Sample of First Class Indicia
Presorted First Class Mail US Postage Paid “Your City & State” Permit # # # # FIRST CLASS PRESORT US POSTAGE PAID “YOUR COMPANY NAME”
Sample of Standard Mail Indicia
PRSRT STD US Postage Paid “Your City & State” Permit # # # # PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID “YOUR COMPANY NAME”
Sample of Non-Profit Mail Indicia
Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid “Your City & State” PERMIT #### Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid “Your Company Name”

 

Learn More About Non-Profit Mailing

An indicia is also known as a post permit imprint. Typically, if you’re mailing something in bulk the USPS allows you an option of using an indicia instead of a live postage stamp or a meter mark. In order to use an indicia, you need to apply for a permit account where you are going to enter your mail for verification. This postal permit imprint will let the post office know who is responsible for the payment of postage by the city of origin and the permit number shown on the indicia. It will also tell the post office if the mailing is first-class, standard or nonprofit.

To open a permit account, the USPS charges $225, and the account can be renewed yearly for $125. However, you need to have a separate permit for first-class and standard mail. In order to keep your permit account active, you need to use it at least once every two years. You cannot use a postal permit imprint to mail a single piece of mail. You need to mail at least 500 pieces if it’s a first-class mailing or 200 pieces if it’s a standard mailing. When using a mailing service, it is typical for that service to allow you to use their permit number or postal permit imprint as the mailing agent.

A company indicia (second example of each pair above), substitutes your company name in place of the permit number, city and state. To use a company indicia, you must own permits in two or more post offices, and be authorized by those post offices to use a company indicia. And when using a company indicia, you must place your return address in the upper left hand corner of the address block.

Learn more about mailing for non-profits

 

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