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MAILPIECE QUALIFICATIONS
The following information relates to the mailing standards of the USPS and can be used as a tool for creating your mailpieces. Please contact us if you have questions about creating a mailpiece and the postal regulations involved.
Basic Standards for Standard Mail Letters and Flats Description of ServiceService ObjectivesStandard Mail may receive deferred handling. Service objectives for delivery are 2 to 9 days; however, delivery time is not guaranteed. Minimum QuantityStandard Mail provides economical rates for mailings of 200 or more pieces or 50 or more pounds of mail. Defining CharacteristicsMailpiece Weight LimitAll Standard Mail pieces must weigh less than 16 ounces. Inspection of ContentsStandard Mail pieces are permitted to be inspected by the postal office. Forwarding or Return ServiceThe price of Standard Mail typically does not include forwarding or return service. View Ancillary Service Endorsements for information and additional fees. Top of Page
Basic Standards for First-Class Mail Letters and FlatsDescription of ServiceService ObjectivesFirst-Class Mail receives expeditious handling and transportation. Service objectives for delivery are 1 to 3 days; however, delivery time is not guaranteed. Rate OptionsFirst-Class Mail offers the flexibility of single-piece rates and discounted rates for presorted mailings of 500 or more pieces that weigh 13 ounces or less. Defining CharacteristicsInspection of ContentsFirst-Class Mail pieces are not permitted to be inspected by the postal office. Federal law and USPS regulations restrict both opening and reviewing the contents of First-Class Mail by anyone other than the addressee. Forwarding ServiceThe price of First-Class Mail includes forwarding service to a new address for up to 12 months. Return ServiceThe price of First-Class Mail includes return service if the mailpiece is undeliverable.
Physical Standards Image for Letters and Postcards
*not drawn to size (Click Lettersize Mail Dimensional Standards Template to download the PDF form actual size)
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio (length of the mailpiece divided by height) must be between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive.
Barcode Clearance Requirements for Automation Discounts The minimum clearance between the barcode and any information line above or below it within the address block must be at least 1/25 inch, and the separation between the barcode and top line or bottom line of the address block must not exceed 5/8 inch. The clearance between the leftmost and rightmost bars and any adjacent printing must be at least 1/8 inch.
The rightmost bar must be at least 1/2 inch from the right edge of the mailpiece, and the leftmost bar must be less than 10-1/2 inches from the right edge of the mailpiece and at least 1/2 inch from the left edge of the mailpiece; the top of each bar must be less than 4 inches from the bottom edge of the mailpiece; and the bottom line of the address block, including the barcode, must be at least 5/8 inch from the bottom of the mailpiece.
A minimum width of 3-5/8 inches clear space is recommended in the address block to provide a barcode. For example images view Automated Barcoding Criteria Images.
Physical Standards for Basic LettersMinimum and Maximum SizeLetter-size mail is:
a. Not less than 5 inches long, 3-1/2 inches high, and 0.007-inch thick. b. Not more than 11-1/2 inches long, or more than 6-1/8 inches high, or more than 1/4-inch thick. Nonmachinable CriteriaA letter-size piece is nonmachinable if it has one or more of the following characteristics:
a. Has an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5. b. Is polybagged, polywrapped, or enclosed in any plastic material. c. Has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices. d. Contains items such as pens, pencils, or loose keys or coins that cause the thickness of the mailpiece to be uneven. e. Is too rigid (does not bend easily when subjected to a transport belt tension of 40 pounds around an 11-inch diameter turn). f. For pieces more than 4-1/4 inches high or 6 inches long, the thickness is less than 0.009 inch. g. Has a delivery address parallel to the shorter dimension of the mailpiece. i. Is a booklet-type piece with the bound edge (spine) along the shorter dimension of the piece or at the top, regardless of the use of tabs, wafer seals, or other fasteners. h. Is a self-mailer with a folded edge perpendicular to the address if the piece is not folded and secured according to the following Folded Self-Mailer criteria: A folded