Information Guide

How Long Does Recorded Delivery Take?

Sent something by recorded delivery? Here's when it should arrive and how to track it.

3 min readUpdated April 2025

How long does recorded delivery take?

Royal Mail's "Signed For" service (formerly called Recorded Delivery) follows the same delivery timeline as the stamp class used. So 1st class Signed For aims for next day, and 2nd class Signed For aims for 2-3 working days.

✅
1st class Signed For: aims for next working day delivery
✅
2nd class Signed For: aims for 2-3 working days
✅
Signature required on delivery, providing proof your item arrived
Not guaranteed - delivery aims are targets, not promises (unlike Special Delivery)

Quick answer

1st class Signed For aims for next working day. 2nd class Signed For aims for 2-3 working days. Both include tracking and require a signature on delivery. These are targets, not guarantees. For guaranteed next-day delivery, use Royal Mail Special Delivery.

What is recorded delivery?

"Recorded delivery" is the old name for Royal Mail's "Signed For" service. It adds tracking and a signature requirement on top of standard 1st or 2nd class postage.

Tracking included - see when your item is out for delivery and when it's been signed for
Signature on delivery - provides proof of delivery if there's ever a dispute
Compensation up to £50 included if the item is lost or damaged

Wondering about costs? Read how much recorded delivery costs or find out Special Delivery pricing for comparison.

Tracking your recorded delivery

How to track0 / 4 checked

Keep the receipt from the Post Office - it has your tracking number
Track at royalmail.com/track using the reference number
You'll see updates when it's out for delivery and when it's been signed for
If nobody is home, a card is left and the item goes to the local delivery office

Recorded delivery vs Special Delivery

Signed For costs just a small amount on top of the stamp price. Delivery aims for next day (1st class) or 2-3 days (2nd class) but isn't guaranteed. Compensation up to £50.

Special Delivery Guaranteed costs more (from around £7) but guarantees delivery by 1pm next day. Compensation up to £500 (or £2,500 with enhanced cover). Better for valuable items.

Need guaranteed delivery? Learn about Special Delivery signatures or check how long 1st class takes.

Tips for using recorded delivery

Use Signed For when you need proof of delivery but the item isn't high value - selling on eBay, sending documents, or posting items worth under £50. For anything more valuable, upgrade to Special Delivery for the guarantee and higher compensation.
From ProcuraPack

Posting important items?

Padded envelopes and do not bend mailers to protect documents and valuable items in the post.

Browse do not bend envelopes

Sending documents safely? Our do not bend envelopes guide covers the best options for certificates, photos, and important papers.

Frequently asked questions

1st class Signed For aims for next working day. 2nd class Signed For aims for 2-3 working days. These are targets, not guarantees.

No. Signed For is a delivery target, not a guarantee. Only Special Delivery offers a guaranteed delivery time.

A small surcharge on top of the stamp price (typically £1-2 extra). Much cheaper than Special Delivery.

Signed For is cheaper with up to £50 compensation but no guarantee. Special Delivery is guaranteed by 1pm next day with up to £500 compensation.

Yes. You get a tracking number on your receipt. Track at royalmail.com/track to see delivery status and signature confirmation.

Related articles

How Much Is Special Delivery?Does Special Delivery Require a Signature?How Long Does 1st Class Take?How Much to Send Recorded Delivery?

Part of our guide

ProcuraPack Information Guides

Practical answers to your most common shipping, packaging, and postal questions - all in one place.

Browse all guides →