The cost of sending a letter recorded delivery in the UK depends on the weight of the item, the delivery speed you choose, and whether you want additional services like tracking or a signature on arrival. Royal Mail is the main provider of recorded delivery for letters, and their prices are set depending on the level of service you need. Recorded delivery is typically used when proof of delivery is required, or when you’re sending something of value or importance.
Standard Signed For Delivery Costs
If you're sending a standard letter and want confirmation that it’s been delivered, Royal Mail Signed For 1st or 2nd Class is the usual choice. Prices start at around £2.75 for 2nd Class and just over £3.00 for 1st Class. These services include a signature on delivery and limited tracking, showing when the item was posted and when it was signed for. The weight limit for a basic letter is up to 100g, and anything over that will increase the cost. Larger envelopes or documents may fall under the ‘Large Letter’ category, which has its own pricing scale.
What’s the Difference Between Signed For and Special Delivery
Signed For services provide confirmation that the item was delivered and signed for, but they don’t offer full end-to-end tracking. For that, Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed is the next tier up. It’s more expensive, with prices starting from around £7.50 depending on the size, weight and insurance value of the letter. This option guarantees delivery by 1pm the next working day and includes full tracking and compensation cover.
What Affects the Cost of Recorded Delivery
Several factors influence the final price. The most important is weight — if your letter contains multiple sheets or any non-paper materials, it may push the item into a higher bracket. Size is also a factor; anything that doesn’t meet standard letter dimensions is priced as a Large Letter or parcel. The class of service you choose also plays a role, with 1st Class costing more than 2nd. If you add extras like Saturday guaranteed delivery or higher insurance coverage, the cost increases further.
Can You Send Recorded Delivery from a Postbox
You can’t post a recorded delivery letter in a standard postbox unless it already has the correct barcode and tracking label, which are usually only issued at a Post Office counter. To use the Signed For or Special Delivery services, most people go to a Post Office to get the item weighed, paid for and correctly labelled. This ensures the tracking is activated and that the proof of postage is valid.
Is Compensation Included with Recorded Delivery
Royal Mail’s Signed For service includes basic compensation, usually up to £20, for lost or damaged items. If you’re sending something more valuable, it’s worth upgrading to Special Delivery, which offers higher compensation limits — up to £500, £1,000 or even £2,500 depending on the cover selected. It’s important to declare the item’s value at the time of posting to ensure the appropriate level of protection is applied.
How to Track a Recorded Delivery Letter
After posting your letter using a recorded service, you’ll receive a receipt with a reference number. This can be used on Royal Mail’s website to check when the item was delivered and signed for. Signed For tracking is limited — it won’t show every step of the journey, but it will confirm when the item is handed over. Special Delivery, on the other hand, offers full tracking with time stamps and movement updates along the route.
How Long Does It Take for a Recorded Letter to Arrive
With 1st Class Signed For, delivery usually takes one working day. 2nd Class takes two to three working days. These are estimates, not guarantees. For guaranteed next-day delivery, Special Delivery is the only recorded service with a firm time commitment. It’s the best option when timing is critical and proof of delivery is essential.
Do Prices Change Often
Yes, Royal Mail adjusts its pricing periodically, often once or twice a year. These changes usually take effect in the spring or early April, reflecting operational costs, inflation, and industry shifts. While the increase per item might seem small, it can add up if you're posting letters regularly. It’s always best to check the latest rates online or at the Post Office counter before assuming the price.
Sending Legal or Financial Documents
When sending time-sensitive or legally important documents such as contracts, bank forms or identity documents, many people opt for recorded delivery for peace of mind. Signed For delivery gives proof of receipt, which can be vital in disputes over timing or delivery failures. However, if the document has a deadline or contains sensitive data, Special Delivery is more appropriate due to its guaranteed next-day arrival and higher level of accountability.
Is It Worth Using Signed Forfor Standard Letters
For most everyday correspondence, such as birthday cards or non-urgent letters, recorded delivery may not be necessary. Standard 1st or 2nd Class post is usually sufficient and much cheaper. But if the item contains vouchers, cheques, or personal details, the added cost of recorded delivery can be a worthwhile safety net, particularly since Royal Mail cannot trace standard post if something goes missing.
Can You Buy Recorded Delivery Postage Online
Yes, Royal Mail offers an online postage tool where you can pay for Signed For or Special Delivery services, print labels at home and drop the item off at a Post Office. This can save time and helps you avoid queues. However, the item still needs to be handed over at the counter for the tracking to activate. Posting it from a letterbox is not recommended unless you've used prepaid tracked packaging supplied by Royal Mail.
What Happens if the Item Isn’t Signed For
If no one is available to sign for the letter, Royal Mail will leave a “Something for you” card and take the item back to the nearest delivery office. The recipient then has the option to collect it or rearrange delivery. If the item isn’t claimed within the retention window, it’s usually returned to the sender. This process provides reassurance that the item won’t be left unattended or go missing without record.
Is VAT Charged on Recorded Delivery Services
Most standard postal services from Royal Mail are exempt from VAT. This includes Signed For and Special Delivery when used for personal mailing. However, business accounts or additional services may involve VAT under certain conditions. If you're sending post through a business or including delivery fees in client invoices, it’s worth checking with Royal Mail or an accountant to clarify what can be claimed.
Summary of Additional Considerations
Recorded delivery provides reassurance, accountability and evidence that your letter has reached the intended person. While not always necessary for basic mail, it’s the preferred option when you need security, confirmation, or legal backup. Pricing is transparent, but affected by size, weight, service speed and optional extras. Knowing when to use it — and when it’s overkill — helps you make the best choice for your post and your budget.
Summary
Sending a letter recorded delivery in the UK starts at around £2.75, with prices increasing based on weight, size and level of service. Standard Signed For delivery offers basic tracking and a signature on arrival, while Special Delivery provides guaranteed delivery and full tracking. Costs are clearly outlined at the Post Office, and recorded delivery is a secure way to send important or valuable documents when you need peace of mind.