identical-weight mailings of at least 50 pieces or 50 pounds must be presented to a Post Office business mail entry unit (BMEU) or authorized detached mail unit (DMU).
Return Receipt service is subject to the basic standards in 1.0 see 1.4 for eligibility. A return receipt may be purchased at the time of mailing and provides a mailer with evidence of delivery (to whom the mail was delivered and date of delivery), and information about the recipient’s actual delivery address. A mailer purchasing a return receipt may choose to receive the return receipt by mail (Form 3811) or electronically (by email, or by signature extract file format under 1.8). A complete return address is required on the mailpiece when a return receipt is requested. For Priority Mail Express (Form 3811 option only), the return address on the Priority Mail Express label meets this requirement. The unique barcode on a return receipt must be electronically linked to the separate barcode for the host extra service (for additional information, see the Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide available on RIBBS). The electronic option is not available for items mailed to APO or FPO addresses or U.S. territories, possessions, and freely associated states.
The weight of the return receipt is excluded from the weight of the mailpiece to which it is attached when computing postage.
Mail bearing a return receipt (Form 3811) must be endorsed “Return Receipt Requested” above the delivery address and to the right of the return address. No endorsement is required on mail for which electronic return receipt service is requested.
Mailer’s requesting return receipt service at the time of mailing using Form 3811 must complete the mailer’s entries on the form, including the article identification number; and attach the form on the article. The mailpiece must bear the return address of either the mailer or mailer’s agent. The name and address of the person or organization to which the return receipt is to be returned must be that of the mailer or the mailer’s agent, except for certain restricted mailings of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. When required by sections 472.222.and 472.242 of Publication 52, a mailer must address the sender‘s address block of the return receipt to the Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC) PACT, Mailing Office (see 608 for address).
6.3 Other Requests for Delivery Information
A mailer who did not receive a return receipt (Form 3811) for which the mailer had paid may request information from the delivery record within 90 days of the date of purchase using Form 3811-A. The mailer must complete Form 3811-A, at any Post Office, station or branch, and produce their receipt showing that the applicable return receipt fee was paid.
USPS Tracking is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for eligibility. USPS Tracking provides the mailer with information about the date and time an article was delivered or the date and time of the delivery attempt. See 1.8 to obtain delivery information. USPS Tracking is available only at the time of mailing. No record is kept at the office of mailing. USPS Tracking does not include insurance, but insurance may be purchased as an additional service unless otherwise restricted. Some statutes governing the mailing of legal documents may require the use of Certified Mail or Registered Mail, rather than USPS Tracking.
If electronic option USPS Tracking is requested for all parcels in a USPS Marketing Mail mailing and the pieces are of identical weight, then postage may be paid only with metered postage or permit imprint under 244.2.0. Electronic option USPS Tracking may be purchased for USPS Marketing Mail parcels for mailers using privately printed forms or labels, or Label 400, and who establish an electronic link with the USPS to exchange acceptance and delivery data. Mailers wishing to obtain a mailing receipt may use Form 3877. If electronic option USPS Tracking is not requested for all of the pieces in the mailing, or if the pieces are not identical weight, then either the exact metered postage must be affixed to each piece or postage must be paid with permit imprint under a manifest mailing system (705.2.0).
7.1.3 Additional Physical Standards
[3-6-17] In addition to the applicable standards in 101, 201, and 7.1.3, for mail that is eligible for USPS Tracking under 1.4.1, all mailpieces must be large enough to hold the required delivery address, return address, mailing labels, postage, barcode, endorsements, and other mail markings on the address side of the mailpiece. In addition to the applicable standards in 101 and 201 and the purposes of USPS Tracking with USPS Retail Ground, Media Mail, Library Mail, Bound Printed Matter, or Parcel Select, the parcel must meet these additional requirements:
- Except as provided in (7.1.3b) for machinable parcels, the parcel must be more than 3/4 inch thick at its thickest point.