self-mailer must be prepared with the folded edge parallel to the longest dimension and the address of the mailpiece. Based on the number of tabs used, these additional standards apply: 1. With one tab or wafer seal, the folded edge must be at the bottom of the self-mailer. The tab or wafer seal must be placed in the middle of the top edge of the piece. If formed of a single folded sheet, the self-mailer must be prepared from paper with a minimum basis weight of 28 pounds (measured weight for 500 17- by 22-inch sheets) or 70 pounds (measured weight for 500 25- by 38-inch sheets). If formed of multiple folded sheets, the self-mailer must be prepared from paper with a minimum basis weight of 24 pounds (measured weight for 500 17- by 22-inch sheets) or 60 pounds (measured weight for 500 25- by 38-inch sheets). 2. With two tabs or wafer seals, the folded edge may be at the top or bottom of the self-mailer. The two tabs or wafer seals must be placed on the open edge, opposite the folded edge. One tab or wafer seal must be placed within 1 inch of the left edge of the piece; the other, within 1 inch of the right edge of the piece. The whole tab need not be placed within 1 inch of the edge. The tabs must not obscure the FIM, postage, or required address information. The folded self-mailer must be prepared from paper with a minimum basis weight of 20 pounds (measured weight for 500 17- by 22-inch sheets). 3. In specifically identified formats, a self-mailer may have the final fold on the right side (leading edge) of the piece. The left edge (trailing edge) and other open edges must be secured with at least one tab or a glue line. The number of tabs required is determined by the final trim size and paper basis weight of the piece. If the piece is 7 inches long or more, the piece must be sealed on the top and the bottom. In all cases, additional tabs, seals, or glue spots or glue lines may be used. Newsprint paper is acceptable if the basis weight of the paper meets the minimum standards in (1) and the piece is certified by the USPS mailpiece design analyst to be acceptable for automated processing. Physical Standards for Automation Letters and CardsMinimum and Maximum SizeEach letter-size piece must be rectangular and:
a. For height, no more than 6-1/8 or less than 3-1/2 inches high. b. For length, no more than 11-1/2 or less than 5 inches long. c. For thickness, no more than 0.25 or less than: 1. 0.007 inch thick if no more than 4-1/4 inches high and 6 inches long; or 2. 0.009 inch thick if more than 4-1/4 inches high or 6 inches long, or both. Weight Standards for First-Class Mail Automation Letters and CardsMaximum weight limit for First-Class Mail automation is 3.3 ounces (0.2063 pound). For pieces heavier than 3 ounces see Heavy Letter Mail below. Weight Standards for Standard Mail Automation LettersMaximum weight limit for Standard Mail mailed at automation, Enhanced Carrier Route high density, saturation, and automation carrier route pieces is 3.5 ounces (0.2188 pound). For pieces heavier than 3 ounces see Heavy Letter Mail below. Aspect RatioThe aspect ratio (length of the mailpiece divided by height) must be between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive. Wraps and ClosuresAn automation-compatible mailpiece may not be polywrapped, polybagged, or shrinkwrapped; have clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices; or have protrusions that might impede or damage the mail or mail processing equipment. Staples and Saddle StitchingStaples or saddle stitching may be used only on booklet-type mailpieces to join the bound edge (spine). Inserted staples or stitching must parallel the bound edge, seat tightly and securely, and have no protrusions that might impede or damage the mail or mail processing equipment. Rigid and Odd-Shaped ItemsRigid items (e.g., pens, pencils, keys, bottle caps) are prohibited within mailpieces. Reasonably flexible items (e.g., credit cards) are permitted. Odd-shaped items (e.g., coins and tokens) are permitted if firmly affixed to and wrapped within the contents of the mailpiece and envelope to streamline the shape of the mailpiece for automated processing. Tabs, Wafer Seals, Tape, and GlueTabs, wafer seals, cellophane tape, or permanent glue (continuous or spot) may be used as applicable to the particular type of mailpiece if the sealing devices do not interfere with the recognition of the barcode, rate marking, postage information, or delivery or return addresses. In all cases, additional tabs or seals may be used. Cellophane tape is not acceptable within the barcode clear zone. To download the PDF form on tab