DMM 608 Postal Information and Resources

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608.1.4

Postal Information and Resources: About the DMM

608 Postal Information and Resources

1.0 About the Domestic Mail Manual

1.1 Content of the DMM

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual

(DMM) contains the basic standards of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

governing its domestic mail services; descriptions of the mail classes and extra

services and conditions governing their use; and standards for price eligibility

and mail preparation. Domestic mail is classified by size, weight, content,

service, and other factors.

1.2 Copies of the DMM

The DMM is available online on Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com). Copies of the

DMM may be inspected during normal business hours at USPS Headquarters;

area and district offices. A copy is also filed at the Office of the Federal Register,

National Archives and Records Administration.

1.3 Revisions to the DMM

USPS may change the standards in the DMM. Substantive revisions are

published in the Postal Bulletin and, when appropriate, the Federal Register.

1.4 Terms in the DMM

Terms in the DMM referring to the singular also apply to the plural, unless the

context indicates otherwise. The term postmaster also applies to an

officer-in-charge and, in district host cities, to the district manager.

Overview

1.0 About the Domestic Mail Manual

2.0 Domestic Mail

3.0 Post Offices and Holidays

4.0 Philatelic (Stamp Collecting) Services

5.0 Private Express Statutes

6.0 Complaints and Postal Law Violations

7.0 Trademarks and Copyrights of the USPS

8.0 USPS Contact Information

9.0 Postal Zones

10.0 Forms of Identification

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Postal Information and Resources: Domestic Mail

2.0 Domestic Mail

2.1 Definition of “Domestic”

Domestic mail is mail transmitted within, among, and between the United States

of America, its territories and possessions, Army Post Offices (APOs), Fleet Post

Offices (FPOs), Diplomatic Post Offices (DPO), and the United Nations, NY. For

this standard, the term “territories and possessions” comprises the following:

2.2 Mail Treated as Domestic

Mail originating in the United States of America, its territories and possessions,

APOs, FPOs, DPOs, and the United Nations, NY, for delivery in the Freely

Associated States, and mail originating in the Freely Associated States for

delivery within, among, and between the Freely Associated States and the

United States of America, its territories and possessions, APOs, FPOs, DPOs,

and the United Nations, NY, is treated as if it were domestic mail. Product

offerings and pricing for mail originating in any of the Freely Associated States is

subject to terms established in the Compact of Free Association between the US

Government and each of the Governments of the Freely Associated States. For

information on products and pricing of items originating in the Freely Associated

States, customers should contact the applicable country’s postal operator.The

term “Freely Associated States” comprises the following:

2.3 International Mail

2.3.1 General

International mail is mail addressed to or received from foreign countries, except

under 2.2. Provisions for international mail are published in the International Mail

Manual (IMM).

American Samoa

Manua Island, Swain’s Island, Tutuila Island

Guam

Northern Mariana Islands, Commonwealth of the

Rota Island, Saipan Island, Tinian Island

Puerto Rico, Commonwealth of

U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Croix Island, St. John Island,

St. Thomas Island

Wake Atoll

Wake Island

Marshall Islands, Republic of the

Ebeye Island

Kwajalein Island

Majuro Island

Micronesia, Federated States of

Chuuk (Truk) Island

Kosrae Island

Pohnpei Island

Yap Island

Palau, Republic of

Koror Island

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Postal Information and Resources: Domestic Mail

2.3.2 International Inbound Mail Entry at Domestic Offshore Locations

Incoming mail from foreign mail consolidators or foreign posts must be entered

through one of the five International Service Centers located in the 48 contiguous

states. Exceptions for entry anywhere else, including into domestic offshore

locations, must be arranged in advance through contracts or bilateral

agreements.

2.4 Customs Forms Required

2.4.1 Items Weighing 16 Ounces or More

Except for items sent via Priority Mail Express, or Priority Mail combined with

Registered Mail service, any mailpiece (regardless of contents) weighing 16

ounces or more must bear a properly completed computer-generated PS Form

2976, Customs Declaration CN 22 — Sender’s Declaration, or, if the customer

prefers, a properly completed computer-generated PS Form 2976-A, Customs

Declaration and Dispatch Note — CP 72, produced through an approved USPS

system capable of electronically transmitting the associated customs data when

the item is:

a. Sent from the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the

ZIP Code destinations listed in the table below.

b. Sent from the ZIP Code destinations listed in the table below to the United

States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

c. Sent between two different destinations listed in the “Territory, Possession,

or Freely Associated States” column in the table below.

d. Sent within American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Republic of the

Marshall Islands. This standard does not apply to items sent within Guam or

Palau.

