How long should I have to wait for a certified mail receipt? It has been two weeks since I sent it to the CA and I have heard nothing. Impatient as always. It was sent to their PO Box so they may not have claimed it yet. How long does the PO give them to claim it before they send it back unclaimed?
Most post office officials will tell you that it should be delivered within 3 days of mailing. They give the party 21 days to claim the mail. If not claimed, they will return it (another 3 days). You can call the post office where you mailed the article from an ask for a trace/track. Sometimes they only scan the mail when it is delivered. You could also ask for the post office where the mail was delivered to check if it's pending pickup.
I have sent certified letters which were received but for some reason I never got the green card back. Here's some info I posted awhile back: We all know when sending a certified item you may request a return receipt (Form 3811). You may also request a return receipt (delivery record) AFTER mailing. Use Form 3811-A. Also, if within two years of mailing, you may request information from the delivery record. Again, use Form 3811-A at any post office. If you have your ORIGINAL, stamped receipt showing you paid for return receipt, you can get this duplicate service free. With Express mail you must act within 90 days. So, if you have sent stuff certified, you may get delivery information way after the fact! Remember, this only pertains to Express Mail, certified mail, registered mail, COD mail, and mail insured for more than $50. SK
