Difference Between Certified and Registered Mail (with Comparison Chart)

Table of Contents

Certified Mail is a postal service, started by the postal department to provide an assurance to the customer or say the sender that the mail has been sent successfully and to certify that delivery or efforts to deliver the parcel, has been made. On the other hand, Registered Mail, aims at providing high-level security and a recorded chain of custody, in the entire postal network, for the articles of high value.

To make a choice between these two is quite difficult. However, one can choose between these two services as per their need and convenience. Further, you can also consider the factors like time taken to deliver the parcel, shipping charges, facilities provided and so forth.

Content: Certified Vs Registered Mail

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Certified Mail	Registered Mail
Meaning	Certified Mail is one wherein the delivery man needs to take the signature of the recipient or the person authorized for so, upon the delivery.	Registered Mail is that postal service wherein there is a complete chain of custody, for providing additional protection, security and assurance to your article.
Suitable when	Proof of delivery is important.	Security of the sent item is important.
Tracking code	20 digit numeric code	13 digit alphanumeric code
Additional Services	Includes return receipt and return receipt after mailing are available.	Includes return receipt, return receipt after mailing, insurance, collect on delivery, restricted delivery are available.
Handling of item	Handles the item as ordinary mail.	Protects the item, in locked boxes, safes or registry sections.

Definition of Certified Mail

Certified Mail is a postal service, wherein the sender of the mail gets a certificate specifying that the documents, letter or parcel has been delivered, and the delivery man obtains the signature of the recipient, as a proof of delivery on the mailing receipt which is provided to the sender along with the electronic verification that the article has been received by them or an attempt to deliver the item was made. And when the specified addressee is not found, then the mail is returned to the sender.

In a certified mail, additional security is provided by assigning a unique tracking code to the mailed item. The unique tracking code is twenty digit number. It is used for sending important documents or parcel which require proof of delivery.

Certified Mails are shipped with normal mail stream, regardless of the fact that whether it is sent from priority mail or first class mail. Further, it provides tracking of the mail, which allows the sender to track the mail at each stage through which it passes. It tracks the signature of the recipient, which can be bought by the sender by paying an additional fee to the Postal Department, which keeps it for two years.

Definition of Registered Mail

Registered Mail, refers to a special mail delivery service that allows you to send your valuable documents and packages in a safe, and reliable manner, nationally or internationally. Further, the sender will receive compensation if the mail reaches late to the specified addressee, or it gets lost or damaged during transit.

In a registered mail additional protection and safe custody is provided to the article of high value, for which a chain of custody is set, wherein a record is maintained at every stage through which the article passes and in this way, the shipment is secured, right from the moment the item is posted, till it is delivered to the specified addressee. Moreover, the package can be tracked with the help of the 13 digits unique code, as detailed records of the mail’s location are kept.

In this type of mail, the sender is provided with a proof of delivery, via mailing receipt, and electronic verification of the delivered item, on the request of the sender. Additional services like a chain of custody of the mailed item are provided to the sender.

Key Differences Between Certified and Registered Mail

The difference between certified and registered mail can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:

A certified mail is a mail delivery service, that provides the sender with an authorized proper proof of mailing, i.e. mailing receipt and delivery, maintained by the Postal department. On the other hand, Registered mail is a mail delivery service, that provides careful handling of the letters, documents and parcels mailed, through end to end security in locked containers.

Certified Mail is started to provide such a mail service to the citizens where they can send important business letters and legal documents, with great accountability at a reasonable price. Conversely, Registered Mail is designed to provide special precautions for the safety of the item which is mailed and compensation if there is any loss or damage to the parcel.

Certified mail is preferred when proof of delivery is the primary concern of the sender. As against, registered mail is preferred when the security of the mailed article is given more importance.

Both the services provide a unique tracking number, wherein there are 20 digits numeric code is provided in certified mail, while 13 digits alphanumeric code is provided in case of registered mail.

In a certified mail, return receipt and return receipt after the mailing is available, as a part of additional services. Return receipt, return receipt after mailing, insurance, collect on delivery, restricted delivery, etc. are the additional services provided in registered mail. A return receipt is nothing but evidence of delivery, which contains the signature of the recipient.

Certified Mail handles the packages, parcels and letters, as ordinary mail. On the contrary, a registered mail, handles the mailed item, in locked or sealed boxes.

Conclusion

Certified Mail was originated from Registered Mail and so there are a number of common features in the two services as the sender can get the mailing receipt, and delivery confirmation on request. The two services differ in the facilities provided by them.

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