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Postal Information and Resources: Domestic Mail

2.4.2 Items Containing Goods

Regardless of mail class or weight, items containing goods (i.e., contents other

than documents; see IMM 123.63 for “document” eligibility) must bear a properly

completed computer-generated PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22 —

Sender’s Declaration, or, if the customer prefers, a properly completed

computer-generated PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note

— CP 72, produced through an approved USPS system capable of electronically

transmitting the associated customs data when the items are sent to the United

States or Puerto Rico from the ZIP Code destinations listed in the table in 2.4.1,

or from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

ZIP

CODE

TWO-LETTER

STATE

ABBREVIATION CITY

TERRITORY, POSSESSION, OR FREELY

ASSOCIATED STATE

96799 AS PAGO PAGO AMERICAN SAMOA

96910 GU HAGATNA GUAM

96912 GU DEDEDO GUAM

96913 GU BARRIGADA GUAM

96915 GU SANTA RITA GUAM

96916 GU MERIZO GUAM

96917 GU INARAJAN GUAM

96919 GU AGANA HEIGHTS GUAM

96921 GU BARRIGADA GUAM

96923 GU MANGILAO GUAM

96928 GU AGAT GUAM

96929 GU YIGO GUAM

96931 GU TAMUNING GUAM

96932 GU HAGATNA GUAM

96939 PW NGERULMUD PALAU

96940 PW KOROR PALAU

96941 FM POHNPEI FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

96942 FM CHUUK FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

96943 FM YAP FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

96944 FM KOSRAE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

96950 MP SAIPAN COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA

ISLANDS

96951 MP ROTA COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA

ISLANDS

96952 MP TINIAN COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA

ISLANDS

96960 MH MAJURO REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

96970 MH EBEYE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

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Postal Information and Resources: Domestic Mail

2.4.3 Improperly Prepared and Prohibited Items

Mailpieces deposited without a properly completed customs form under 2.4.1

and 2.4.2 will be returned to the sender. See current Postal Bulletin for current

prohibited or restricted items.

2.4.4 Overseas Military Mail

For determining customs declarations’ required usage when mailing to or from

APO, FPO, or DPO addresses, see 703.2.3.6 through 703.2.3.9.

2.4.5 Items Eligible for Deposit or Pickup

Items under 2.4.1 bearing a computer-generated customs form (e.g., using

Click-N-Ship service, an authorized PC Postage vendor, or the USPS Web Tools

system) may be deposited through any of the following methods, provided

postage is paid by a means other than the use of postage stamps:

a. In a mailbox bearing a return address that matches the address at the point

of pickup, when the customer or business is known to reside or do business

at that location.

b. Through Pickup on Demand service.

c. Through Package Pickup service.

d. At a Postal Service retail counter.

e. Into a Postal Service lobby drop.

f. In a collection box.

g. At a Contract Postal Unit (CPU).

h. At a USPS Approved Shipper location.

2.4.6 Items Not Eligible for Deposit or Pickup

Customers must present the following items requiring a customs form to an

employee at a Post Office retail service counter. Deposit and pickup methods

listed items under 2.4.5 are prohibited. The Postal Service will return these

improperly presented items to the sender for proper entry and acceptance:

a. Any item bearing a customs form and paid with only postage stamps.

b. Any item bearing a handwritten customs form.

c. Any item bearing a customs form that was not computer-generated.

2.4.7 Items Paid with a Permit Imprint

Items requiring a customs form and paid with permit imprint may be entered at a

business mail entry unit (BMEU) if the customs form was computer-generated

and the customs data was electronically transmitted.

2.4.8 Freely Associated States—Items Requiring an Export License

Items sent to the Freely Associated States listed in 2.2 that require an export

license under 2.5.8, regardless of weight or class of mail, always require a

PS Form 2976-A. See IMM 530 for additional information on export licenses.

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Postal Information and Resources: Domestic Mail

2.5 Foreign Trade Regulations—U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Bureau of

the Census

This section describes the various U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Bureau

of the Census requirements when shipping goods to, from, and between U.S.

territories, possessions, and Freely Associated States. Refer to Mailing

Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM),

section 520, for more U.S. Census Bureau standards and for requirements when

shipping items mailed from American Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of

the Northern Mariana Islands to foreign countries.

