How to Fill Out PS Form 3811 (Green Card)

PS Form 3811 is the green card attached to certified mail that gets signed by the recipient and returned to you as proof of delivery. Also called a Return Receipt or Domestic Return Receipt, this USPS green card provides legal evidence of delivery. This guide provides complete PS Form 3811 instructions for filling it out correctly so you receive your signed receipt without delays.

What is PS Form 3811?

USPS Form 3811 is an optional add-on service for Certified Mail, Registered Mail, Collect on Delivery, and some other USPS signature services. When your letter is delivered, the recipient or an authorized agent signs the green card. USPS then mails the signed card back to you as physical proof of delivery with the recipient signature, delivery date, and delivery address. This certified mail return receipt is commonly used for legal notices, contracts, demand letters, eviction notices, HOA notices, tax notices, and any correspondence where you need documented evidence of receipt.

Parts of the Form (PS Form 3811 Front and Back)

The return receipt form has two sides:

• Front (green side): Contains checkboxes for service type, the recipient address, article number field, and signature area where the recipient signs
• Back (white side): Your return address where USPS mails the signed green card after delivery

How to Fill Out PS Form 3811: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Check the service type boxes

On the front of the form, check the appropriate boxes:

• Check "Certified Mail" in the top section (or Registered Mail if applicable)
• If you want Restricted Delivery (only the named addressee can sign), check that box

Step 2: Fill in the recipient information

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

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

Step 3: Enter the article number (certified mail tracking number)

Write the 20-digit certified mail tracking number in the "Article Number" field. This number appears on your certified mail receipt (PS Form 3800) and matches the barcode on your mailpiece. Important: PS Form 3811 must match the same tracking number on PS Form 3800. A mismatch causes return delays or rejection.

Example article number: 9407 3000 0000 1234 5678

Step 4: Fill in your return address

On the back of the form (white side), write your complete return address. This is where USPS will mail the signed green card after delivery. Include your full name, street address, city, state, and ZIP Code.

Where to Attach PS Form 3811

Knowing how to attach PS Form 3811 correctly ensures it stays on your envelope during transit and gets signed at delivery. The certified mail green card is self-adhesive. Peel off the backing and attach it to the front of your envelope, typically on the left side below your return address. Make sure it does not cover the recipient address or any barcodes on your mailpiece. Example placement: Attach below the return address on a standard #10 envelope. The green card should remain attached until delivery, when the mail carrier removes it for the recipient's signature.

Before You Mail: Checklist

Before you mail certified mail with PS Form 3811, verify these items:

• ✓ Tracking number on PS Form 3811 matches PS Form 3800
• ✓ Form attached on front of envelope, not covering address or barcodes
• ✓ Return address filled out on white side
• ✓ Service box checked correctly (Certified Mail or Registered Mail)
• ✓ Recipient address matches envelope address

After Delivery: What Happens to the Green Card

Once the recipient signs the card, the mail carrier collects it and sends it to a USPS distribution center. From there, USPS processes and mails it back to your return address. This typically takes 2 to 7 business days after delivery. The signed card shows:

• Recipient's signature (or authorized agent)
• Printed name of signer (if provided)
• Date of delivery
• Delivery address

For faster proof of delivery, see our certified mail tracking guide.

When You Should Use a Green Card Instead of Electronic Return Receipt

USPS offers two return receipt options:

• PS Form 3811 (Green Card): Physical card mailed back to you with original signature. Costs more but provides a signed document.
• Electronic Return Receipt: Digital image of signature emailed to you or viewable online. Costs less and arrives faster (usually within 24 to 48 hours).

Both are considered valid proof of delivery for legal purposes, but many courts, landlords, HOAs, government agencies, and attorneys still prefer the physical green card because it contains an original signature and can be submitted as a physical exhibit. If you are mailing legal notices, eviction papers, demand letters, HOA notices, tax notices, or court documents, the green card is typically the safer choice. If your court, agency, or attorney accepts electronic proof, the electronic return receipt is cheaper and usually better.

PS Form 3811 Costs (2025)

As of July 13, 2025, USPS fees are:

• Domestic return receipt (green card): $4.40 in addition to certified mail fees
• Electronic return receipt: $2.82

USPS changes prices regularly, so check the latest USPS price list before mailing to confirm current rates.

FAQs

Related Guides

• How to Fill Out PS Form 3800 (Certified Mail Receipt)
• What is Certified Mail?
• How to Track Certified Mail
• How to Send Certified Mail
• What is Registered Mail?