Return receipt service provides a mail owner with evidence of delivery (to whom the mail was delivered and the date of delivery). A return receipt also provides the recipient’s actual delivery address if it is different from the address used by the sender. A return receipt may be requested before or after mailing. A mailer purchasing return receipt service at the time of mailing may choose to receive the return receipt by U.S. mail or electronically. A mailer who receives the return receipt by mail receives the actual signature on PS Form 3811, Domestic Return Receipt. A return receipt received electronically provides the mailer with a PDF file of a Proof of Delivery letter that includes a copy of the recipient’s signature. Electronic return receipts requested at the time of mailing are also available in bulk (see chapter 4 for more information).