Goods mailed to APO/FPO/DPO addresses are subject to the Foreign Trade

Regulations. However, mailers are exempt from filing electronic export

information, unless mandatory filing is required by 15 CFR 30.2(a)(1)(iv). See IMM

524.21e and 524.21f for more information regarding mandatory filing. Customers

may be subject to civil and criminal penalties if they fail to electronically file their

export information when required, or if they fail to comply with the Foreign Trade

Regulations in any other way.

The following are not subject to these requirements:

a. Items mailed from the Freely Associated States (see 608.2.2).

b. Items mailed from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the United States or Puerto

Rico.

c. Items mailed within or between American Samoa, Guam, and the

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

d. Items mailed from American Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the

Northern Mariana Islands to the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S.

Virgin Islands.

e. Items mailed from the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands

to American Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana

Islands.

2.5.1 Mandatory Electronic Filing—U.S. Territories, Possessions, and

Freely Associated States

Under the authority of 13 U.S.C. Chapter 9, as amended by the Foreign

Relations Authorization Act of 2002, P.L. 107-228, U.S. Census Bureau

regulations require electronic filing of export information through the Automated

Export System (AES) or Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) AESDirect

system for certain shipments of goods. Electronic filing of export information is

required when any of the following applies, subject to certain exemptions

(see 2.5.4):

a. The item requires an export license under U.S. law when sent to the Freely

Associated States. See 2.5.5 and 2.5.6.

b. One or more classes of goods (per Schedule B Export Codes at

www.census.gov/foreign-trade/reference/codes/index.html) within the item

is valued at more than $2,500 and the item is mailed as follows:

1. From Puerto Rico to the United States or U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Postal Information and Resources: Domestic Mail

2. From the United States to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

3. From the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the

Freely Associated States.

2.5.2 Value Criterion

Following are three examples to illustrate the value criterion defined in 2.5.1:

a. A package contains one mechanically operated watch (Schedule B

item # 9101.11.0000) valued at $2,600. The total value of goods to be mailed

is $2,600, and the value of all items within the same Schedule B number is

over $2,500. Consequently, electronic filing and an ITN would be required

(unless an exemption applies).

b. A package contains one mechanically operated watch (Schedule B

item # 9101.11.0000) valued at $2,400, and one electronically operated

watch (Schedule B item # 9101.91.0000) valued at $2,400. The total value of

goods to be mailed is $4,800, but no group of items within the same

Schedule B number is valued over $2,500. Consequently, electronic filing

and an ITN would not be required, because the mechanical watch and

electronic watch are in different Schedule B groups,

c. A package contains two mechanically operated watches (Schedule B

item # 9101.11.0000) one valued at $1,400 and one valued at $1,500. The

total value of goods to be mailed is $2,900 and the value of all items within

the same Schedule B number is over $2,500. Consequently, electronic filing

and an ITN would be required, unless an exemption applies.

2.5.3 How to File Electronic Export Information and Obtain an Internal

Transaction Number

a. Preliminary Steps for First-time Filers

AESDirect requires each mailer to have an employer identification number

(EIN) and an ACE Exporter Account. Therefore, a first-time filer must

complete the following steps:

1. Obtain an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at

sa.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp.

Note: A mailer does not have to be an employer to apply for an EIN.

2. Set up an ACE Exporter Account on the Customs and Border Protection

website at cbp.gov/trade/automated/getting-started/portal-applying.

Under “Applying for an Account,” in Step 3, select the option for

“Exporters: Apply here” to complete and submit the online form. Note:

For account verification purposes, the “Shared Secret Value” is the

“User ID.”

b. Filing EEI

A customer who has obtained an EIN and has established an ACE Exporter

Account must complete the following steps:

1. Log into the customer’s existing ACE Exporter Account at

ace.cbp.dhs.gov.

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Postal Information and Resources: Domestic Mail

2. Use the following information when completing the EEI fields:

(a) The “Port of Export” code for shipping through the Postal Service

is “8000.”

(b) The “Mode of Transport” is “Mail.”

fields blank.

3. Complete the remaining data fields and file the EEI. For more

information about filing EEI, refer to the ACE AESDirect User Guide at

census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/aesdirect/AESDirect-User-Guide.pdf.

