Certificate of Mailing

Getting Started

A Certificate of Mailing (COM), also known as USPS Form 3877 or firmbook mailing, provides proof that you mailed an item on a specific date. While it does not provide tracking or delivery confirmation, it serves as a receipt verifying that you sent something through the mail, which can be important in legal situations.

In This Article

What Is a Certificate of Mailing?

A Certificate of Mailing is a document issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that serves as proof that you mailed an item on a specific date. Key points include:

  • Proof of Sending: It confirms that you presented the mail to the USPS for mailing on a specific date, not that the recipient received it.
  • No Delivery Details: It does not provide information about when or where the mail was delivered.
  • Obtaining a Certificate: You can purchase a Certificate of Mailing at the post office when you send your mail.
  • Legal Situations: A Certificate of Mailing can be important in legal situations where you need to demonstrate that you sent a document on a specific date.

COM Requirements at LetterStream

To use the COM option through LetterStream, your mailings must:

  • Be sent as a first-class mailing.
  • Include more than 5 recipients.
  • Be mailed in a standard-sized envelope (up to 15 sheets of paper per recipient can be included).

If you are sending 5 letters or fewer, certified mail may be a more cost-effective option, as it provides tracking and a signature upon successful delivery.

How to Request a COM

To request a Certificate of Mailing through LetterStream:

  • Request Access: Send an email to support requesting access to the Certificate of Mailing feature.
  • Build Your Job: Once the feature has been added to your account, build your job(s).
  • Select COM Option: Prior to placing your job in the shopping cart, select the option that says, "Add Certificate of Mailing."

Note: COM's cannot be added to jobs that have already been mailed. This option needs to be enabled in your account first and then added to your jobs prior to payment.

COM Pricing and Delivery

  • Cost: An additional $24.95 per job, plus $2.05 per recipient.
  • Delivery: Your COM will be accessible within your LetterStream account within 3 business days after your job is mailed.

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