Certified Mail Forms (2025 Guide): PS Form 3800, 3811, 3806 & More
The main USPS Certified Mail forms are PS Form 3800 (mailing receipt), PS Form 3811 (return receipt), PS Form 3806 (delivery confirmation), and PS Form 3849 (delivery notice).
📥 Free Download: USPS Certified Mail Forms Quick Reference (2025)
All forms on one page: PS 3800, PS 3811 (green card), costs, tracking, and a pre-mail checklist.
Download Free PDF GuideUSPS Certified Mail requires specific forms for proper documentation and legal validity. Understanding which forms to use and how to complete them correctly is essential for business, legal, and personal mail.
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Essential USPS Certified Mail Forms
| Form Number | Form Name | Purpose | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS Form 3800 | Certified Mail Receipt | Proof of mailing | Always (required) |
| PS Form 3811 | Return Receipt (Green Card) | Proof of delivery | When you need delivery proof |
| PS Form 3806 | Delivery Confirmation | Track regular mail | For non-Certified tracking |
| PS Form 3849 | Delivery Notice | Failed delivery notice | Left by postal carrier |
PS Form 3800 Example - Certified Mail Receipt
This PS Form 3800 example shows the most important Certified Mail form - it's your proof of mailing and contains the tracking number that enables full USPS tracking.
What's Included on PS Form 3800:
- Article Number: The tracking number (starts with 7000, 7001, etc.)
- Service Type: Certified Mail designation
- Date and Time: When the mail was processed
- Post Office Location: Where it was mailed from
- Postage Amount: Total cost including fees
- Addressee Information: Recipient's name and address
How to Complete PS Form 3800 (Step-by-Step):
- Line 1 - Send To: Recipient's full name exactly as it should appear (e.g., "John Smith" or "ABC Company, Attn: Legal Dept")
- Line 2 - Street Address: Complete street address including apartment/suite number (e.g., "123 Main Street, Apt 4B")
- Line 3 - City, State, ZIP: Full city name, two-letter state code, and ZIP+4 if known
- Line 4 - Article Addressed to: Repeat recipient name from Line 1
- Service Type Selection: Check "Certified Mail" box and any additional services (Return Receipt, Restricted Delivery, etc.)
- Postage & Fees: Leave blank - USPS clerk calculates and fills in total cost
- Sent To: Your name and return address information
- Present to clerk: USPS clerk will affix barcode labels and complete the processing section
Critical Fields: Lines 1-3 must be complete and accurate. Incomplete addressing can cause delivery failures and return of your Certified Mail.
Critical: Keep your PS Form 3800 receipt! This is your only proof that you sent Certified Mail. Without it, you have no legal evidence of mailing.
USPS Certified Mail Green Card - PS Form 3811 Return Receipt
The USPS Certified Mail green card (PS Form 3811) is the famous return receipt form that provides return receipt proof of delivery with the recipient's signature.
What Information PS Form 3811 Captures:
- Recipient Signature: Who signed for the mail
- Delivery Date: Exact date of delivery
- Delivery Address: Where it was actually delivered
- Agent Signature: If signed by someone other than addressee
How to Complete PS Form 3811 (Green Card):
- Line 1 - Article Addressed to: Complete recipient name and address (copy from your mail piece)
- Line 2 - Article Number: Transfer the tracking number from your PS Form 3800 receipt
- Service Type: Check "Certified Mail" box (and others if applicable like Registered, Insured, etc.)
- Restricted Delivery: Check this box ONLY if you want delivery limited to the specific addressee (costs extra $6.95)
- Return Address: Your name and complete return address where the signed card should be mailed back
- Post office processing: USPS attaches the green card to your mail piece for delivery
- Upon delivery: Recipient (or authorized agent) signs the card and USPS mails it back to you
Pro Tip: The Article Number on PS Form 3811 must match exactly with your PS Form 3800. Double-check this number to ensure proper tracking and return receipt processing.