- If the mailpiece is a machinable parcel under 201.7.0 and no more than 3/4 inch thick, the contents must be prepared in a strong and rigid fiberboard box or similar container or in a container that becomes rigid after the contents are secured. The parcel must be able to maintain its shape, integrity, and rigidity throughout processing and handling without collapsing into a letter-size or flat-size piece.
Mailers using privately printed USPS Tracking labels must meet the requirements in 1.8. Mailers not printing their own privately printed labels must use one of the label options as follows:
- Label 400 may be used by: electronic option mailers, USPS retail associates when affixed to mailpieces at a Post Office, station, or branch, or by mailers when affixed to mailpieces with postage and fees prepaid by metered indicia or ordinary stamps. A mailing receipt is provided to mailers who present mailpieces with an affixed Label 400 at a Post Office, branch, or station, or to their USPS carrier (except under 507.7.2.2). A mailer may also present mailpieces to a retail employee at a Post Office, station, or branch; and the retail associate will affix a USPS Tracking label to the item.
- Unique, product specific USPS-provided tracking labels are for use by electronic option mailers. The labels are populated with the product service type code and customer’s Mailer Identification (MID) number in the Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb).
The barcoded label section of Label 400 or USPS Tracking label must be placed completely on the address side of the mailpiece, above the delivery address and to the right of the return address or to the left of the delivery address. A privately printed USPS Tracking label (under 1.8) that is separate from the address label must be placed in close proximity to the address label.
USPS Signature Services include Signature Confirmation, Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery, Adult Signature Required, and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery, all of which are subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for eligibility. Some statutes governing the mailing of legal documents may require the use of Certified Mail or Registered Mail rather than USPS Signature Services. USPS Signature Services are available as follows:
- Signature Confirmation provides the mailer with information about the date and time an article was delivered or the date and time of the delivery attempt. A delivery record (including the recipient’s signature) is maintained by the USPS and is available electronically or by email, upon request. The Signature Confirmation is available as a Retail option: Available at Post Offices at the time of mailing; a mailing receipt is provided. Electronic option: Available to mailers who establish an electronic link with the USPS to exchange acceptance and delivery data; no mailing receipt is provided.
- Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery provides the same service as provided under item a and permits a mailer to direct delivery only to the addressee (or addressee’s authorized agent). The addressee must be an individual (natural person) specified by name.The mailer may request Insured Restricted Delivery at the time of mailing by advising the USPS clerk or by marking the mail “Restricted Delivery” above the address and to the right of the return address and paying the applicable fee. A firm mailer must enter the proper fee in the correct column of the firm sheet and place the required endorsement on the mailpiece.
- Adult Signature service provides electronic confirmation of the delivery or attempted delivery of the mailpiece and signature of the recipient, who must be 21 years of age or older. Prior to delivery, the recipient must furnish proof of age via a driver‘s license, passport, or other government-issued photo identification that lists age or date of birth. The USPS maintains a record of delivery (including the recipient’s signature) for two years. The Adult Signature options are:
- Adult Signature Required — provides delivery to a person who is 21 years of age or older. Upon delivery, an adult who is 21 years of age or older must provide one of the forms of identification listed above and provide a signature for receipt of the mailpiece.
- Adult Signature Restricted Delivery—provides Adult Signature Required with the additional restriction of limiting delivery to a specific addressee or authorized agent who is 21 years of age or older. If the specific individual is not 21 years of age or older, the mailpiece will be returned to sender.
For Signature Confirmation with USPS Retail Ground, Media Mail, Library Mail, Bound Printed Matter, or Parcel Select pieces meeting the physical standards under 201.7.0, the parcel must meet these additional requirements:
- The surface area of the address side of the parcel must be large enough to contain a complete and legible delivery address, return address, postage, and any markings, endorsements, and extra service labels.
- Except as provided in (8.1.2c) for machinable parcels, the parcel must be greater than 3/4 inch thick at its thickest point.
