Does Certified Mail Require a Signature? (USPS Rules for 2025)
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 delivery notice. The recipient can pick it up at the post office by signing for it there. Certified Mail is not simply left in a mailbox.
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)
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.
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
Updated July 2025 • USPS Certified Mail rules may change