Physical Return Receipt (PS 3811)
- Original signature on card
- Takes 1-2 weeks to receive
- Can be lost in mail
- Tangible legal document
- Lower cost option
Electronic Return Receipt
- Digital signature capture
- Received in 1-2 business days
- Cannot be lost or damaged
- PDF format for easy storage
- Slightly higher cost
PS Form 3806 - Delivery Confirmation
PS Form 3806 provides tracking for regular mail without the full Certified Mail service. It's less commonly used since online tracking became standard for Priority Mail and Express Mail.
PS Form 3849 - Delivery Notice
PS Form 3849 is left by postal carriers when they cannot complete delivery of Certified Mail or other special services.
What to do if you receive PS Form 3849:
- Bring valid ID to the post office indicated
- Pick up your mail within the timeframe specified
- If you don't pick it up, it will be returned to sender
- You can sometimes arrange redelivery online or by phone
Common Form Completion Mistakes
- Incomplete addressing: Missing apartment numbers, ZIP+4, or business names
- Illegible handwriting: Use clear print to avoid delivery problems
- Wrong form selection: Not understanding which services you actually need
- Missing information: Leaving required fields blank invalidates the service
- Not keeping receipts: Losing your proof of mailing documentation
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What We Handle Automatically:
- ✅ PS Form 3800 completion and processing
- ✅ PS Form 3811 setup if you choose return receipt
- ✅ Proper addressing and USPS compliance
- ✅ Tracking number generation and monitoring
- ✅ Electronic delivery confirmation
- ✅ Digital copies of all documentation
Simple Online Process:
- Upload your letter: PDF, Word doc, or type it online
- Choose mail type: Select Certified Mail with or without return receipt
- Enter recipient info: We validate addresses automatically
- Review and send: One-click processing with instant confirmation
- Track online: Monitor delivery status in real-time
2025 Cost Breakdown for Certified Mail Forms
Understanding the costs associated with each form helps you budget for Certified Mail services effectively:
| Form | Service | 2025 Cost | Total Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS Form 3800 | Certified Mail (Required) | $4.35 | $4.35 + $0.73 postage = $5.08 |
| PS Form 3811 | Return Receipt (Physical) | +$3.75 | $5.08 + $3.75 = $8.83 |
| Electronic Receipt | Return Receipt (Digital) | +$2.20 | $5.08 + $2.20 = $7.28 |
| PS Form 3849 | Delivery Notice (Automatic) | Free | Left by carrier when delivery fails |
Online Savings: The Letter Pilot offers flat-rate Certified Mail starting at $7.99 - includes all forms, processing, and tracking with no hidden fees.
Legal Value of Certified Mail Forms
Properly completed USPS forms provide crucial legal documentation for Certified Mail evidence in court:
- PS Form 3800: Establishes the date and fact of mailing for legal deadlines
- PS Form 3811: Proves actual delivery occurred and when
- Chain of custody: USPS forms create an official government record
- Court admissibility: Properly executed forms are typically admissible as evidence
- Due process compliance: Shows good faith effort to provide proper notice
FAQ: USPS Certified Mail Forms
Can I download and print USPS forms at home?
No, PS Forms 3800 and 3811 must be obtained from the post office as they contain special barcodes and tracking elements that cannot be reproduced.
What if I make a mistake on a form?
Get a new form from the postal clerk. Corrections or cross-outs can invalidate the legal value of Certified Mail documentation.
How long should I keep Certified Mail receipts?
Keep PS Form 3800 receipts for at least 2 years, or longer if related to legal, tax, or business matters. Some situations may require indefinite retention.
Can someone else pick up my Certified Mail?
Only the addressee or authorized agent can sign for Certified Mail, unless you specifically request "Restricted Delivery" service.
Related Certified Mail Resources
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💾 Save PDF for LaterUpdated • USPS forms and procedures subject to change. Always verify current requirements with USPS for legal or business purposes.