What's the difference between Electronic Return Receipt and the green card?

ERR is a digital proof (PDF) with delivery details and, when captured, the recipient's signature image. The green card (PS Form 3811) is a physical postcard mailed back to you with the signature. ERR is typically faster and lower cost; the green card is a physical original.

Which should I choose for court or compliance?

Requirements vary by jurisdiction and notice type. Many senders use ERR for speed and digital storage, while some agencies or courts request PS Form 3811. Check your instructions or ask counsel.

Are USPS fees included?

Our service fees cover preparation and handling. USPS extra-service fees (Certified, Return Receipt, Restricted Delivery) and First-Class postage are added at checkout at current USPS rates.

Certified Mail — Return Receipt Options

Choose Electronic Return Receipt (ERR) for a fast PDF proof, or the traditional green card (PS Form 3811) for a physical signature card—then send Certified Mail with Return Receipt online for your return receipt requested needs.

Start with ERR Start with Green Card

At checkout you can add Return Receipt (ERR or PS Form 3811) for a downloadable proof of delivery. Compare options in our ERR vs Green Card table.

No download needed: If you choose Green Card (PS Form 3811), we supply and affix the official USPS card at mailing. Prefer digital proof? Pick Electronic Return Receipt (ERR) to get a PDF you can save and share.

Return receipt requested: ERR vs Green Card — which is right for you?

Certified Mail Return Receipt comparison — Electronic Return Receipt (ERR) vs PS Form 3811 green card
Feature	Electronic Return Receipt (ERR)	Green Card (PS Form 3811)
Proof you receive	PDF with delivery date/time, address, and when captured, the signature image	Physical postcard returned with the recipient's signature (also called the "green return receipt card," "PS3811," or "Form 3811")
Speed	Usually available soon after delivery scans; emailed	Mailed back—adds extra days; can be lost/damaged
Storage	Digital—easy to file and share	Physical—must be retained securely
Typical USPS fee*	$2.82 (as of Jul 13, 2025)	$4.40 (as of Jul 13, 2025)
Best for	Most notices needing quick, digital proof	When a physical original is explicitly required

*Plus Certified Mail fee and First-Class postage; USPS fees are added at checkout at current rates.

Return Receipt cost & pricing (ERR or PS Form 3811)

Certified + ERR

$12.99 service fee

• ERR PDF emailed to you
• Dashboard storage of proofs
• Same-day submission before cut-off
• Meets typical "return receipt requested" requirements

USPS fees (Certified $5.30, ERR $2.82) + postage added at checkout.

Certified + Green Card

$14.49 service fee

• Physical PS Form 3811 returned to you
• Tracking & delivery scans in dashboard
• Same-day submission before cut-off
• Meets typical "return receipt requested" requirements

USPS fees (Certified $5.30, Green Card $4.40) + postage added at checkout.

+ Restricted Delivery

$15.99 service fee

• Addressee-only signature
• Extra chain-of-custody control
• Works with ERR or Green Card

USPS Restricted Delivery fee $13.70 + other fees & postage added at checkout.

USPS extra-service fees (as of Jul 13, 2025)

• Certified Mail fee: $5.30
• Return Receipt — Electronic (ERR): $2.82
• Return Receipt — Green Card (PS Form 3811): $4.40
• Restricted Delivery (with Certified): $13.70

Plus First-Class Mail® postage by weight/shape. Fees subject to USPS changes.

Just need Certified Mail without a return receipt? Send Certified Mail online.

How Return Receipt works online

Upload document

Upload your PDF or compose online

Pick ERR or Green Card

Choose the proof type that fits your requirement

We process & submit

Print, certify, and hand off to USPS (before cut-off)

Get proof

ERR PDF via email—or green card by mail

Ready to send with Return Receipt?

Choose ERR for speed—or Green Card if a physical original is required.

Start with ERR Start with Green Card

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download PS Form 3811 online?

No. PS Form 3811 (the green card) is an official USPS postcard completed and processed at mailing. When you select the Green Card option here, we supply and affix it—no download or post office trip needed.

What if I need delivery info after mailing?

Choose ERR to receive a PDF after delivery. If you mailed without Return Receipt and need details later, USPS provides a separate process (PS Form 3811-A) to request delivery information after mailing.

Do I get a signature with ERR?

ERR provides a digital receipt; when a signature is captured, its image appears on the PDF. If USPS completes delivery without a signature, the receipt still shows date, time, and address details.

Is a green card ever required?

Some agencies or jurisdictions ask specifically for PS Form 3811. If your notice or counsel specifies “Return Receipt (mail),” choose the green card option.

How fast will I get my proof?

ERR PDFs are typically available shortly after USPS shows delivery. Green cards are mailed back and can take extra days to reach you.

What happens if no one signs?

USPS will leave a notice and attempt redelivery or hold the item for pickup (generally up to 15 days). You'll still have delivery-attempt records and can request pickup or redelivery.

How much is Return Receipt?

As of Jul 13, 2025, Electronic Return Receipt (ERR) is $2.82 and the green card (PS Form 3811) is $4.40, plus the Certified Mail fee and First-Class postage.

Is Return Receipt the same as Certified Mail?

No. Certified Mail is the extra service that gives proof of mailing and delivery. Return Receipt (ERR or green card) is an add-on that provides a delivery receipt (often with signature).

Does Return Receipt include signature?

Return Receipt provides delivery details; when USPS captures a signature, it appears on the ERR PDF or the mailed green card.

Can I use Return Receipt to a P.O. Box?

Yes—USPS leaves a notice for pickup with signature. ERR will reflect delivery/pickup events; the green card is mailed back after pickup.