placement, click Tabs and Wafer Seals Placement and Info. Flexibility Standards for Automation LettersMachinabilityTo ensure transport through automated mail processing machines, a mailpiece and its contents must bend easily when subjected to a transport belt tension of 40 pounds around an 11-inch-diameter drum. USPS Services for Flexibility TestingA mailer wanting to have mailpieces tested for flexibility must submit at least 50 sample pieces and a written request to USPS Engineering at least 6 weeks before the mailing date. The request must describe mailpiece contents and construction, number of pieces being produced, and preparation level (e.g., presort). Engineering advises the mailer by letter of its findings. If the mailpiece is approved, the letter includes a unique number identifying the piece tested and serves as evidence that the piece meets the relevant standards. A copy of the letter must be attached to each postage statement submitted for mailings of the approved piece. If requested by the USPS, the mailer must show that pieces presented for mailing are the same as those tested and approved. Standards for Labels and Stickers Affixed to the Outside of an EnvelopeUsing Labels and StickersPermanent labels and stickers (those designed not to be removed or relocated) must be affixed directly to the outside of the mailpiece with permanent adhesive. A mailer may provide recipients with relocatable labels to place on the outside of response pieces sent back to the mailer. On pieces mailed at First-Class card rates or at Periodicals rates, labels and stickers may be used only if permitted by the applicable standards. Pressure-Sensitive LabelAny pressure-sensitive label or sticker affixed directly to a mailpiece before mailing must have a minimum peel adhesion to stainless steel of 8 ounces/inch. "Sandwich" LabelA face stock/liner label ("sandwich" label) is a two-part unit with a face stock (top label) attached to a liner (bottom label) affixed to the mailpiece. The face stock must have a peel adhesion value of at least 2 ounces/inch with respect to the liner label and at least 8 ounces/inch when reapplied to stainless steel. Top of Page
Self-mailers, Booklets, Postcards, and Heavy Letter MailPaper Weights for Mailpieces Sealed on All SidesAn envelope or any mailpiece formed by an outer sheet or sheets sealed on all four edges must be prepared from paper with a minimum basis weight of 16 pounds (measured weight for 500 17- by 22-inch sheets).
Folded Self-Mailer A folded self-mailer must be prepared with the folded edge parallel to the longest dimension and the address of the mailpiece. Based on the number of tabs used, these additional standards apply: 1. With one tab or wafer seal, the folded edge must be at the bottom of the self-mailer. The tab or wafer seal must be placed in the middle of the top edge of the piece. If formed of a single folded sheet, the self-mailer must be prepared from paper with a minimum basis weight of 28 pounds (measured weight for 500 17- by 22-inch sheets) or 70 pounds (measured weight for 500 25- by 38-inch sheets). If formed of multiple folded sheets, the self-mailer must be prepared from paper with a minimum basis weight of 24 pounds (measured weight for 500 17- by 22-inch sheets) or 60 pounds (measured weight for 500 25- by 38-inch sheets). 2. With two tabs or wafer seals, the folded edge may be at the top or bottom of the self-mailer. The two tabs or wafer seals must be placed on the open edge, opposite the folded edge. One tab or wafer seal must be placed within 1 inch of the left edge of the piece; the other, within 1 inch of the right edge of the piece. The whole tab need not be placed within 1 inch of the edge. The tabs must not obscure the FIM, postage, or required address information. The folded self-mailer must be prepared from paper with a minimum basis weight of 20 pounds (measured weight for 500 17- by 22-inch sheets). 3. In specifically identified formats, a self-mailer may have the final fold on the right side (leading edge) of the piece. The left edge (trailing edge) and other open edges must be secured with at least one tab or a glue line. The number of tabs required is determined by the final trim size and paper basis weight of the piece. If the piece is 7 inches long or more, the piece must be sealed on the top and the bottom. In all cases, additional tabs, seals, or glue spots or glue lines may be used. Newsprint paper is acceptable if the basis weight of the paper meets the minimum standards in (1) and the piece is certified by the USPS mailpiece design analyst to be acceptable for automated processing.