- If the mailpiece is a machinable parcel under 201.7.0 and no greater than 3/4 inch thick, the contents must be prepared in a strong and rigid fiberboard box or similar container or in a container that becomes rigid after the contents are enclosed and the container is secured. The parcel must be able to maintain its shape, integrity, and rigidity throughout processing and handling without collapsing into a letter-size or flat-size piece.
- Mailers must use one of the following labels:
- Form 153 (see forms at http://pe.usps.gov/), obtained from the Post Office at no charge, may be used only with the retail option.
- Label 315 electronic Signature Confirmation is available to electronic option mailers.
- Privately printed barcoded labels must meet the requirements in 1.8. On the Priority Mail label, mailers must use the registered trademark symbol following the Priority Mail text or add the following statement at the bottom of the label in at least 6-point Helvetica type: “Priority Mail is a registered trademark of the U.S. Postal Service.” See Parcel Labeling Guide or Publication 97 available on RIBBS.
- The barcoded label section of Label 315 or Form 153 (see forms at http://pe.usps.gov/) must be placed completely on the address side either above the delivery address and to the right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery address. A privately printed Signature Confirmation label that is separate from a privately printed address label must be placed in close proximity to the address label.
Customers may obtain Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery by producing qualified shipping labels with Intelligent Mail package barcodes. The Adult Signature Required or Adult Signature Restricted Delivery fee must be paid in addition to the correct postage using Click-N-Ship, PC Postage, Permit imprint (if the customer electronically submits postage statements and mailing documentation) or IBI postage meter. Conditions in 8.1.1 and 8.1.2 also apply to Adult Signature Restricted Delivery items. A shipment of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco with Adult Signature service, mailed by certain individuals under 601.9.0, requires the mailer to present items at a retail counter.
Collect on Delivery (COD) is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for eligibility. Any mailer may use COD to mail an article (using a unique COD number for each article) for which the mailer has not been paid and have its price and the cost of the postage collected (not to exceed $1,000.00) from the addressee (or agent). COD service provides the mailer with a mailing receipt and the USPS maintains a record of delivery (including the recipient’s signature). The recipient has the option to pay the COD charges (with one form of payment) by cash, or a personal check or money order made payable to the mailer (accepted by the USPS employee upon the recipient’s presentation of adequate identification). The USPS forwards the check or money order to the mailer. If payment is made by cash, a money order fee is included in the amount collected from the recipient (unless the mailer is authorized to participate in electronic funds transfer (EFT) for the remittance (contact the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) (See 608.8.0) for EFT enrollment information), in addition to the COD amount. The Postal Service cannot intervene in disputes between mailers and recipients of COD mail after payment was returned to the mailer. Customers may obtain a delivery record by purchasing a return receipt. Bulk proof of delivery service (7.0) is also available if electronic return receipt service is purchased at the time of mailing.
COD service is available under the following additional conditions:
- The name and address of the person to whom the remittance is to be sent must appear in the proper location on the COD form and in the return address area on the COD article with the postal endorsements for return if undeliverable. The return address must be the same in both locations except that a mailer using a privately printed COD form may print a different address on the remittance coupon where payments are to be sent.
- The mailer guarantees to pay any return postage, unless otherwise specified on the form.
- The goods shipped are ordered by the addressee.
- COD service may not be used for:
- Articles sent to international destinations, or from an APO/FPO/DPO address, including official mail and shipments to Armed Forces agencies.
- The return of merchandise about which some dissatisfaction arises, unless the new addressee consents in advance to such return.
- The mailing of only bills or statements of account, even with the addressee’s consent. If a legitimate COD shipment of merchandise is mailed, the balance due on a past or expected transaction may be included in the charges on a COD article, if the addressee consents in advance to such action. In such a case, USPS indemnity is limited to the value of the article lost or damaged, not the full COD charges to be collected.
- Movies mailed by exhibitors to movie manufacturers, distributors, or exchanges.
- Collection agency purposes.
- Articles sent to or from the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Sealed domestic mail bearing First-Class Mail or Priority Mail postage may be sent as Registered Mail COD as provided under 9.0 and 2.1.5.
