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Where can I get Certified Mail Labels?

By Andrew Newmark | July 21, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Certified Mail includes tracking and the option for a Return Receipt, making it legally significant for businesses and legal entities.
  • Traditional Certified Mail requires completing PS Forms 3800 and 3811 manually at the Post Office, which is inefficient for bulk senders.
  • Online services like SimpleCertifiedMail.com allow users to print Certified Mail labels from home, eliminate trips to the Post Office, and replace Green Cards with Return Receipt Electronic.

Certified Mail labels and forms are available at the local Post Office, but there are easy options to print Certified Mail labels online and eliminate the forms entirely.

What is Certified Mail?
Certified Mail® provides mailers with proof that their letter was accepted by the USPS, and includes online tracking so mailers can see when their letter was delivered. Mailers can also request a Return Receipt for each piece of Certified Mail, and the Mail Carrier will collect the signature of the recipient when delivering the Certified Mail letter and return it to the mailer. Proof of Acceptance and the signed Return Receipt both serve an important role in business and legal affairs as they are considered “prima facie” evidence in legal proceedings.

What are the Specific Certified Mail Labels and Forms Needed?
The traditional way to send Certified Mail is fill in the PS 3800 Certified Mail label and the PS 3811 Return Receipt (also known as the “Green Card”) at the Post Office, attach them to your envelopes, and then hand off the letter at the Post Office counter.

PS Form 3800
This green and white label is the USPS Certified Mail receipt showing acceptance of the letter into the mailstream. It’s a barcode label that attaches to the front of the envelope and folds over the backside, with a portion of the label that tears off to serve as a receipt for the sender. The barcode is scanned throughout the mailing journey enabling the sender to stay updated on delivery status by visiting USPS.com and entering a tracking number.

Image of Certified Mail receipt
Example of Certified Mail Label – PS Form 3800

PS Form 3811
The PS Form 3811 is the USPS Domestic Return Receipt, commonly referred to as the “Green Card”. It is attached to the back of the envelope before the mail piece is sent. The PS Form 3811 includes an area for the recipient to add their signature, confirming receipt of the mailpiece. Upon delivery, the Mail Carrier gets the recipient’s signature on the card and the card is returned to the sender via the mail.

Example of USPS PS Form 3811, aka “Green Card”

Traditional Ways to Get Certified Mail Labels
The PS 3800 label and the PS 3811 form can both be found at your local Post Office. Of course, this requires the sender to travel to the Post Office, fill out handwritten forms for each envelope and keep manual receipts and Green Cards stored and organized. For businesses who send out high volumes of Certified Mail, this can be time-consuming process and take valuable employees away from more important job tasks. Thankfully, there is a more convenient way.

Online Software Solutions for Certified Mail Labels
SimpleCertifiedMail has modernized the process in several ways, saving most users 80% of the time they previously spent preparing and managing Certified Mail.

SimpleCertifiedMail.com makes printing Certified Mail labels easy using your own printer.
  • No Post Office trips required: Print Certified Mail labels from your home or office printer using plain paper, then insert your Certified Mail letter in the Certified Mail envelopes we provide and leave for your Mail Carrier or drop in any USPS mailbox.
  • Electronic Proof of Acceptance is automatically posted to your account soon after your Certified Mail letter receives its first outbound scan by the USPS.
  • Electronic Return Receipts replace Green Cards: Receive your Proof of Delivery with signature as a PDF file that is automatically posted to your account, within hours of the Mail Carrier collecting the recipient’s signature. No more waiting for Green Cards to come back via the mail.
  • It’s cheaper: Special mail rates on First Class Mail postage and Return Receipt Electronic saves more than 30% versus PS Form 3811 Green Cards.
  • Simple and easy pricing: No subscription fees, no equipment leases and no hidden transaction fees. Our costs are included in the price. Plus, we provide free Certified Mail envelopes

Ready to sign up?
There is no charge to set up an account. Sign up today! Have questions? Check out our FAQ page for all the answers.

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