Certified Mail - Address Restrictions

Getting Started

While Certified Mail is a useful and secure mailing method, there are certain address restrictions you need to be aware of. This guide explains which destinations and recipient types are not eligible for Certified Mail and what to use instead for international addresses.

In This Article

Where Certified Mail Cannot Be Sent

Certified Mail cannot be sent to the following types of addresses:

  • APO (Army Post Office)
  • FPO (Fleet Post Office)
  • DPO (Diplomatic Post Office)
  • International addresses (outside the United States)

Certified Mail is only accepted for delivery to U.S. addresses within the 50 states.

Who Certified Mail Can Be Addressed To

Certified Mail must be addressed to a specific person or company. It should not be addressed to a generic or non-specific recipient.

Examples of invalid recipient names:

  • Postal Customer
  • Box Holder
  • Homeowner
  • Neighbor

Make sure to use a real name or business name when addressing Certified Mail.

Sending Certified Mail Internationally

Certified Mail is not supported for international destinations. If you need to send secure or trackable mail outside the U.S.:

  • Use Registered Mail instead.
  • LetterStream does offer this service, but fees are significantly higher than Certified Mail. Click here to learn more.