To download the PDF form on tab placement, click Tabs and Wafer Seals Placement and Info. BookletsA booklet-type piece must meet these standards:
a. The front and back covers must be prepared from paper with a minimum basis weight of 20 pounds (measured weight for 500 17- by 22-inch sheets). b. Except as noted in (d) below, the bound edge (spine) must be the longest edge of the piece and at the bottom, parallel to the address. c. The unbound edge (top) must be secured with at least two tabs or wafer seals. One tab or wafer seal must be placed within 1 inch of the left edge of the piece; the second tab or seal, within 1 inch of the right edge of the piece. As an alternative, one tab or wafer seal must be placed within 1 inch from the top left side (trailing edge) of the piece; the second tab or seal, within 1 inch from the top right side (leading edge) of the piece. d. In specifically identified formats, prepared with a minimum paper basis weight of 24-pound bond paper, the spine may be on the shorter side (leading edge) of the piece. The address must still be parallel to the longest side of the piece. The unbound edges must be secured with at least two tabs or wafer seals. If the outside covers are prepared with a minimum paper basis weight of 20-pound bond or equivalent, the spine may be on the right side (leading edge) of the piece. The address must still be parallel to the longest side of the piece. The following restrictions apply:
1. If the final trim size of the piece is no more than 4-1/4 inches high and no more than 6 inches long, the unbound left edges must be secured with at least one tab or wafer seal placed at the vertical center of the piece.
2. If the final trim size of the piece is more than 4-1/4 inches high or more than 6 inches long, the unbound left edge must be secured with two tabs or wafer seals placed within 1 inch of the top and bottom edges. PostcardAny postcard must be prepared from paper stock meeting the industry standard for a basis weight of 75 pounds or greater, with none less than 71.25 pounds (measured weight for 500 25- by 38-inch sheets). The stock must be free from groundwood unless coated with a substance adding to the stock's ability to resist an applied bending force. A double postcard not prepared with all edges sealed must have the folded edge at the top or bottom, and the open edge parallel to the address must be secured with one tab (or other permitted closure) in the middle of the length. Heavy Letter MailHeavy letter mail (barcoded letter-size mail weighing more than 3 ounces) must have a barcode in the address block and must be prepared in a sealed envelope. Heavy letter mail may neither contain stiff enclosures nor be prepared as a self-mailer or booklet-type mailpiece. Top of Page
Enclosed Reply Cards and EnvelopesBasic StandardAll letter-size reply cards and envelopes (business reply mail (BRM), courtesy reply mail (CRM), and meter reply mail (MRM)) provided as enclosures in automation First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail and addressed for return to a domestic delivery address must meet the applicable standards for automation-compatible mail. The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that this standard, and the standards listed below, have been met when the corresponding mail is presented to the USPS:
a. Each reply piece must include the appropriate facing identification mark (FIM). b. Each BRM piece must bear the correct BRM ZIP+4 barcode; each MRM and CRM piece must bear the correct barcode for the delivery address. Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM)For these standards, courtesy reply mail (CRM) is reply mail other than BRM or MRM enclosed in other mail, with or without prepayment of postage, for return to the address on the reply piece. If postage is required, the customer returning the piece affixes the applicable First-Class Mail postage. Each piece must meet the physical standards for mailability. CRM has no additional required design standards unless enclosed in automation mail.
Physical Standards for Presorted (nonautomation) FlatsMinimum and Maximum Size Flat-size mail is:
a. More than 11-1/2 inches long, or more than 6-1/8 inches high, or more than 1/4 inch thick. b. Not more than 15 inches long, or more than 12 inches high, or more than 3/4 inch thick. c. Unwrapped, sleeved, wrapped, or enveloped.
