How Much Is Special Delivery?
Royal Mail Special Delivery prices explained, including guaranteed by 1pm and by 9am services, compensation levels, and when it is worth using.
Special Delivery prices
Royal Mail Special Delivery is their premium guaranteed service. It includes next-day delivery by a specified time, full tracking, a signature on delivery, and automatic compensation cover for loss or damage.
Quick answer
Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm starts from around £7.65 for items up to 100g. This includes next-working-day delivery by 1pm, full tracking, a signature, and £500 compensation cover. The by 9am service starts from around £12. Prices increase with weight and if you need higher compensation cover for valuable items.
Guaranteed by 1pm
This is the most popular Special Delivery option. Your item is guaranteed to be delivered by 1pm the next working day. It must be posted at a Post Office counter before the last collection time (usually around 5:30pm on weekdays, though this varies by branch).
Prices increase by weight band. A 500g item costs more than a 100g item, and items up to the 2kg maximum cost the most. You can also upgrade the compensation level at the counter if the contents are worth more than the standard £500 cover.
If you post a Special Delivery item on Saturday, it will be delivered on Monday (the next working day). There is no Sunday delivery for Special Delivery items.
While the target is 1pm, occasional delays can occur. If Royal Mail misses the 1pm target, you can claim a refund on the postage cost. The item will still be delivered that day.
The recipient (or someone at the address) must sign for the delivery. The item cannot be left on a doorstep or in a safe place without prior arrangement.
Looking for cheaper tracked options? Read about recorded delivery costs or check what recorded delivery includes.
Guaranteed by 9am
For time-critical deliveries, the by 9am service guarantees your item arrives before 9am the next working day. This costs more than the by 1pm service but is essential for urgent legal documents, contracts, or time-sensitive materials.
The by 9am service has stricter posting deadlines. You typically need to post earlier in the day, and not all Post Office branches offer the 9am guarantee. Check with your local branch to confirm they can process by 9am items.
When to use Special Delivery
Special Delivery is not cheap, so it makes sense to use it selectively. Here are the situations where it is genuinely worth the cost.
When Special Delivery makes sense0 / 5 checked
How to send Special Delivery
Special Delivery items must be taken to a Post Office counter. You cannot post them in a postbox. The counter staff will weigh your item, apply the correct postage, and give you a tracking receipt.
Need to know more about Royal Mail services? Check whether Special Delivery requires a signature or read about how long recorded delivery takes.
Secure packaging for valuable items
Sending something important by Special Delivery? Our padded envelopes, rigid mailers, and tamper-evident bags provide extra protection for high-value post.
Browse secure packagingFrequently asked questions
Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm starts from around £7.65 for items up to 100g with £500 compensation cover. Prices increase with weight and the level of compensation you choose. Special Delivery by 9am starts from around £12.
Yes, Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm aims to deliver by 1pm the next working day. Special Delivery by 9am guarantees delivery by 9am. Both come with a money-back guarantee if the target time is missed.
Yes, Special Delivery includes full tracking and a signature on delivery. You can track your item online using the reference number provided at the Post Office.
Yes, Special Delivery always requires a signature from the recipient. The item cannot be left in a safe place or with a neighbour without the recipient's prior arrangement with Royal Mail.
Special Delivery is best for valuable items, important documents with tight deadlines, legal or financial paperwork, and anything where you need proof of delivery by a guaranteed time.
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