After the customer files the EEI, the AES will send a response message

indicating the status of the shipment by email or through the ACE Shipment

Manager. A successful filing will receive an ITN as confirmation that the AES has

accepted the EEI. A rejected filing will receive a rejection statement.

When completing the customs form(s), the mailer must include the ITN as

described in IMM 527. The ITN is unique for every AES shipment and is

applicable for multiple packages sent from one USPPI to one addressee when

the mailer tenders the packages to the United States Postal Service on the same

day (see IMM 524.1).

Note: If the AES is not functioning, call the U.S. Census Bureau’s toll-free

information hotline at 800-549-0595, option 1. For more information on

electronic filing, use option 3.

2.5.4 AES Downtime Citation

If electronic information filing is required, but AESDirect system is unavailable,

the goods may be shipped, but the customer is responsible for providing the

appropriate AES Downtime Citation instead of an ITN. This citation includes the

word “AESDOWN,” the customer’s AES filer identification number, and the date;

for example, “AESDOWN 123456789 09/30/2009.” If the Automated Export

System system is down, call 800-549-0595, option 1.

2.5.5 AES Exemption

In many circumstances, electronic export information filing and an Internal

Transaction Number (ITN) may not be required. In these circumstances, and only

when a customs declaration form is required under 2.4, customers are

responsible for presenting an applicable AES Exemption on the customs

declaration form upon mailing. Customers may forgo this requirement if no

customs declaration form is required. When a customs declaration form is used,

customers should enter the applicable AES Exemption on the customs

declaration form. Customers must only enter one AES Exemption per addressed

mailpiece. When multiple AES Exemptions may apply, the mailer may select any

one that applies. For more information on these and other exemptions,

customers should consult Appendix C of the Foreign Trade Regulations,

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Postal Information and Resources: Domestic Mail

15 C.F.R. Part 30. The following is a list of the most commonly applicable AES

Exemption for items mailed to, from, or between destinations under 2.0:

a. Regardless of value, for all goods shipped within or between the following

U.S. territories or between the following U.S. territories and the United

States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, use NOEEI 30.2(d)(2):

1. American Samoa.

2. Guam Island.

3. Northern Mariana Islands.

b. For items destined to the Freely Associated States listed in 2.2, customers

may apply “NOEEI 30.37(a)” if the value of each class of goods is $2,500 or

less, provided an export license is not required (see 2.5.7 and 2.5.8).

c. For items destined to APO, FPO, and DPO addresses, customers may apply

“NOEEI 30.37(w)” regardless of value, provided an export license is not

required (see 2.5.8).

2.5.6 Placement of ITN, AES Downtime Citation, or AES Exemption

If no customs declaration form is required (e.g., items sent between the United

States and Puerto Rico), no other action for recording the ITN or AES Downtime

Citation on the package is required. However, when a shipment requires an ITN,

AES Downtime Citation, or AES Exemption, it is the customer’s responsibility to

provide the applicable ITN, AES Downtime Citation, or AES Exemption in the

appropriate field on the computer-generated PS Form 2976, PS Form 2976-A, or

the computer-generated PS Form 2976-B. On PS Form 2976-R, USPS Customs

Declaration and Dispatch Note, block 13 is for an ITN or AES Downtime Citation,

and block 14 is for an AES Exemption. See IMM 123.12 for authorized editions of

USPS customs forms.

2.5.7 Additional Standards for the Freely Associated States

The Freely Associated States listed in 2.2 are foreign destinations for the

purposes of the Foreign Trade Regulations and other laws and regulations

governing imports and exports. As such, certain goods shipped (also see 2.4.3)

to these destinations from the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,

or other U.S. territories may require an export license. To determine if an export

license is required, go to http://www.export.gov/regulation/index.asp or call:

1-800-USA-TRAD(E) (1-800-872-8723).

2.5.8 When an Export License Is Required

When an export license is required under 2.5.7, a PS Form 2976-A or PS Form

2976-B is always required. The applicable license number and an ITN or AES

Downtime Citation must appear in the respective fields of the computer-generated

PS Form 2976-A or the computer-generated PS Form 2976-B. See IMM 520 and

530 for complete requirements. In addition, it is the mailer’s responsibility to

comply with the U.S. Census Bureau’s requirements for filing electronic export

information, as described in 2.5.1 and 2.5.2.

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Postal Information and Resources: Post Offices and Holidays

2.6 Alaska Bypass Service

2.6.1 Prices

Alaska Bypass Service prices are calculated based on the zone to which the

shipment is addressed and the weight of the shipment.

