How to Fill Out PS Form 3800 (Certified Mail Receipt)

PS Form 3800 is the white Certified Mail Receipt you receive when sending USPS certified mail. This form contains your tracking number and serves as proof of mailing for legal, business, or personal correspondence. Knowing how to fill out PS Form 3800 correctly ensures you have an accurate record and can track your mailpiece. This guide provides complete PS Form 3800 instructions, explaining the certified mail receipt step by step, including what each field means, how to attach it, and how to avoid common mistakes. Whether you are mailing tax documents, legal notices, or important contracts, completing PS Form 3800 correctly at the post office gives you proof of mailing that is legally valid and traceable.

What PS Form 3800 Is (USPS Certified Mail Receipt Explained)

PS Form 3800 is the official USPS Certified Mail Receipt. When you send certified mail, this form attaches to your envelope and gets stamped at the post office as proof of mailing. The top portion with the tracking barcode stays on your mailpiece during transit. The bottom portion is your receipt to keep. This form is required for all certified mail and includes a unique 20-digit tracking number that lets you track delivery status online.

Anatomy of the Form

PS Form 3800 has several key sections:

• Tracking barcode: The preprinted 20-digit number used to track your mail online via USPS tracking
• Sent To field: Recipient name and complete delivery address
• Sent From field: Your return address (optional on this form)
• Service checkboxes: Additional services like return receipt (PS Form 3811), electronic return receipt, restricted delivery, or adult signature
• Postage area: Where the clerk writes or stamps the total postage amount
• Date stamp area: Post office date stamp proving when you mailed it

How to Fill Out PS Form 3800: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Fill in the recipient address

In the "Sent To" section, write the complete delivery address exactly as it appears on your envelope:

• Recipient name
• Street address or PO Box
• City, State, ZIP Code

This address must match what is written on your envelope to avoid delivery issues.

Step 2: Check additional service boxes

If you purchased extra services, check the appropriate boxes:

• Return Receipt (PS Form 3811): Check if you want a signed green card returned as proof of delivery. Learn more in our PS Form 3811 guide.
• Return Receipt Electronic: Check if you want an emailed delivery confirmation with signature
• Restricted Delivery: Check if only the named recipient may sign
• Adult Signature: Check if an adult must sign (21+ for some items)

Step 3: Record the tracking number

The 20-digit tracking number is preprinted on the form. Write it down or photograph it before attaching the form to your envelope. This number is your only way to track the mailpiece and prove delivery. You can use it for USPS certified mail tracking online.

Step 4: Attach to your envelope

Peel the adhesive backing and attach the top barcode portion to your envelope. Position it on the right side of the address, above the delivery address. Do not cover the recipient address or your return address with the sticker.

Step 5: Get it postmarked

Take your mailpiece to the post office counter. The clerk will weigh it, calculate postage, stamp the receipt portion with the date, and give you the bottom portion as your receipt. Keep this receipt as proof of mailing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Writing an address that doesn't match the envelope: This causes delivery delays and may invalidate your proof of mailing if the addresses do not match
• Forgetting to keep the tracking number: Without the 20-digit number, you cannot track your mail or prove it was delivered
• Checking return receipt but not paying the fee: The green card will not be sent unless you pay the additional return receipt fee
• Attaching the sticker too close to the address: This can block scanners from reading the recipient address or cause the sticker to peel off during sorting
• Dropping it in a blue box when you need a stamped receipt: A Certified Mail letter with the right postage can go in a collection box, but if you are using PS Form 3800 and need a stamped receipt as proof of mailing, you should hand it to a clerk at the post office counter

Where to Get the Form

PS Form 3800 is available:

• Free at any post office counter
• In certified mail kits sold at post offices and office supply stores
• Online at usps.com (printable version)

PS Form 3800 Fees and Certified Mail Costs (2025)

As of mid-2025, USPS Certified Mail fees are approximately:

• Certified Mail fee: $5.30 in addition to regular First-Class postage
• Return Receipt (hard copy green card, PS Form 3811): $4.40
• Electronic Return Receipt: $2.82
• Restricted Delivery: $13.70
• Adult Signature Required: starts around $8.40

USPS changes prices regularly, so always confirm current rates on the official USPS price list before mailing. The clerk will calculate the total and write it on your receipt. For more details, see our how to send certified mail guide.

What Happens After You Mail Certified Mail

Your receipt portion includes:

• The tracking number to check delivery status online
• The postmark date proving when you mailed the item
• The postage amount paid

Track your certified mail at usps.com by entering the 20-digit number. Delivery status updates as the item moves through the postal system. For detailed tracking instructions, see our certified mail tracking guide.

FAQs

Related Guides

• How to Fill Out PS Form 3811 (Green Card)
• What is Certified Mail?
• How to Track Certified Mail
• How to Send Certified Mail