Set Out Number Permit For Free

A commercial mail permit is a permit you must obtain before you qualify for bulk mail discounts on postage. A ?permit imprint? is something you use in place of a stamp to handle bulk mail postage payment (see below for more details).

Instead of using precanceled stamps or a postage meter, the mailer prints postage information in the upper right corner of the mailpiece. This postage block is called an "indicia." Here's a sample of what a permit imprint indicia looks like. The indicia are printed onto each mailpiece.

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.

You must have a valid Business Reply Mail permit before you can mail. You may apply for a BRM permit at any time by filling out PS Form 3615, Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile, and paying the annual permit fee.

You must pay USPS a one-time fee for a "permit imprint authorization" before you can use an indicia for most types of bulk mail. The fee is currently $310. There is no fee for using bulk mail stamps instead. The barcode on mail has nothing to do with paying the postage.

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.

How to Apply for a Permit Imprint Download a copy of PS Form 3615, Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile. ... Take your completed PS Form 3615 to your local Business Mail Entry Unit or Post Office. ... At the Post Office, submit your PS Form 3615 and pay the permit imprint application fee.