First-Class MailMaximum WeightMatter at First-Class Mail rates cannot exceed 13 ounces. First-Class Mail weighing more than 13 ounces is Priority Mail. (Lower size or weight standards apply to mail claimed at certain rates or addressed to certain APOs and FPOs.) Nonmachinable SurchargeFirst-Class Mail flats that weigh 1 ounce or less are subject to the nonmachinable surcharge if any one of the following applies:
a. The piece is greater than 1/4-inch thick. b. The length is more than 11-1/2 inches or the height is more than 6-1/8 inches. c. The aspect ratio (length divided by height) is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5. Standard MailBasic Physical StandardsThese standards apply to Standard Mail:
a. Each piece must weigh less than 16 ounces. b. Presorted rate and Customized MarketMail pieces are subject to the basic mailability standards. c. Except for automation basic carrier route rate pieces and merchandise samples mailed with detached address labels (DALs), the maximum size for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail is 14 inches long, 11-3/4 inches high, and 3/4 inch thick. Merchandise samples whose dimensions exceed these maximums may be sent at the Enhanced Carrier Route rates if mailed using DALs, provided that the samples meet all other applicable standards. Cover Page and Protective CoverIf the piece is not completely enclosed in a mailing wrapper, then any protective cover or cover page must cover both the front and back of the host publication and extend to within at least 3/4 inch of the edge opposite the fold or binding. Exception: Flat-size pieces may have short covers as provided: Flats may be prepared with a cover page or protective cover that is more than 3/4 inch from each edge if the cover page is secured with at least two tabs, wafer seals, or glue spots placed within 1 inch of the top and bottom edges of the cover page or protective cover.
Nonmachinable SurchargeThe nonmachinable surcharge does not apply to Standard Mail pieces (including parcels) that are claimed at any nonletter rate. Bound Printed MatterGeneral StandardsThese standards apply to Bound Printed Matter:
a. Bound Printed Matter may not weigh more than 15 pounds. b. Two or more flats may be mailed as a single piece if they are about the same size or shape or if they are parts of one article, if they are securely wrapped or fastened together, and if they do not together exceed the weight or size limits. c. Lower size or weight standards apply to mail claimed at certain rates, addressed to certain APOs and FPOs, or sent by the Department of State to U.S. government personnel abroad.
Physical Standards for Automation FlatsBasic Standards for Automation FlatsFlat-size mail claimed at automation rates must meet the applicable standards and the general and specific mailability and eligibility standards for the class of mail and the rate claimed. The mail may qualify for automation rates either under the dimensions and characteristics for automated flat sorting machine (AFSM) 100 processing, or under the dimensions and characteristics for upgraded flat sorting machine (UFSM) 1000 processing, except for Bound Printed Matter (BPM), which can qualify only under AFSM 100 criteria.
Determining Length and HeightThe length and height of an automation-compatible flat-size mailpiece is not determined by the orientation of the address, but by the preparation of the piece:
a. For a piece prepared as a single sheet or in an envelope, full-length wrapper, or full-length sleeve, the length is the longest dimension. The height is the dimension perpendicular to the length. b. For a piece prepared with a bound, folded, or closed edge (e.g., a catalog, a newspaper or tabloid, a folded envelope), the length is the dimension parallel to the bound, folded, or closed edge. The height is the dimension perpendicular to the length. If the piece is folded more than once or is bound and then folded, the length is the dimension parallel to the final fold. Criteria for AFSM (automated flat sorting machine) 100 FlatsFinal FoldAn AFSM 100 flat-size piece with a final fold must be designed so that the address is in view when the final folded edge is at the bottom of the piece and any intermediate bound or folded edge is to the right. Shape and SizeEach flat-size piece must be rectangular and:
a. For height, no more than 12 inches and no less than 5 inches high. b. For length, no more than 15 inches and no less than 6 inches long. c. For thickness, no more than 0.75 inch and no less than 0.009 inch thick. Maximum WeightMaximum weight limits are as follows:
a. For First-Class Mail, 13 ounces. b. For Periodicals, 20 ounces. c. For Standard Mail, less than 16 ounces. d. For Bound Printed Matter, 20 ounces. Criteria for UFSM (upgraded flat sorting machine) 1000 FlatsAddress Placement and Folded PiecesThe following requirements apply to folded pieces:
