Does Certified Mail Require a Signature? USPS Rules for 2025 Explained
Certified Mail is commonly used for important documents like legal notices, contracts, and tax forms. One of the key features is that USPS collects a signature from the recipient — confirming delivery.
What If No One Is Home?
If no one is available to sign, USPS leaves a PS Form 3849 delivery notice. They may attempt redelivery, or the recipient can pick it up at their local post office within 15 days.
USPS typically makes multiple delivery attempts before holding the item at the post office. Certified Mail is never simply left in a mailbox — a signature is always required.
What’s a Return Receipt?
The return receipt is an optional USPS service that provides proof of who signed for your Certified Mail. It can be either:
- A green card (physical signature mailed back)
- A digital PDF with a scanned signature (faster + trackable)
Who Can Sign for Certified Mail?
For standard Certified Mail, anyone at the delivery address can sign for the package. This includes family members, coworkers, or authorized recipients.
However, if you add Restricted Delivery to your Certified Mail, only the specific named recipient can sign for it. This provides an additional level of security for sensitive documents.
Why Does USPS Require a Signature?
Certified Mail is designed for proof of mailing and delivery in legal and business contexts. The USPS signature requirement ensures there's a verifiable record that the letter was delivered — which can hold up in court, for tax purposes, or for compliance reasons.
Without a signature, you only have proof that you mailed something. With Certified Mail's signature requirement, you have legal documentation that the recipient (or authorized person at the address) actually received your important documents.
Can I Get a Signature If I Send It Online?
Absolutely. If you send your Certified Mail through The Letter Pilot, you can choose to include a return receipt — just like at the post office. We handle the mailing, tracking, and USPS return receipt setup for you.
Signature Records and Legal Protection
USPS maintains detailed records of certified mail signatures, including the date, time, and location of delivery. These signature records can be legally significant for business compliance, legal notices, and tax documentation.
If the wrong person signs for your Certified Mail (someone not authorized at the address), you still have proof of delivery to the correct address. However, for maximum security with sensitive documents, consider using Restricted Delivery to ensure only the named recipient can sign.
USPS typically keeps signature records for several years, making them valuable for long-term legal documentation needs. The combination of tracking data and signature proof creates a robust chain of evidence for important mailings.
More USPS Certified Mail Guides
Learn the full process: How to Send Certified Mail
Need help writing it? Try: How to Write a Certified Letter
No printer? Skip the trip: Send Certified Mail Online
• USPS Certified Mail rules may change