2.6.2 Price Eligibility

Requirements for Alaska Bypass Service are provided in Handbook PO 508.

3.0 Post Offices and Holidays

Information on discontinuing, consolidating, and suspending services can be

found in United States Code 39 U.S. C. §404(b), and the Postal Operations

Manual (POM). Information on holidays observed by USPS can be found in the

POM and online at USPS.com.

4.0 Philatelic (Stamp Collecting) Services

4.1 Basic Standards

4.1.1 Philatelic Policy

A single national USPS policy governs postage stamps and postal stationery,

including their release, sale, and discontinuance.

4.1.2 Stamp Subjects

The public may propose subjects for commemorative postage stamps and

postal stationery through correspondence to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory

Committee (see 8.1 for address). The Committee reviews suggestions and

makes recommendations to the Postmaster General, who chooses the final

selections.

4.1.3 Philatelic Availability

Stamps, postal stationery, and philatelic products are sold at various types of

postal retail facilities. Post Offices establish special temporary retail stations to

provide philatelic services and to sell commemorative stamps and philatelic

products at activities of significant public or philatelic interest. The postmaster

may authorize temporary philatelic stations. Under specific circumstances,

USPS may limit or set conditions on the purchase of stamps and other forms of

postage or postal stationery.

4.1.4 Philatelic Mail Orders

Mail orders for postage stamps and other philatelic items must be directed to

Stamp Fulfillment Services (see 8.1 for address). Post Offices do not fill mail

orders for stamps and other philatelic items other than orders under the

stamps-by-mail program and for locally precanceled stamps. Customers must

provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of precanceled

stamps.

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Postal Information and Resources: Philatelic Services

4.1.5 Philatelic Postmarking

Postmarking for philatelic (stamp collecting) purposes is provided at the request

of collectors or cover servicers. The Postal Operations Manual contains USPS

policy on philatelic postmarking, including cancellation devices, types of

postmarks or cancellations, first-day covers, and service conditions.

4.2 Special Cancellations

4.2.1 Description of Special Cancellations

Special cancellations are inkjet cancellations in which a caption publicizing an

event is used to cancel mail. Special cancellations may be used only in Post

Offices with at least 190 revenue units for canceling large volumes of mail. Special

cancellations are authorized only if the scheduled observance is for a national

purpose for which Congress has made an appropriation, or is of general public

interest and importance. Special cancellations are approved for a definite period

not to exceed 6 months, and must not be conducted for private gain or profit.

4.2.2 Prohibitions for Special Cancellations

Special cancellations are not authorized for the following:

a. Events of interest primarily to a particular local group.

b. Fraternal, political, religious, service, commercial, or trade organizations.

c. Campaigns or events promoting the sale or use of private products or

services.

d. Idea or slogan promotions not directly connected with the event of general

public interest and importance.

e. Post Office anniversaries.

f. Recruitment programs.

g. Events that occur when all canceling machines in the Post Office are

scheduled for other special cancellations.

4.2.3 Applying to Use Special Cancellations

To apply to use special cancellations, sponsors must submit a written letter of

request, on the requesting organization’s letterhead, to the manager, Strategic

Communications (see 8.1 for address) at least 4 months before the special

cancellation will be used. The letter must include the following information:

a. The name, address, and telephone number of the sponsor.

b. Advance promotional materials that include a complete description and

schedule of the event.

c. Evidence that the event is not conducted for private gain or profit.

d. The wording of the special cancellation must be standardized and approved

by the sponsor’s national headquarters. The following provisions also apply:

1. Space available for the wording is limited to three lines of not more than

20 letters, numbers, or spaces each.

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Postal Information and Resources: Private Express Statutes

2. Illustrations or designs cannot be used.

3. The wording must directly reflect the event to be commemorated.

e. The Post Office name(s) where the cancellation is to be used.

f. The requested time period of use.

4.2.4 Sponsor Payment for Special Cancellations

The sponsor must pay the costs incurred for installing and maintaining the

special cancellation.

4.2.5 Time Limit on Use of Special Cancellations

Use of a special cancellation may not exceed 6 months. A special cancellation

approved annually is limited to one 60-day period for each year. A request for

reuse of recurring annual cancellations must be submitted 4 months before the

date the cancellation will be used again. For national cancellations, the national

sponsor may submit a single request.