a. A flat-size piece with a final fold must be designed so that the address is in view when the final folded edge is to the right and any intermediate bound or folded edge is at the bottom of the piece. b. Unbound flat-size pieces must be at least double-folded. Shape and SizePieces must meet the following requirements:
a. Height: no more than 12 inches or less than 4 inches. b. Length: no more than 15-3/4 inches or less than 4 inches. c. Minimum thickness:
1. For pieces at least 5 inches long: 0.009 inch. 2. For pieces at least 4 inches long but less than 5 inches long: greater than 0.25 inch. d. Maximum thickness: 1. For pieces 13 inches long or less: 1.25 inches. 2. For pieces longer than 13 inches up to and including 15-3/4 inches: 7/8 inch. Maximum WeightMaximum weight limits are as follows:
a. For First-Class Mail, 13 ounces. b. For Periodicals, 6 pounds. c. For Standard Mail, less than 16 ounces. ProhibitionsStaplesStaples must not be substituted for tabs or wafer seals on pieces in automation rate mailings. As a binding method, staples may be placed in the fold or spine of a magazine or booklet-type or similar mailpiece if parallel with the bound edge, tightly and securely inserted, and not protruding to damage or interfere with mail processing equipment. Tabs, Wafer Seals, Tape, and GlueGeneralAlthough not required, mailpieces may be prepared with tabs, wafer seals, cellophane tape, or permanent glue (continuous or spot) if these sealing devices do not interfere with the recognition of the barcode, rate marking, postage information, and delivery and return addresses. Cellophane tape may not be placed over the barcode or where any part of the barcode will be printed. Short CoversFlats may be prepared with a cover page or protective cover that is more than 3/4 inch from each edge if the cover page is secured with at least two tabs, wafer seals, or glue spots placed within 1 inch of the top and bottom edges of the cover page or protective cover. Uniformity and Exterior FormatGeneral RequirementsA flat-size mailpiece prepared and claimed at automation rates must be uniformly thick. Each flat-size mailpiece must have a smooth and regular shape and be free of creases, folds, tears, or other irregularities not compatible with automation equipment. The exterior surface must not have protuberances caused by prohibited closures; attachments (except as provided below); irregularly shaped or distributed contents; or untrimmed excess material from the envelope, wrapper, or sleeve. Outside AttachmentAn attachment to a flat-size mailpiece must be a single sheet, the same size as the cover. The attachment must be permanently, securely, and uniformly affixed to the front or back cover along a bound, folded, or otherwise closed edge. Pieces claimed at a Periodicals rate may bear attachments only if permitted by the applicable standards. ContentsThe contents of a flat-size mailpiece must remain uniformly thick so that the dimensions of the envelope, wrapper, or sleeve remain constant. If the contents are of irregular thickness or significantly smaller than the envelope, wrapper, or sleeve, those contents must be secured in place to prevent shifting within the wrapping during processing and surrounded with loose packing material or padding to ensure that the mailpiece remains uniformly thick. Booklet-Type Piece or MagazineThe contents of flat-size mailpieces prepared in sleeves or other wrappers must be sufficiently secure in the sleeve or wrapper to stay in place during processing. If material bearing the delivery address or barcode for the mailpiece is enclosed in a partial wrapper, that wrapper must be sufficiently secure to prevent the contents from shifting and obscuring the delivery address or barcode. Outside Labels and StickersUsePermanent labels and stickers (those designed not to be removed or relocated) must be affixed directly to the outside of the mailpiece with permanent adhesive. A mailer may provide recipients with relocatable labels to place on the outside of response pieces sent back to the mailer. On pieces mailed at Periodicals rates, labels and stickers may be used only if permitted by the applicable standards. Pressure-Sensitive LabelAny pressure-sensitive label or sticker affixed directly to a mailpiece before mailing must have a minimum peel adhesion to stainless steel of 8 ounces/inch. This standard does not apply to pressure-sensitive labels provided by the USPS to label bundles to sortation levels. "Sandwich" LabelA face stock/liner label ("sandwich" label) is a two-part unit with a face stock (top label) attached to a liner (bottom label) affixed to the mailpiece. The face stock must have a peel adhesion value of at least 2 ounces/inch with respect to the liner label and at least 8 ounces/inch when reapplied to stainless steel.
