Restricted Delivery S916.2.2
DMM Issue 58 (8-10-03) S-33
S
S916
S900 Special Postal Services
S910 Security and Accountability
S916 Restricted Delivery
Summary S916 describes restricted delivery and what services must be used with restricted
delivery. It also covers the procedures for obtaining restricted delivery and the
delivery of restricted mail.
1.0 BASIC INFORMATION
Description
1.1
Restricted delivery service permits a mailer to direct delivery only to the addressee
or addressee’s authorized agent. The addressee must be an individual (or natural
person) specified by name.
Eligible Matter
1.2
Restricted delivery service is available for First-Class Mail (including Priority Mail)
and Package Services that is sent COD, insured for more than $50, registered, or
certified.
Fee and Postage
1.3
The applicable fee for restricted delivery service must be paid in addition to
postage and other fees.
Return Receipt
1.4
The mailer may also obtain a return receipt by checking the appropriate block on
Form 3811 and paying the applicable fees.
Endorsement
1.5
Mail for which restricted delivery service is requested must be endorsed
“Restricted Delivery.” The endorsement must be placed above the address and to
the right of the return address.
Refund
1.6
Restricted delivery fees are refunded only when the USPS fails to give restricted
delivery service.
Additional Services
1.7
In addition to the prerequisites listed in 1.2, the following services may be
combined with restricted delivery if the applicable standards for the services are
met and the additional service fees are paid:
a. Delivery Confirmation.
b. Parcel airlift service (PAL).
c. Signature Confirmation.
d. Special handling.
2.0 OBTAINING SERVICE
At Time of Mailing
2.1
The mailer may request restricted delivery at the time of mailing by advising the
USPS clerk or by marking the mail “Restricted Delivery.” A firm mailer must enter
the proper fee in the correct column of the firm sheet and place the required
endorsement on the mail. If a return receipt is requested, the correct block on
Form 3811 must be checked to show that restricted delivery is also required.
After Mailing
2.2
The mailer may request restricted delivery after mailing by notifying the mailing
post office in writing. The mailer must identify the article, including item number
and addressee, and pay the service fee and communication costs required to
effect restricted delivery. USPS failure to provide the service because delivery was
made before the delivery office received the request is not grounds for a refund of
the fee or communication costs.
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S-34 DMM Issue 58 (8-10-03)
S916.3.0 Restricted Delivery
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3.0 DELIVERY
Conditions
3.1
Mail marked “Restricted Delivery” is delivered only to the addressee or to the
person authorized in writing as the addressee’s agent to receive the mail, subject
to D042 and these exceptions:
a. Mail for famous personalities and executives of large organizations is
normally delivered to an agent authorized to sign for such mail.
b. Mail for officials of executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the
government of the United States or of the states and possessions and their
political subdivisions, or to members of the diplomatic corps, may be
delivered to a person authorized by the addressee or by regulations or
procedures of the agency or organization to receive the addressee’s mail.
c. Mail for the commander, staff sections, or other officials of military
organizations by name and title, is delivered to the unit mail clerk, mail
orderly, postal clerk, assistant postal clerk, or postal finance clerk, when such
individuals are designated on DD (Department of Defense) Form 285 to
receipt for all mail addressed to the units for which they are designated. If the
person accepting mail is designated on DD Form 285 to receipt for ordinary
mail only, then restricted delivery mail addressed to the commander, or other
official by name and title, is delivered to the mail clerk only if the addressee
authorizes under 3.2.
d. Mail for an inmate of a city, state, or federal penal institution, in cases where a
personal signature cannot be obtained, is delivered to the warden or
designee.
e. Mail for minors or persons under guardianship may be delivered to their
parents or guardians.
Identification
3.2
The USPS may require proof of identification from the addressee (or agent).
Agent Authorization
3.3
An addressee who regularly receives restricted delivery mail may authorize an
agent on Form 3801 or by letter to the postmaster. The addressee must make the
notation “this authorization is extended to include restricted delivery mail” on Form
3801 (in the area for signatures of authorized agents) or in the letter to the
postmaster. Form 3849 may be left for the authorization if the post office has no
standing delivery order or letter on file. The addressee may enter the name of the
agent on the back of Form 3849 in the space provided and sign the form. The
agent must sign for receipt of the article on the back of the form.
Joint Addressees
3.4
When mail is addressed to two or more persons jointly (as shown by the word
“and” or symbol “&” connecting their names), all addressees or their agents are
notified to be present to accept delivery together. The delivery receipt obtained and
the return receipt, if any, must be signed by all joint addressees or their agents.
The mail may then be delivered to any of the addressees or their agents unless
one or more addressees or their agents object, in which case delivery is not made
until all the addressees or their agents sign a statement designating who is to
receive the mail.
Addressed
“In Care Of”
3.5
Either person may sign for mail addressed to one person in care of another.
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