A USPS optional service
Electronic Return Receipt is an add-on selected with eligible USPS Certified Mail. It is distinct from Electronic Delivery Confirmation, which provides delivery status without a recipient signature.
Electronic Return Receipt
Need a digital record of the recipient’s signature?
Electronic Return Receipt is an optional USPS service for eligible Certified Mail. It adds an electronic PDF signature record when available. It is different from standard tracking and delivery confirmation, which do not provide a recipient signature.
What the option gives you
Signature evidence is separate from the tracking trail.
A PDF signature record
When USPS delivery activity is available, the electronic report can include the tracking number, recipient and delivery address, signature and delivery date/time.
Linked to the mailing record
The report can be retrieved with the related Certified Mail record from the account rather than waiting for a physical green card to return.
How it works
Select, mail, then retrieve the receipt.
The electronic signature report depends on selecting the USPS Return Receipt service for the mailpiece and USPS delivery information becoming available.
- 01
Choose it before submitting
Select Electronic Return Receipt for the eligible Certified Mail piece during the mailing setup. It is an optional USPS service, not an automatic part of every mailing.
- 02
USPS processes the mailpiece
Certified Mail acceptance and in-route events are tracked separately from the recipient signature record. Same-business-day service means USPS acceptance, not a promised delivery date.
- 03
Retrieve the available report
Once USPS makes signature data available, look up the corresponding electronic Return Receipt report in your mailing account and retain it with the related matter or account record.
Published one-page example
$11.34 total
One-page black-and-white Certified Mail example with Electronic Return Receipt and PDF signature record.
The published comparison is $2.91 more
The $8.43 standard example includes Electronic Delivery Confirmation with no recipient signature; the $11.34 example adds the Return Receipt electronic signature service. Both totals assume one black-and-white page. Page count, mailpiece size/weight and USPS pricing affect the actual amount.
Prices checked November 14, 2026, against Send Certified Mail’s published pricing page. Confirm your current total using the estimator.
What it can show
The available electronic report may show the tracking number, delivery address, signed-by information and USPS delivery date/time.
What it does not promise
It does not guarantee a delivery date, identify the legal recipient by itself, or ensure acceptance under every court, agency or notice rule.
When to choose it
Choose it when your mailing instruction calls for a USPS signature receipt. Check the governing rule or policy before adding it.
Next step
Does your mailing need a signature record?
Check the applicable notice or internal requirements, then use the estimate tool to price the optional Return Receipt service for your mailing.