Physical Standards for Postcards Minimum and Maximum Size Each card (each stamped card or postcard or each half of a double stamped card or postcard) claimed at a card rate must be:
a. Rectangular. b. Not less than 3-1/2 inches high, 5 inches long, and 0.007 inch thick. c. Not more than 4-1/4 inches high, or more than 6 inches long, or greater than 0.016 inch thick. d. To receive automated card rates, a minimum width of 3-5/8 inches clear space is recommended in the address block to provide a barcode.
Claiming Card RatesA card may be a single or double (reply) stamped card or a single or double postcard. To be eligible for a card rate, a card and each half of a double card must meet the physical standards and the applicable eligibility and preparation standards for the rate claimed. Ineligible cards are subject to letter-size rates. Cards may be prepared and mailed at the First-Class Mail single-piece card rate, Presorted card rate, or automation card rates. Paper or Card StockA card must be of uniform thickness and made of unfolded and uncreased paper or cardstock. A card must be formed either of one piece of paper or cardstock or of two pieces of paper permanently and uniformly bonded together. The stock used for a card may be of any color or surface that permits the legible printing of the address, postmark, and any required markings.
Acceptable AttachmentsA card may bear an attachment that is:
a. A paper label, such as a wafer seal or decal affixed with permanent adhesive to the back side of the card, or within the message area on the address side, or to the left of the address block. b. A label affixed with permanent adhesive for showing the delivery or return address. c. A small reusable seal or decal prepared with pressure-sensitive and nonremovable adhesive that is intended to be removed from the first half of a double card and applied to the reply half. Unacceptable AttachmentsA card may not bear an attachment that is:
a. Other than paper. b. Not totally adhered to the card surface. c. An encumbrance to postal processing.
Tearing GuidesA card may have perforations or tearing guides if they do not eliminate or interfere with any address element, postage, marking, or endorsement and do not impair the physical integrity of the card. Address Side of CardsThe address side of a card is the side bearing the delivery address and postage. The address side may be formatted to contain a message area. Cards that do not contain a message area on the address side are subject to the applicable standards for the rate claimed. Miscellaneous graphics or printing, such as symbols, logos, or characters, that appear on the address side of cards not containing a message area are generally acceptable provided the items are not intended to convey a message. Double CardsA double card (a double stamped card or double postcard) consists of two attached cards, one of which is designed to be detached by the recipient and returned by mail as a single card. Double cards are subject to these standards:
a. The reply half of a double card must be used for reply only and may not be used to convey a message to the original addressee or to send statements of account. The reply half may be formatted for response purposes (e.g., contain blocks for completion by the addressee). b. A double card must be folded before mailing and prepared so that the address on the reply half is on the inside when the double card is originally mailed. The address side of the reply half may be prepared as business reply mail, courtesy reply mail, meter reply mail, or as a merchandise return service label. c. Plain stickers, seals, or a single wire stitch (staple) may be used to fasten the open edge at the top or bottom once the card is folded if affixed so that the inner surfaces of the cards can be readily examined. Fasteners must be affixed according to the applicable preparation requirements for the rate claimed. Any sealing on the left and right sides of the cards, no matter the sealing process used, is not permitted. d. The first half of a double card must be detached when the reply half is mailed for return. EnclosuresEnclosures in double postcards are prohibited at card rates.
The information provided on this page is courtesy of the USPS and extended criteria for mailpieces can be found at www.usps.com
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DataMark Mailing Services, Inc. 6700 Dixie Hwy LL Florence, KY 41042 Phone:
859-283-9333
Copyright © 2006
DataMark Mailing Services
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Fax:
859-283-9663