A return receipt is placed in the outgoing mail for return to the sender on the day that the addressee signs and receives the certified item, and should be received by the sender approximately 3 days afterwards.If a first attempt to deliver certified mail is unsuccessful, a Notice of Attempted Delivery is left for the addressee. If it remains unclaimed after 5 days, a second notice is left. Certified Mail may be held for pick up at the post office for a total of 15 days before being returned to the sender as unclaimed.