Certificate of Mailing
A Certificate of Mailing (COM) may be presented only at the time of mailing and provide evidence that individual mailpieces have been presented to the USPS for mailing. Each COM form is postmarked (round-dated) at the time the mailing is presented and is returned to the mailer as their receipt. Certificate of Mailing does not provide a record of delivery, and the Postal Service does not retain copies of either form.
First Class Mail
Description
There are several variations of Certificate of Mailing:
- Form 3817 is available for fewer than three individual pieces, presented at one time at a retail Post Office, station or branch).
- Form 3665 (firm sheet) is available for three or more pieces. Each individual Form 3817 or each sheet of the Form 3665 (firm sheet) is postmarked (round-dated) at the time of mailing; the form(s) are then returned to the mailer and become the mailer‘s receipt. PS Form 3665 (firm sheet) may be submitted electronically to PostalOne! and processed at the BMEU.
- Form 3606-D is used to specify only the number of identical-weight pieces mailed; it does not provide evidence that a piece was mailed to a particular address. Certificate of Bulk Mailing service does not provide a record of delivery and the Postal Service does not retain any copies of Form 3606-D. The Form 3606-D cannot be used as a Certificate of Mailing of individual mailpieces or itemized lists. Mailers may upload the electronic PS Form 3606-D, Certificate of Bulk Mailing – Domestic, before presenting the mailing at the BMEU for processing. Each electronic PS Form 3606-D will receive a watermark date-stamped receipt after finalization of the mailing.
For Certificate of Mailing, in addition to the correct postage, the applicable Certificate of Mailing fee must be paid for each article on Form 3817 or listed on Form 3665-Firm and for duplicate copies of either form. When postage evidencing indicia are used to pay the fee, they must bear the full numerical value of the amount paid in the imprint. When electronically submitted, postage for PS Form 3665, Certificate of Mailing – Firm (Domestic), must be paid with an EPS (Electronic Payment System) account.
Fees vary, depending on whether the Certificate of Mailing is purchased with an Individual Article or an Individual Article with Firm Mailing Book. Fees are in addition to regular postage. For detailed information on fees, go to https://www.usps.com/ship/insurance-extra-services.htm: (for International prices, go to https://www.usps.com/international/insurance-extra-services.htm).
Contact
For questions, please reach out to your assigned BME or the Mailing and Shipping Solution Center.