Certified Mail costs $5.55 plus postage in 2026
USPS charges $5.55 for Certified Mail, on top of postage. For a normal 1 ounce letter with a $0.82 stamp, that is $6.37. Add a paper return receipt (the green card) for $4.65 and the total is $11.02. An electronic return receipt is cheaper at $2.91, for a total of $9.28.
Certified Mail prices from USPS
| Certified Mail | $5.55 |
|---|---|
| Certified Mail Restricted Delivery | $14.35 |
| Certified Mail Adult Signature Required | $14.35 |
| Certified Mail Adult Signature Restricted Delivery | $14.35 |
| Return receipt, paper green card | $4.65 |
| Return receipt, electronic | $2.91 |
| 1 ounce letter postage (stamp) | $0.82 |
| 1 ounce letter, Certified Mail only | $6.37 |
|---|---|
| 1 ounce letter, Certified Mail and electronic return receipt | $9.28 |
| 1 ounce letter, Certified Mail and paper return receipt | $11.02 |
These fees are added to postage. They do not replace it. Source: USPS Notice 123, Price List, effective July 12, 2026 (Postal Explorer).
What changes your price
- Postage. Certified Mail is an extra service. You still pay postage, and a heavier letter costs more to mail.
- Proof you want. A return receipt shows who signed. The paper green card is $4.65 and the emailed version is $2.91.
- Who can sign. Restricted Delivery, which lets only the named person sign, costs $14.35 instead of $5.55.
Ways to pay less
- Pick the electronic return receipt ($2.91) instead of the paper green card ($4.65) if you only need a copy of the signature.
- Skip Restricted Delivery unless only one named person may sign. It costs $8.80 more than basic Certified Mail.
- Weigh the letter first. Each extra ounce of a stamped letter adds $0.29.
How we got these numbers
USPS sets one national price for certified mail. Every price on this page comes from USPS Notice 123, the official price list the Postal Service publishes. The prices we use took effect on July 12, 2026. Where we show a total, we simply add up the separate USPS fees, so you can see what one item costs all in. We do not add our own guesses or use a calculator, because USPS sets these fees and they are the same at every Post Office. USPS changes its prices from time to time, so check the price at the counter if your visit is far from September 26, 2026, the day we last checked.
Common questions
How much is Certified Mail in 2026?
USPS charges $5.55 for Certified Mail, plus postage. A 1 ounce letter with a stamp comes to $6.37.
How much is Certified Mail with a return receipt?
For a 1 ounce letter, $11.02 with the paper green card or $9.28 with an electronic return receipt.
What is Certified Mail Restricted Delivery?
It lets only the named person, or their agent, sign for the letter. It costs $14.35 plus postage.