How to Send a Registered Letter

With registered mail, the post office promises to secure your package from the point of departure to the point of delivery and to insure the package for up to $25,000 (with some limitations on the coverage amount). Registration is usually used for when you're sending valuable contents.

Steps

1. Go to your local U.S. Post Office.
2. Find the public service table, where there are forms for specific types of mailings.
3. Look for the Registered Mail form. There are two types: one for domestic mailings and another for international mailings.
4. Select the one you want and fill it out.

Tips

• If you're still not sure what form to use, stand in line (if there is one) and ask the U.S. Post Office service person to help you. (S)he will give you the proper Registered Mail form, ask you to fill it out, then charge you only what it costs to mail it. Give the letter and the form to the U.S. Post Office service person and (s)he will process it for you and give you a receipt.
• If you want to insure the package, mention that to the U.S. Post Office service person and he or she will tell you what it costs.
• If you just want to be sure the recipient actually receives the package, then perhaps "Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested," is what you need instead. If you decide you really want Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, just follow the same instructions provided here, except you look for two forms: one is a green card, which you have to complete on both sides; the other is a white / green form called "U.S. Postal Service Certified Mail Receipt. This is for domestic mail only and offers no insurance. Give the letter and the forms to the U.S. Post Office service person and (s)he will process it for you and give you a receipt.
• You can pay U.S. Post Office charges with cash, check (with proper ID), or ATM card.
• Also easy, but more expensive, is to go to a local UPS Store (formerly Mailboxes, Etc.), or another similar place. Just tell the salesperson you need help to send a registered letter. The salesperson will both give you the proper form and will tell you exactly what to do. Expect to pay the normal mailing fee, plus a UPS Store service fee. If you want insurance, be sure to mention it. Give the letter and the form to the salesperson and (s)he will process it for you and give you a receipt