COD Restricted Delivery permits a mailer to direct delivery only to the addressee (or addressee’s authorized agent). The addressee must be an individual (natural person) specified by name. The mailer may request COD Restricted Delivery at the time of mailing by advising the USPS clerk or by marking the mail “Restricted Delivery” above the address and to the right of the return address and paying the applicable fee. A firm mailer must enter the proper fee in the correct column of the firm sheet and place the required endorsement on the mail. Customers may obtain a record of delivery (which includes the recipient’s signature) by purchasing a return receipt (6.0). If a return receipt is requested, the correct block on Form 3811 must be checked to show that COD Restricted Delivery is also required. Mail marked “Restricted Delivery” is delivered under the conditions in 508.1.1.7 and 508.1.1.8.
Any article sent COD also may be sent by Priority Mail Express (1-Day and 2-Day service only) when a signature is requested. The maximum amount collectible from the addressee on one article is $1,000.00, and indemnity is limited to $1,000.00. Priority Mail Express postage and the proper COD fees must be paid. Both the Priority Mail Express label and COD form must be affixed to each article.
COD mail must be presented for mailing as provided in 1.5 to the local Post Office or to rural carriers when the articles are prepared properly, with stamps for the required postage and fees affixed. If the mailer wants insurance for an amount more than the COD amount to be collected, that amount must be shown.
Each COD articles is identified by a number on each section of the COD form. When COD is used with Priority Mail Express, Registered Mail, Hold For Pickup service or, a separate barcoded shipping label (under 1.7), the mailer must place both the label and the COD form on the front of the article. The Priority Mail Express article number or the Registered Mail number is used for delivery receipt and indemnity claims.
Mailers may report delays in remittance (more than 60 days for domestic mailings) to the Postal Inspection Service, providing all necessary particulars.
The mailer must securely affix a completed COD Form 3816 (retail version, see forms at http://pe.usps.gov/) to each article. The form must be attached (or enclosed in an accessible clear envelope or pouch) either above the delivery address and to the right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery address on parcels. When a mailer uses a Form 3816 that does not provide detachable second and third copies, PS Form 3877 (firm sheets) or a USPS-approved privately printed version may be used as provided under 1.10. The mailer must submit firm sheets in duplicate and will receive one copy of the postmarked form as a mailing receipt (in lieu of Copy 3 of Form 3816) after the entries are verified by a postal employee. The acceptance Post Office retains the second copy.
The form must show article number, names and domestic addresses of mailer and addressee, amount due mailer, and amount of the money order fee necessary to make remittance. The USPS is not responsible for errors that a mailer makes in stating the charges to be collected. The information required on the COD form must be handwritten, typed or computer generated in ink. The mailer may not stipulate a specific payment method on the COD form.
A firm that mails nursery stock may use Form 3816 and include instructions for disposing of shipments not delivered immediately by printing instructions on the back of the delivery office part of the COD form (item a) and on the remittance coupon (item b) as follows:
- “If recipient refuses to pay charges for any reason, deliver at once without collecting the charges. See remittance coupon for further instructions.”
- “Return this coupon with payment. If parcel is delivered without collection of charges, or is destroyed after 10 days, check disposition and send coupon to sender in penalty envelope.”
Special Handling is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for eligibility. Special handling provides preferential handling, but not preferential delivery, to the extent practicable in dispatch and transportation. The service does not itself insure the article against loss or damage. There are unique service codes included in the IMpb for the content categories (Fragile, Hazardous Material Transportation, Live Animal Transportation, Perishables, and Cremated Remains (only available with Priority Mail Express) of special handling.
Unless sent Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail or First-Class Package Service, special handling-fragile is required for parcels containing honeybees or baby poultry.
Except for cremated remains (accordingly marked or with Label 139 affixed), marking “Special Handling-Fragile” (or optionally abbreviated as S.H.-Fragile) must appear prominently above the address and to the right of the return address on each piece for which the special handling service is requested and the applicable fee has been paid.
