Postal Service Practice Exam

What type of delivery confirmation can be requested with certified mail?

1. Signature confirmation

2. Tracking number

3. Return receipt

4. Proof of delivery

The correct answer is: Return receipt

When using certified mail, requesting a return receipt is a specific feature that provides the sender with proof of delivery. The return receipt is a postal form that the recipient signs upon receiving the mail, and it is then returned to the sender. This feature allows the sender to verify not only that the item was delivered, but also the date and time of delivery, and it provides a signature from the recipient as evidence of receipt. While signature confirmation and tracking numbers are useful for various mail services, they do not provide the same level of proof as a return receipt. Tracking numbers are mainly used to monitor the progress of the package through the postal system but don't necessarily confirm delivery with a recipient's signature. Similarly, proof of delivery can refer broadly to delivery confirmation but usually does not include a physical signature returned to the sender, which is key to what the return receipt offers. Thus, the return receipt option with certified mail is designed specifically for those who require formal verification of delivery through a signed acknowledgment, making it the correct answer.