Registered Mail™ (Domestic)
Registered Mail is a service offered to customers who require proof of mailing and/or proof of delivery. The service secures the signature of the addressee or the addressee’s representative and provides the sender with a mailing receipt, a copy of the signature and the date upon delivery of the item.
Customers with a Standing Offer Agreement
Registered Mail may not be used to send items prohibited by law in Canada or defined as dangerous goods. See Non-mailable Matter for more information.
Each Registered Mail item must meet the size and weight specifications shown in Table 1.
To obtain information on pricing:
Acceptable proofs of payment and methods of payment for Registered Mail items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.
For more information, see Paying For Your Mailing.
The delivery standards are estimates of how long it will take for the mail to be delivered. These delivery standards are not guaranteed. For more details on the delivery standards for Registered Mail, see section 2.3 of Delivery Standards.
A feature is something that is provided as part of the basic service. The available features are described below.
A signature is secured upon delivery of the item, free of charge. A copy of the signature is available by contacting Customer Service at 1-888-550-6333 or canadapost.ca/support. Some exceptions apply in smaller centres.
Registered Mail provides confirmation that the item was received by Canada Post for delivery to the addressee. Canada Post will provide the sender with a date stamped official registration receipt.
Registered Mail provides confirmation that the item has arrived at its destination. Upon delivery, or attempted delivery, the item ID number is scanned and the date captured. The date of delivery is available the next business day after delivery online at canadapost.ca/track or using the automated phone response system at 1-888-550-6333.
Liability Coverage for up to $100 is included. Certain exceptions apply. Canada Post shall have no liability for loss or damage of Registered Mail items containing banknotes, stocks, bonds, coupons or other securities negotiable by the bearer, lottery tickets, travellers’ cheques, coins, jewellery, manufactured and non-manufactured precious metals, precious stones, gold bullion, gold dust or cancelled or uncancelled postage stamps. Indemnity may not be claimed for expenses incurred by the sender in submitting the indemnity claim or for the fees paid for the option.
Registered Mail items will be returned to the sender if they cannot be delivered, as long as they have a return address, or a Mail Forwarding request has been filed for an address outside Canada.
Registered Mail items will be forwarded if the addressee has filed a Mail Forwarding request and if the new address is within Canada.
An option is a service enhancement which is not included automatically as part of the basic service. The customer must select the option by checking a box or affixing an additional label or sticker. Most options are available for an additional fee. The available options are described below.
A secured image of the signature of the person who signed for the delivery is available by contacting Customer Service at 1-888-550-6333.
Additional Liability Coverage is available for domestic Registered Mail items up to $5,000, for a fee. Certain exceptions apply. Canada Post shall have no liability for loss or damage of Registered Mail items containing banknotes, stocks, bonds, coupons or other securities negotiable by the bearer, lottery tickets, travellers’ cheques, coins, jewellery, manufactured and non-manufactured precious metals, precious stones, gold bullion, gold dust or cancelled or uncancelled postage stamps.
Literature for the Blind is free of charge.
Registered Mail items must have a Registered Mail barcode that allows for the item to be tracked. Registered Mail can be prepared by applying a Registered Mail barcode label on the front of each item. In addition, commercial customers can prepare Registered Mail items by:
Prepaid Registered Mail envelopes are available to commercial customers in two sizes:
Prepaid envelopes can be ordered by calling the Canada Post Order Desk at 1-888-550-6333. Commercial customers can create and print a Registered Mail barcode label using the Electronic Shipping Tools Desktop software with a compatible 4” x 6” thermal label printer. Using the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) will:
Commercial customers who wish to develop their own in-house solution for printing a Registered Mail barcode and artwork, must follow a certification process. For more information, visit canadapost.ca/registeredmail. The Electronic Shipping Tools Desktop software has a File Import option which can be used with in-house systems. Visit canadapost.ca/est for more information on the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST).
All items must be packaged according to standard domestic packaging for the original service used.
Addresses must be legible, complete and include the name of the addressee and the correct Postal Code. See Addressing Guidelines for more information.
The customer can deposit domestic Registered Mail items at the following locations: All Registered Mail must be deposited at an authorized post office, or given to a rural mail carrier. Such items are not to be dropped into a street mailbox or mail receptacle. The sender is provided with a proof of mailing at the time of mailing.
Items deposited after the Canada Post-approved postal facility cut-off time are considered as being deposited on the next business day. Visit canadapost.ca/cutofftimes for the list of facility cut-off times.
Where mail is normally delivered to the addressee’s door, the Registered Mail item will be delivered to the door, provided there is someone available to sign for the item. If no one is available, a Delivery Notice card will be left in the mailbox. Registered Mail delivered to a group mailbox, community mailbox, rural mailbox, post office box, or via general delivery, will be automatically carded with a Delivery Notice card. A signature is mandatory before delivering Registered Mail. If the addressee or their representative refuse to sign-for a Registered Mail item, the item will be returned to sender. |