United States > Postal Regulations > U.S. Postal Rates and Fees

Special Services (Domestic Mail)

Certificate of Mailing

Provides evidence of mailing only. Certificate of mailing does not provide a record of delivery. Must be purchased at time of mailing. Available for First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, and Media Mail.

Fee, in addition to postage—$1.15

Certified Mail

Provides the sender with a mailing receipt. A delivery record is maintained by the USPS. No insurance provided. Available with First-Class Mail and Priority Mail. For an additional fee, certified mail may be combined with restricted delivery or return receipt.

Fee, in addition to postage—$2.95

Insurance

Provides coverage against loss or damage. Coverage up to $5,000 for Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, and Media Mail matter as well as merchandise mailed at Priority Mail or First-Class Mail rates. Items must not be insured for more than their value. Insured mail must be presented to a retail employee at a post office or a rural carrier.

Liability	Fee, in addition to postage
$.01 to $50.00	$1.85
$50.01 to $100.00	2.35
$100.01 to $200.00	2.90
$200.01 to $300.00	4.85
$300.01 to $5000.00	4.85 plus 1.10 for each $100

Money Orders

Provides safe transmission of money. Available in amounts up to $1,000.

Fee up to $500, in addition to postage—$1.15

Fee up to $1,000, in addition to postage—$1.55

Registered Mail

Provides maximum protection and security for valuables. Provides sender with mailing receipt and a delivery record is maintained by the USPS. A record of mailing is also maintained at the mailing post office. Available only for items paid at Priority Mail and First-Class Mail rates.

Declared Value	Fee, in addition to postage
$0.00	$10.95
$0.01 to $100	11.75
$100.01 to $500.00	13.50
$500.01 to $1,000.00	14.90

For higher values, consult your postmaster.

Restricted Delivery

Permits a mailer to direct delivery only to the addressee or addressee’s authorized agent. The addressee must be an individual specified by name. Available for First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, and Media Mail that is sent certified mail, COD, mail insured for more than $50, or registered mail.

Fee, in addition to postage—$4.55

Return Receipt

Available only for Express Mail, Certified Mail, COD, Insured Mail for more than $50.00, or Registered Mail.

Requested at time of mailing: (receive by mail)	2.35
Requested after mailing: (receive electronically)	1.15
Requested after mailing:	4.75

Special Handling

Provides preferential handling, but not preferential delivery, to extent practicable in dispatch and transportation. Available for First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, and Media Mail.

Fee, in addition to postage:

Pieces weighing not more than 10 pounds—$7.70

Pieces weighing more than 10 pounds—$10.80

Collect on Delivery (COD)

Allows mailers to collect the price of goods and/or postage on merchandise ordered by addressee when it is delivered. Fees include insurance. Maximum amount $1,000; see postmaster for details.

Media Mail (Book Rate)

U.S. Postal Rates and Fees

Sizes for Domestic Mail