IMb Tracing provides a mailer with data electronically collected from the scanning of barcoded mailpieces as they pass through automated mail processing operations. Scanned data can include the postal facility where such pieces are processed, the postal operation used to process the pieces, the date and time when the pieces are processed, and the numeric equivalent of a barcode(s) that helps to identify the specific pieces. This service does not provide a delivery scan or proof of delivery and not every piece is guaranteed such data or complete data.
IMb Tracing is available for automation-compatible letter-size and automation-compatible flat-size mail meeting the physical characteristics and standards in 11.0. Participation in Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) Tracing service is available at no charge without a subscription. Requirements include:
- Use of an IMb on mailpieces entered as part of a full-service mailing under 705.
- Use of a Mailer Identifier that has been registered (through the Business Customer Gateway, accessible on usps.com) to receive scan data.
- Verification by the Postal Service that the IMb as printed meets all applicable postal standards.
Each piece in a mailing that is intended to generate IMb Tracing information must bear an Intelligent Mail barcode under 11.2.2. Mailers must apply Intelligent Mail barcodes under 204.1.0 and the following standards:
- Reply pieces must meet the following standards:
- For Business Reply Mail, the piece must bear a barcode that corresponds to the subscriber‘s Business Reply Mail ZIP+4 codes assigned by the USPS under 505.1.0.
- For other reply mail, the piece must bear a barcode that correctly corresponds to the delivery address.
- Outgoing pieces must bear an Intelligent Mail barcode that correctly corresponds to the delivery address.
To obtain IMb Tracing, mailers must apply Intelligent Mail barcodes on letter-size pieces or on flat-size pieces meeting automation-compatibility standards in 201.3.0 (letters) or 201.6.0 (flats). The following standards apply:
- Intelligent Mail barcodes must meet the barcode and format standards in 204.1.0 and in Specification USPS-B-3200 at http://ribbs.usps.gov/.
- Place barcodes on letters and flats according to 202.5.0.
Money order fees are charged per each money order. See Notice 123—Price List.
Domestic money orders may be purchased from:
- All Post Offices, branches, and stations in the United States and its territories and possessions.
- Money order facilities for members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Rural route carriers and authorized highway contract route carriers. A customer fills out Form 6387 (available from the carrier) and gives it and the payment to the carrier. Unless the customer provides a preaddressed envelope and pays postage and any required fees for mailing, the carrier delivers the money order on the next trip.
A postal customer may buy multiple money orders at the same time, in the same or differing amounts, subject to these restrictions:
- The maximum amount of any single money order is $1,000.
- Any customer whose daily total of purchased money orders is $3,000 or more, regardless of the number of visits made by the customer to one or more postal facilities, must complete Form 8105-A, Funds Transaction Report (FTR), and show identification bearing the purchaser‘s photograph, name, and address.
Money orders must be paid for in one of these ways:
- In U.S. currency and coins (in any amount).
- With established traveler’s checks payable in U.S. dollars if the purchase is for at least 50% of the value of the traveler’s checks.
- With ATM/debit cards at locations approved by USPS Corporate Treasury where the customer’s personal identification number must be entered on a keypad connected to a credit/debit terminal.
The purchaser must complete the money order and customer’s receipt by filling in the names and addresses of the payee and purchaser. Money orders must be made payable to a single identifiable party, which can be the purchaser. The USPS does not guarantee a 100% refund on a stolen money order if the customer’s receipt is not presented with the claim for refund.
The USPS replaces without charge a defective money order or one that is spoiled during imprinting or customer completion if the customer returns the negotiable portion of the money order and the matching customer receipt.
Domestic money orders are paid regardless of their age. Money orders are not interest-bearing instruments; they are paid only in the exact amount imprinted up to the authorized maximum amount. USPS records serve as the basis for adjudicating claims for payment of money orders.
All U.S. money orders, including military, may be cashed at any U.S. Post Office or bank. Subject to funds availability, money orders may be cashed by rural carriers. Any customer whose daily total of cashed money orders exceeds $10,000.00, irrespective of the number of Post Offices visited to cash the money orders, must also complete Form 8105-A, Funds Transaction Report (FTR), and show identification bearing the customer‘s photograph, name, and address.
