When it comes to mailing sensitive or high-value items, few services are as well-known, or as misunderstood, as Registered Mail. Many people ask, “Can you send Registered Mail online, the way you can send Certified Mail?” The short answer is no. Registered Mail cannot be fully prepared and sent online.
Registered Mail requires a physical handoff at a United States Postal Service (USPS) Post Office, because of its heightened security measures. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options, though. For many compliance-driven communications; such as legal notices, foreclosure letters, or tax documents, Certified Mail sent online provides the accountability you need, without the hassle of the Post Office.
In this guide, we’ll explain what Registered Mail is, why it cannot be sent online, how it compares to Certified Mail, and the best alternatives for businesses and legal professionals who want convenience, compliance, and peace of mind.
For a complete overview of Certified Mail online, see Send Certified Mail Electronically Without Going to the Post Office.
What Is USPS Registered Mail?
Registered Mail is the most secure form of mail offered by USPS. It was introduced in the 19th century to give banks, governments, and businesses a way to send valuables with maximum protection.
How Registered Mail Works
- Chain of Custody: Each Registered Mail item is logged at every transfer point. Postal employees sign for the item at every handoff, ensuring full accountability.
- Restricted Access: Items are stored in locked containers, safes, or sealed pouches when not in transit.
- Insurance: Registered Mail can be insured for up to $50,000, making it ideal for high-value shipments.
- Tamper-Evident: Seals, labels, and special handling reduce the risk of tampering.
Common Uses for Registered Mail
Registered Mail is chosen when security is more important than speed:
- Banks sending negotiable bonds, stock certificates, or cash equivalents.
- Law firms mailing original signed contracts or estate documents.
- Government agencies transporting sensitive records.
- Businesses shipping valuable inventory or rare collectibles.
In all these cases, the value of the contents justifies the added cost and slower handling.
Why Registered Mail Cannot Be Sent Online
Unlike Certified Mail, Registered Mail requires physical presentation at a Post Office counter.
Reasons for In-Person Requirement
- Chain of Custody: Registered Mail must be logged manually at the point of acceptance.
- Sealing Requirements: Items must be packaged and sealed in specific ways, verified by USPS staff.
- Secure Transport: USPS controls handling from the moment the item is accepted, making online submission impossible.
Because of these security steps, no third-party service (including Send Certified Mail) can replicate Registered Mail online.
Registered Mail vs. Certified Mail
People often confuse Registered Mail with Certified Mail because both provide added accountability. But they serve very different purposes.
|
Feature |
Registered Mail |
Certified Mail |
|
Purpose |
Maximum security for high-value items |
Proof of mailing & delivery for legal/ compliance documents |
|
Delivery Speed |
Slower, due to added handling |
3–10 days (First-Class) or 1–3 (Priority) |
|
Insurance |
Up to $50,000 |
❌ Not included |
|
Chain of Custody |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
|
Proof of Mailing & Delivery |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
Court Validity |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
Can Be Sent Online? |
❌ No |
✅ Yes (through SendCertifiedMail.com) |
Key Takeaway
- Use Registered Mail when sending valuables or irreplaceable documents.
- Use Certified Mail when you need legal proof of mailing and delivery.
Cost Comparison
- Registered Mail: Starts at $19.50, plus postage and increases with insurance coverage. Additional costs apply for larger items.
- Certified Mail: Starts at $5.30 for the Certified Mail fee, plus postage (First-Class or Priority). Electronic Return Receipts (ERRs) cost less than traditional green cards.
In practice, Certified Mail is faster, cheaper, and easier for compliance communications. Registered Mail is more expensive and slower because of the heightened security.
Can Registered Mail Be Combined with Online Services?
Some confusion comes from the fact that you can print Registered Mail forms online (like PS Form 3806), but you must still present the item at the Post Office for acceptance. Unlike Certified Mail, there is no fully electronic Registered Mail solution.
When Certified Mail Is a Better Alternative
Most legal and compliance mailings don’t require Registered Mail’s maximum security. Certified Mail is accepted by courts, auditors, and regulators as proof of mailing and delivery.
Examples Where Certified Mail Is Sufficient
- Landlords sending eviction notices.
- Attorneys mailing court filings.
- Financial institutions issuing delinquency letters.
- Insurance companies sending policy cancellations.
- Government agencies sending compliance notifications.
With Send Certified Mail you can send First-Class, Certified, Priority, and Express Mail online:
- Upload documents electronically.
- Send via U.S. Mail without visiting the Post Office.
- Access proof of mailing, delivery, and signatures online.
- Store records for 10 years in a secure digital archive.
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Bank Transfers
A bank sending bearer bonds would use Registered Mail, because the items have high financial value.
Scenario 2: Legal Notices
A law firm sending an eviction notice or foreclosure letter would use Certified Mail, because what matters is proof of delivery not insuring the letter’s contents.
Scenario 3: Business Communications
A company issuing tax notifications or employee notices would use Certified Mail online for convenience and compliance.
FAQs About Registered Mail
Q: Is Registered Mail the same as Certified Mail?
A: No. Registered Mail is for high-value security; Certified Mail is for legal proof.
Q: Can I insure Certified Mail like Registered Mail?
A: Certified Mail does not include insurance, but you can add standard USPS insurance if needed.
Q: Does Registered Mail take longer than Certified Mail?
A: Yes, Registered Mail is slower due to manual processing.
Q: Can businesses automate Registered Mail?
A: No. Only First-Class, Certified Mail, Priority, and Express Mail can be automated through Send Certified Mail.
Get Started Today
Registered Mail is USPS’s most secure service, but it cannot be sent online because of strict chain-of-custody requirements. For most compliance-driven communications, Certified Mail online is the smarter, faster, and more cost-effective solution.
Schedule a Live Demo with our Customer Support Team and learn how Send Certified Mail can best serve you and your business.
With Send Certified Mail, you can send Certified Mail electronically, access digital proof, and stay compliant without mailroom and Post Office trips.
Additional Resources
Can Certified Mail Be Sent Electronically?
How to Get Certified Electronic Mail Online
Does USPS Electronic Signature Work for Certified Mail?
Does FedEx Offer Certified Mail Service?
What Is Digital Certified Mail?
What Is the Cheapest Way to Send a Certified Letter?
Is Online Certified Mail Legit?
Is Priority Mail the Same as Certified Mail?
Can a Letter Be Sent Electronically?
Can You Send Certified Mail Through UPS?