USPS Electronic Return Receipt Explained
Quick Answer: Electronic Return Receipt
- What it is: Digital proof of delivery emailed to you
- Cost: $2.82 (cheaper than $4.40 green card)
- Shows: Who signed, signature image, delivery date and time
- Delivered via: Email as a PDF attachment
Electronic return receipt is a digital alternative to the traditional green card (PS Form 3811) for certified mail, registered mail, and other signature services. Instead of waiting for a physical postcard to be mailed back to you, USPS emails you a PDF showing proof of delivery within hours of delivery. This guide explains how electronic return receipt works, how to request it, cost comparison to green cards, and how to save and view your electronic receipts.
In This Guide
What is Electronic Return Receipt?
Electronic return receipt is a USPS service that provides digital proof of delivery for accountable mail. When you add electronic return receipt to certified mail, registered mail, or signature confirmation services, USPS captures the recipient's signature electronically and emails you a PDF receipt showing who signed, when they signed, and where the delivery occurred. The electronic receipt serves the same legal purpose as a physical green card but is delivered faster, costs less, and can be saved digitally or printed as needed.
How Electronic Return Receipt Works
Step 1: Request Service
When mailing certified or registered mail, tell the postal clerk you want electronic return receipt and provide your email address. If purchasing labels online, select electronic return receipt and enter your email.
Step 2: Mail Is Delivered
When the mail carrier delivers your item, the recipient signs on the carrier's electronic scanner. The signature and delivery information are captured digitally.
Step 3: USPS Processes Receipt
USPS processes the electronic signature and creates a PDF receipt containing delivery confirmation details.
Step 4: Email Sent to You
Within hours of delivery (typically same day or next business day), USPS emails the electronic return receipt PDF to the email address you provided.
Step 5: Save or Print
Download the PDF attachment, save it to your records, or print it for physical files. The electronic receipt is legally valid proof of delivery.
Electronic Return Receipt vs Green Card (PS Form 3811)
Understanding the differences helps you choose the right option:
| Feature | Electronic Return Receipt | Green Card (PS Form 3811) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | PDF emailed to you | Physical postcard mailed back |
| Cost (2025) | $2.82 | $4.40 |
| Delivery speed | Same day or next business day via email | 3-10 days via return mail |
| Signature | Digital signature image | Physical ink signature |
| Storage | Digital file (PDF) | Physical card to file |
| Can be lost | Can re-download from email | Yes (one-time physical card) |
| Legal validity | Legally valid | Legally valid |
For details on the physical green card, see our PS Form 3811 guide.
Cost Comparison (2025)
- Electronic return receipt: $2.82
- Physical return receipt (green card): $4.40
- Savings: $1.58 per item with electronic receipt
For businesses or individuals sending multiple certified mail pieces, electronic return receipt saves money and provides faster confirmation. For example, sending 50 certified letters with electronic receipts saves $79 compared to green cards.
💡 Calculate your total cost: Use our free Certified Mail Fee Calculator to see a full breakdown of postage + Certified Mail fees + Electronic Return Receipt costs.
How to Request Electronic Return Receipt
At the Post Office:
- Tell the clerk you want electronic return receipt (not green card)
- Provide your email address
- Clerk will note it on your PS Form 3800 receipt
- Pay the $2.82 fee plus certified mail and postage
When Buying Labels Online:
- Select "Electronic Return Receipt" option when purchasing certified mail labels
- Enter your email address in the provided field
- USPS will automatically email receipt when delivered
Through Online Services:
- Services like The Letter Pilot include electronic return receipt automatically
- You receive email notification with delivery proof
- No need to fill out forms or visit post office
Get Automatic Electronic Receipts
The Letter Pilot includes electronic return receipts automatically with all certified mail. Upload your letter and we handle printing, forms, mailing, and email you proof of delivery. No post office visit required.
Send Certified Mail Online →How to View and Save Electronic Return Receipts
Receiving the Email:
- Email arrives from USPS (check spam folder if not in inbox)
- Subject line typically: "USPS Electronic Return Receipt"
- Email includes tracking number and delivery details
- PDF attachment contains full receipt with signature image
Saving the Receipt:
- Download PDF attachment to your computer
- Rename file with tracking number or recipient name for easy reference
- Save to organized folders (e.g., "Certified Mail Receipts 2025")
- Back up to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
Printing the Receipt:
- Open PDF and print for physical records if needed
- Printed electronic receipts are legally valid
- File with related documents or legal case materials
Is Electronic Return Receipt Legally Valid?
Yes. Electronic return receipt is accepted as legal proof of delivery in courts, government agencies, and business transactions. The PDF contains the same information as a physical green card: recipient name, signature, delivery date, delivery address, and tracking number. Courts and legal proceedings recognize electronic receipts as equivalent to physical green cards. The digital format is often preferred because it cannot be lost, damaged, or fade over time like physical cards can.
Legal Tip
Keep both the email and downloaded PDF. The email provides additional proof with timestamp and USPS sender information. Print and save digitally for maximum protection.
FAQs
What is an electronic return receipt?
Electronic return receipt is a digital proof of delivery for certified mail, registered mail, or signature confirmation services. Instead of a physical green card mailed back to you, USPS emails you a PDF showing who signed, when, and where the item was delivered.
How much does electronic return receipt cost?
Electronic return receipt costs $2.82 as of 2025, compared to $4.40 for the physical green card (PS Form 3811). It saves $1.58 per item and delivers faster via email.
How do I get an electronic return receipt?
Request electronic return receipt at the post office when mailing certified or registered mail, or add it when purchasing labels online. Provide your email address and USPS will email the receipt when the item is delivered.
How long does it take to receive an electronic return receipt?
Electronic return receipts are typically emailed same day or next business day after delivery. They arrive much faster than physical green cards which can take 3-10 days to be returned by mail.
Can I request electronic return receipt after mailing?
No. You must request electronic return receipt at the time of mailing. You cannot add it retroactively after the mail has been accepted. However, basic delivery confirmation is available via online tracking.
What if I don't receive the electronic return receipt email?
Check your spam or junk mail folder. If still not found, contact USPS customer service with your tracking number. You can also log into your USPS.com account to view delivery confirmation if you have one.
Is electronic return receipt accepted in court?
Yes. Electronic return receipt is legally valid and accepted as proof of delivery in legal proceedings, court filings, and business transactions. It has the same legal standing as a physical green card.
Can I get both electronic and physical return receipt?
Yes. USPS allows you to purchase both electronic and physical return receipts for the same certified or registered mail piece. Most people choose electronic because it's cheaper and arrives much faster by email.
What information is included in the electronic return receipt?
Electronic return receipt shows recipient name, signature image, delivery date and time, delivery address, tracking number, and sender information. It contains all the same information as a physical green card.
Can I print an electronic return receipt?
Yes. Download the PDF and print it for physical records. Printed electronic receipts are legally valid and serve the same purpose as the original physical green cards.
Related Guides
- How to Fill Out PS Form 3811 (Green Card)
- What is Certified Mail?
- How to Fill Out PS Form 3800
- What is Registered Mail?
- How to Track Certified Mail
Tags: electronic return receipt, usps electronic return receipt, electronic vs green card, digital proof of delivery, ps form 3811 alternative