When presenting a money order for payment, the customer seeking payment must sign in the presence of a USPS employee; suitable identification can be required. The USPS may refuse payment on any money order when the identity of the customer seeking payment is not proved to the satisfaction of the employee.
The paying Post Office may accept any signature of the payee, purchaser, or endorsee that is not different from the name shown on the money order, subject to these conditions:
- A customer who cannot write may sign by using a mark, if a witness (who may not be a USPS employee) is present at the time of cashing.
- All money orders payable to a business firm, an organization, society, institution, or government agency must be signed in the name of the organization by an authorized representative (who must also sign with his or her own name and organizational title). Evidence of the representative’s authority may be required.
- If the money order is drawn in favor of an official by name and presented by a successor, the successor must sign accordingly (e.g., “William Jones, treasurer, successor to George Thompson”).
- Use of a title (e.g., Mrs., M.D.) is not required in signing a money order for payment, whether such title is used on the face of the money order.
- A stamped signature is an acceptable endorsement on a money order drawn in favor of a firm, corporation, association, society, or individual, when the money order is presented to a bank for payment. A Post Office accepts a stamped signature only if an agreement is on file specifying the individual responsible for the correctness of such payments.
A money order completed by the purchaser to show more than one firm or person as payee is paid to either payee if the conjunction “or” is used to connect the payees. If no conjunction is used, or if the conjunction “and” is used to connect the payees, then all the listed payees must endorse the money order.
Money orders may be paid to another party under these conditions:
- Only the payee of a money order may endorse it to any other person or firm. A person with power of attorney, when a copy is filed at the office of payment, may cash money orders for a payee who gave the person that authority. A payee may file a separate written order with the Post Office authorizing payment to another person, designated by name as the one to receive payment. The person who is designated to receive payment must sign the money order and write below the signature the capacity in which he or she acts.
- To an executor or court-appointed administrator of the estate of the deceased person who was entitled to payment, provided that a copy of the appointment is filed with the local Postmaster. Such payments are made pursuant to the law of the state in which the deceased was a resident.
- To the legal representative of a firm, association, or company that has ceased to exist. Appropriate documents proving legal representation must be provided to the USPS.
- To the committee, guardian, or other duly authorized person responsible for a ward declared incompetent by a court. Appropriate proof of authority must be provided to the USPS. Money orders are not issued or paid to the ward.
- A money order payable to a minor may be paid to the father or mother as natural guardian, unless prohibited by court order. Proof of parenthood may be required.
A money order with more than one endorsement is invalid, except under 12.3.5.
No payment is made when a money order is issued in return for a COD parcel, and is presented by the addressee (purchaser), and the money order is not endorsed by the payee (shipper) or the payee has not authorized payment to the purchaser by written approval.
A purchaser, payee, or endorsee may, at any time, inquire about payment of a domestic money order by completing, signing, and filing Form 6401 and paying the appropriate fee; a separate form and fee are required for each money order. The fee is not required if Form 6401 is filed by a bank, other financial institution, government agency that processes money orders directly with the Federal Reserve Bank, or postal official engaged in official USPS business.
All money orders are forwarded through the Federal Reserve Banking System, to which commercial banks have access. For this standard:
- Money order means a U.S. Postal Money Order.
- Federal Reserve Bank means a Federal Reserve Bank or branch thereof that presents a money order for payment by the postmaster general.
- Presenting bank means a bank that presents a money order to and receives credit for the money order from a Federal Reserve Bank.
- Reclamation means the action taken by the postmaster general to obtain refund of the amounts of paid money orders.
- Examination includes examination of money orders for indicia of theft, forged endorsements, forged signatures or initials of issuing employees, raised amounts, and other material defects by electronic methods and visual inspection for defects that cannot be discovered electronically.
- Stolen money order means a U.S. Postal Money Order stolen from a Post Office, classified or contract station or branch, or USPS employee before it is officially issued by the Post Office, classified or contract station or branch, or by a USPS employee discharging his or her official duties.
