Registered Post Merged Into Speed Post: What Changed in 2025

Quick answer Since 1 September 2025, India Post no longer offers Registered Post as a separate service. It has been merged into Speed Post, which now offers the same protections — delivery to the addressee only, proof of delivery and acknowledgement — some as optional add-ons. To send something "registered" today, book it by Speed Post and ask for the registration or proof-of-delivery option.

Timeline: what changed and when

Date	Change
2 July 2025	Department of Posts issues the directive to merge Registered Post into Speed Post
1 September 2025	Registered Post discontinued as a separate service
1 October 2025	First Speed Post tariff revision since 2012; OTP-based delivery and a ₹5 registration facility introduced
17 March 2026	"24 Speed Post" launched — next-day delivery in six metros, with money back for delays

Why India Post merged the two services

India Post's stated reasons were to remove duplicate services and make operations more efficient, with faster and more traceable delivery. Demand for Registered Post had also been falling: volumes dropped from 244.4 million articles in 2011–12 to 184.6 million in 2019–20, as people moved to Speed Post, private couriers and email.

Registered Post vs Speed Post today

	Registered Post (until Aug 2025)	Speed Post (now)
Status	Discontinued	Active
Tracking	Yes (numbers began with R)	Yes (numbers usually begin with E)
Delivery to addressee only	Built in	Optional registration facility
Proof of delivery / acknowledgement	Available	Available as an add-on
OTP-based delivery	No	Optional (from October 2025)
Starting price (up to 50 g)	₹25.96, plus ₹5 per extra 20 g	From ₹19 local / ₹47 for longer distances (revised tariff)

Good to know Prices above are as announced in 2025. Taxes and add-on fees can change — confirm the total at the post office counter or on India Post's website before booking.

What this means for you

Sending an important letter or document

Book it by Speed Post and ask the counter clerk for the registration option (delivery only to the named addressee) and proof of delivery. Keep the booking receipt: it shows the article number, date and address, which you may need later.

Sending legal or official notices

Many people used Registered Post with acknowledgement due (AD) for legal notices. If you are sending something with legal consequences, choose Speed Post with proof of delivery, keep every receipt and the tracking printout, and check with your lawyer or the receiving office what proof they accept.

Tracking

Speed Post numbers follow the international S10 format — two letters, nine digits and IN (for example EE123456785IN). Older Registered Post numbers began with R. You can track any India Post number here.

Cost

Speed Post generally costs more than Registered Post did for a light letter, but it is faster and fully tracked. For bulk mailing, ask about India Post's discounts — at the 2025 revision it announced 10% off for students and 5% for new bulk customers.

Faster option in the metros: 24 Speed Post

If speed matters more than price, 24 Speed Post (launched 17 March 2026) promises next-day delivery with a money-back guarantee for delays. The first phase covered Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Check eligibility for your route at the counter.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still send a registered letter?

Yes — through Speed Post with the registration option. The separate "Registered Post" product ended on 1 September 2025.

Is Speed Post accepted as proof of sending?

Speed Post gives you a booking receipt and a tracking record, and you can add proof of delivery. Whether that is enough for a specific legal or official purpose depends on the authority involved — ask them or your lawyer.

Do old Registered Post numbers still track?

Articles booked before the change carried numbers beginning with R. Tracking history is kept only for a limited time, so very old items may no longer show.

What is OTP-based delivery?

An optional Speed Post feature (from October 2025) where the item is handed over only after the recipient shares a one-time password. Share an OTP only at the door, when you are receiving the item.