Difference Between Certified and Registered Mail

Certified vs Registered Mail

People have long been sending each other letters, cards, and gifts through the postal office. Even today when one can send letters and greetings through the internet which is received by the recipient in seconds, people still use the postal service for most of their mail.
It is the cheapest way to send not just letters but also important documents and parcels or packages. Many private logistics companies offer the same services as the postal office but most people still choose the latter for their mailing needs.

There are many services offered by the postal office. You can send your mail as regular mail, certified mail, or registered mail. Regular mail is the cheapest as you have to pay more for certified mail and registered mail. Here are other differences between certified and registered mail.

Certified mail is a special service mail that provides the sender proof of billing and delivery, with a copy of the recipient’s signature upon delivery. A priority or first class mail can be sent as certified mail and is given a unique tracking number that serves as receipt and official record of mailing.

Certified mail is usually sent together with regular mail and is cheaper. If a return receipt is requested, the sender will have to pay an additional amount. Certified mail is not insured and you have to pay an additional amount if you want to have it insured.

It is usually used for business and government mail. Where, before the return receipt was mailed back to the sender after the recipient has signed it, today it is captured by the letter carrier and sent electronically.

Registered mail is a mail service offered by the postal office that provides detailed records of the letter, packet, or other document’s location as it is transferred from one location to another. They are affixed with barcode registration labels enabling the sender to track his shipment online.

The process started in London in the mid-1500’s for state security purposes. Registered mail is sent separate from regular mail and takes longer to arrive to the recipient. It is also more expensive and is used to send valuables and important documents because it is more secure than other types of mail. It is also insured for up to $25,000.00.

Summary
1. Certified mail provides a receipt for the sender and for an additional fee, will receive a copy of the recipient’s signature upon his receipt of the mail, while registered mail provides the sender a receipt and detailed records of his mail’s location.
2. The sender will know that his mail has reached the recipient upon the return of receipt, while registered mail can be tracked by the sender online, as every time the mail changes hands, it is logged.
3. Certified mail is cheaper, while registered mail costs more.
4. Certified mail is sent together with regular mail, while registered mail is sent separately.
5. Important documents and valuables are usually sent through registered mail because it is more secure than certified mail.
6. Registered mail is insured, while you have to pay an additional amount to insure certified mail.

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