Properly addressing the “Certified Return Receipt”

Figure 1

• Figure 1 displays the “Return Receipt” portion, affix this once filled out to the back of the

envelope using the adhesive strips provided.

• Please complete the “Sender” portion

• Please avoid putting tape over the serrated edges where the card detaches from the

adhesive strips. Placing tape here can affect the signature section of the box signed by the

recipient.

Section 1

Section 3

Section 2

• Please complete sections 1, 2, and 3. These sections are outlined in Figure 2.

• For section 2, the article number label can be found on the tracking label, as shown in the

graphics below, a visual of this label can also be found in Figures 3 & 4.

• Please DO NOT restrict articles of mail to business. Restricted Deliveries are to be

addressed to SPECIFIC individuals.

Adhesive Strip

Agency address Domestic

Return Receipt is being

returned to.

Figure 2

Certified Mail Preparation

• When completing the Certifies Mail Receipt, (Figure 3), please be sure to include the

return SHS number and senders name. This can be written in the “postmark” section or

you may write it on the back or place a label on the back.

• Failure to provide SHS number & sender information will result in the loss of this receipt.

This article number label

goes in section 2 on the return

receipt.

Certified Mail

Receipt

Please

complete this

section.

Certified

Sticker

Figure 3

Certified Mail Preparation

Properly Prepared Certified Envelope

State of Maine

Postal Services

88 SHS

Augusta, ME 04333-0088

John Smith

123 State Postal Dr.

Augusta, ME 04330

Figure 4

FRONT SIDE

John Smith

123 State Postal Dr.

Augusta, ME 04330

Section 1

Figure 5

Section 3

Section 2

Article Tracking Number

REVERSE SIDE

Article Tracking

Number

Certified Mail Preparation

Additional Helpful Hints for Certified Mail

Be Sure:

• Use a #10 envelope or larger

• You have your return address on your envelope

• Place the certified sticker on the FRONT of the envelope just to the right of the return

address and fold on top of the envelope on the dotted line.

• Address the PS 3811 green properly

• Put the article number on the PS 3811; use the sticker on the certified PS 3800 form

• Check the appropriate service type.

• Please make sure to properly notate on the meter card that this is certified, certified

restricted delivery, or electronic return receipt. If you have questions or concerns

regarding this, please call or email our office.

Do Not:

• Use a small envelope

• Put the bar code on the envelope upside down

• Place the barcode in the location where the meter tape is placed or cover the barcode with

a meter strip or postage

• Select Restricted Delivery unless you are seeking restricted delivery. The cost difference

is significant.

• Select “Restricted Delivery” when the addressee is a business

Certified Mail Preparation

3.2.1 PS Form 3800

Certified Mail must bear the barcoded green label part of the Form 3800 (see forms at http://pe.usps.com/), or a

non-barcoded green Label 3800-N when a mailer-generated shipping label bearing an IMpb, under 204.2.0, is

also affixed on the same mail piece. Mailers must place the applicable label above the delivery address and to

the right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery address on parcels. A mailer of Certified Mail must:

a. On PS Form 3800, enter the name and complete address of the person or firm to whom the mail is

addressed.

b. If a return receipt is requested, enter the fee on the mailing receipt. Endorse the mail, near the

Certified Mail endorsement on the address side of the mail piece, “Return Receipt Requested.” Enter

the Certified Mail number on the return receipt card and address it to the intended recipient on the

reverse of the return receipt to show where the receipt is to be sent (this does not have to match the

sender’s name and return address on the mail piece). Attach it on the front of a package or large

envelope (or to the back of a small envelope) so the card does not cover the address. When a return

receipt is requested, the sender’s name and complete delivery address is required on the mail piece.

c. Affix to the envelope enough postage to pay for the Certified Mail fee, the class of mail used, and any

additional extra service fees when applicable.

d. If a postmarked sender’s receipt is requested, attach the Form 3800 with the completed receipt to the

address side of the article and present the article to the USPS employee, who then round-dates the

receipt (and receipts the time, if requested) to show when the article was accepted. Otherwise, attach

the “Certified Mail” sticker to the address side of the article, detach the receipt, mark the receipt to

show the date, and mail the article.

e. For Certified Mail Restricted Delivery, meet the additional standards under 3.2.2).

3.2.2 Additional Standards for Certified Mail Restricted Delivery

Certified Mail Restricted Delivery permits a mailer to direct delivery only to the addressee (or addressee’s

authorized agent). The addressee must be an individual (natural person) specified by name. The mailer may

request Certified Mail Restricted Delivery at the time of mailing by advising the USPS clerk or by marking the

mail “Restricted Delivery” above the address and to the right of the return address and paying the applicable

fee. A firm mailer must enter the proper fee in the correct column of the firm sheet and place the required

endorsement on the mail. Customers may obtain a record of delivery (which includes the recipient’s signature)

by purchasing a return receipt (6.0). If a return receipt is requested, the correct block on Form 3811 must be

checked to show that restricted delivery is also required. Mail marked “Restricted Delivery” is delivered under

the conditions in 508.1.1.7 and 508.1.1.8.

For more information regarding the United States Postal Service rules and regulations, click on

the highlighted sections on this page to be taken to the USPS website, or visit http://pe.usps.com,

for answers to all your postal related questions.