Line Up Zip Code Permit For Free

Permit Imprints are a way to pay for business (also known as discount or bulk) postage. It is one of three business mail payment options, the other two being meters and precanceled stamps. Permit imprints are the only postage option that can ONLY be used for business mailing.

The photo above shows the four most common types of indicia: Nonprofit, First Class, Presort First Class, and Presort Standard. To ensure your indicia meets official design requirements, consult the USPS Permit Design guidelines.

Permit imprint is simple and convenient - you save time because you're not affixing postage to each piece. You print the permit imprint when you print the rest of your mailpiece. If you already have a mailpiece printed without the permit imprint, you can use a rubber stamp.

The indicia must be placed in a clear area that is free from any other text, graphics or markings. The actual size of the indicia must be a minimum of one-half inch high by one-half inch wide. It must be placed no more than 1.5 inches below, or to the left of, the upper right hand corner of your postcard.

TIPS. Remember, a permit is "permission to mail," regardless of how you pay for postage. A "permit imprint" is a way of paying postage. Many mailers get a "permit" to mail with "permit imprint." To keep your permit imprint account active, you must do a commercial mailing at least once every 2 years.

Each mailpiece sent under this payment method must bear a permit imprint indicia showing that postage is paid. Permit imprint indicia may be printed directly on mailpieces, on labels (including address labels) permanently affixed to mailpieces, or on mailpiece wrappers, envelopes, and other containers.

If you do not hold a mailing permit, you can obtain it either online through the Business Customer Gateway portal or by performing the following steps: Complete PS Form 3615, Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile available from your local business mail entry unit or Post Office.