On May 12, 2008 USPS increased the cost of mailing USPS Certified Mail letters. The new cost to send USPS Certified Mail with the Return Receipt will be $5.32.
 
The cost increase breaks out like this:

  •  Certified Mail fee increased to $2.70
  •  First Class postage increased to $0.42
  •  Return Receipt (Green Card) increased to $2.20

The new cost equals $5.32 to send a 1 OZ. USPS Certified Mail letter with return receipt (green card). 

You can reduce your cost to $4.67 per letter by using USPS approved Certified Mail Envelopes that includes Electronic Tracking Confirmation (ETC) and Electronic Return Receipt (ERR) to save time and money. The Certified Mail Envelope automates addressing, tracking and sending USPS Certified Mail. 

The cost breaks out like this:

 • Certified Mail Fee $2.70
 • First Class Postage $0.42
 • Certified Mail Envelope with Electronic Return Receipt ™ $1.55. 

In summary, USPS postal rates were adjusted for First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services, and Special Services. The average increase by class of mail was at or was below the rate of inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index.

The new First-Class Mail stamp rate increased to 42¢. Mailers can continue to use any of the Forever Stamps purchased prior to May 12 at 41¢, even after the new price change. USPS said they have more than 5 billion Forever Stamps in stock to meet increased demand before the price change. Optional USPS Electronic Signature PDF service increased from $0.85 to $1.00. 

New prices for USPS shipping services Priority Mail, Express, Mail, Parcel Select and International Mail will be announced in March, these prices can increase on average no more than the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.  USPS provides 90 . This has been consistent with The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act that adjusts mailing services prices each May. By days' notice of the new prices each year, to help mailers prepare for new rate changes.

Register for a free trial of the approved USPS Certified Mail Envelopes to automate your mailings.