The postmaster general has the usual right of a drawee to examine money orders presented for payment by banks through the Federal Reserve System and to refuse payment of money orders, and has a reasonable time after presentation to make each examination. Provisional credit is given to the Federal Reserve Bank when it furnishes the money orders for payment by the postmaster general. Money orders are deemed paid only after examination is completed, subject to the postmaster general’s right to make reclamation under 12.4.4.
The presenting bank and the endorser of a money order presented for payment are deemed to guarantee to the postmaster general that all prior endorsements are genuine, whether an express guarantee to that effect is placed on the money order. When an endorsement is made by a person other than the payee personally, the presenting bank and the endorser are deemed to guarantee to the postmaster general, in addition to other warranties, that the person who so endorsed had capacity and authority to endorse the money order for the payee.
The postmaster general has the right to demand refund from the presenting bank of the amount of a paid money order if, after payment, the money order is found to be stolen, or to have a forged or unauthorized endorsement, or to contain any material defect or alteration not discovered on examination. Such right includes, but is not limited to, the right to make reclamation of the amount by which a genuine money order with a proper and authorized endorsement has been raised. Such right must be exercised within a reasonable time after the postmaster general discovers that the money order is stolen, bears a forged or unauthorized endorsement, or is otherwise defective. If refund is not made by the presenting bank within 60 days after demand, the postmaster general takes such actions as may be necessary to protect the interests of the United States.
Return Receipt for Merchandise is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for eligibility. Return receipt for merchandise is a form of return receipt service that provides the sender with a mailing receipt (Form 3804) and a return receipt (Form 3811) (see forms at http://pe.usps.gov/). After delivery, the return receipt is mailed back to the sender and also supplies the recipient’s actual delivery address if it is different from the address used by the sender. A delivery record is maintained by the USPS, but no record is kept at the office of mailing. A return receipt for merchandise may not be requested after mailing, and restricted delivery is not available.
If return receipt for merchandise is requested for all of the pieces in a USPS Marketing Mail mailing consisting of pieces of identical weight, then postage may be paid only with metered postage or permit imprint. If return receipt for merchandise is not requested for all of the pieces in the mailing, or if the pieces are not identical weight, then either the exact metered postage must be affixed to each piece or postage must be paid with permit imprint under a manifest mailing system (705.2.0).
Return receipt for merchandise mail must bear Forms 3804 and 3811 and mailers must observe these procedures:
- Enter on the receipt part of the Form 3804, the name and complete address of the person or firm to whom the mail is addressed.
- Affix the numbered, barcoded label part of the Form 3804 to the address side of the mailpiece. The label part of the form and the endorsement “Return Receipt Requested” must be placed above the delivery address and to the right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery address on parcels. Give the completed receipt part of the Form 3804 to a USPS employee. If asked to do so, the USPS employee must show on the receipt the time the article is accepted for mailing. If given to a rural carrier, the carrier returns the postmarked receipt to the mailer.
- Place the correct endorsement on the address side of the mailpiece. Enter the return receipt for merchandise number on Form 3811 and address it to yourself on the reverse of the return receipt. Attach it to the front of the mailpiece (or the back) so the card does not cover the address. The name of the person to whom the return receipt is to be returned must be the same as that of the sender.
- Affix the correct amount of postage and fees to the article.
- To request waiver of signature, detach both parts of the gummed label sections of Form 3804 and attach them to the mailpiece. By signing the waiver on Form 3804, the mailer authorizes the USPS delivery employee to sign the return receipt in lieu of obtaining the signature of the addressee or the addressee agent. The item is then delivered to the addressee‘s mail receptacle or other secure location.
A mailer who did not receive a return receipt (Form 3811) for which the mailer had paid may request information from the delivery record within 90 days of the date of purchase using Form 3811-A. The mailer must complete Form 3811-A, at any Post Office, station or branch, and produce their receipt showing that the applicable return receipt fee was paid.