4.2.6 Revocation of Special Cancellations

USPS may curtail or revoke the use of any special cancellation when it is

necessary to use special postmarking for USPS purposes.

4.2.7 Information about Special Cancellations

The Postal Operations Manual contains more information about special

cancellations.

4.2.8 Mail Submitted for Special Cancellations

Mailers must affix First-Class Mail postage to mail that they want canceled with

a special cancellation. The following requirements also apply:

a. The mail must bear a complete address.

b. Stamps issued by foreign countries are not permitted on the mail.

c. Mail bearing the special cancellation will not be enclosed in another

envelope for return even if the customer provides a postage-paid envelope.

d. Damaged envelopes canceled with a special cancellation are not replaced.

5.0 Private Express Statutes

By the laws known as the Private Express Statutes, Congress has generally

conferred on USPS the exclusive right to carry letters for others over post routes.

USPS regulations under the Private Express Statutes are in the Code of Federal

Regulations, 39 CFR 310 and 320, as amended by final rules published in the

Federal Register. These regulations take precedence over all prior rulings and

USPS publications. Information on the Private Express Statutes can also be

found in Publication 542, Understanding the Private Express Statutes.

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608.7.1

Postal Information and Resources: Complaints and Postal Law Violations

6.0 Complaints and Postal Law Violations

6.1 Consumer Complaints and Inquiries

Any postal customer may complain or inquire about postal products, services, or

employees at any Post Office or directly to the USPS Consumer Advocate (see

8.1 for address). A complaint or inquiry may be made in person, by telephone, by

e-mail, or by letter. A complaint or inquiry about the handling of a specific piece

of mail should include the related envelope or wrapper and copies of all postal

forms filed. A customer who is dissatisfied with the local handling of a complaint

or inquiry may send a written appeal to the Consumer Advocate. A court of law

can require such appeal as a legal prerequisite for hearing a customer’s suit

against USPS.

6.2 Postal Law Violations

Instructions on mail security as it relates to unauthorized opening, inspection,

tampering, or delay of mail are in Administrative Support Manual 274. Information

and complaints on a possible postal law violation must be sent to the

appropriate address according to the ZIP Code ranges shown below:

7.0 Trademarks and Copyrights of the USPS

7.1 USPS Trademarks

The following are among registered trademarks and service marks that appear

throughout the Domestic Mail Manual. (This is not an exhaustive list of the many

marks belonging to the U.S. Postal Service or used in this manual.) Proper use of

any USPS trademark may require capitalizing the initial letters, or all the letters of

an acronym, to distinguish it from terms not used as trademarks. Depending on

the trademark, the ™ or ® symbol may be used after these marks. Information

on USPS trademarks is available at USPS.com or by contacting General

Counsel, USPS Headquarters (see 8.1 for address).

ZIP CODES ADDRESS

003-079, 08005, 08006, 08008, 08050, 08087, 08092,

08501-08504, 08506-08510, 08512-08514, 08516,

08517, 08519-08553, 08555-08561, 08600-08639,

08642-08691, 087-098, 100-149

Postal Inspection Service

PO Box 2613

Jersey City NJ 07303-2613

08001-08004, 08007, 08009-08049, 08051-08086,

08088-08091, 08093-08099, 081-084, 08505, 08511,

08515, 08518, 08554, 08562, 08640-08641,

150-39776, 700-799

Postal Inspection Service

225 N Humphreys Blvd

Memphis TN 38120-2149

400-693, 800-884, 850-999 Postal Inspection Service

222 S Riverside Plz Ste 1250

Chicago IL 60606-6100

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608

608.7.2

Postal Information and Resources: Trademarks and Copyrights of the USPS

7.2 Inquiries about Copyrights and Use of USPS Trademarks

Inquiries about USPS copyrights or use of USPS trademarks and service marks,

data rights in USPS contracts must be sent to USPS Stamp Development

(see 8.1 for address). Inquiries about licenses to publish or reproduce ZIP Code

information must be sent to the National Customer Support Center (see 8.1 for

address).

[1-21-24]

1-800-Ask-USPS

Air Mail

Business Reply Mail

Certified Mail

Click-N-Ship

DMM

EDDM

Every Door Direct Mail

EVS

e-VS

First-Class Mail

IMb

IMb Tracing

IMM

Intelligent Mail

Media Mail

Parcel Select

Parcel Select Ground

PC Postage

Pickup on Demand

PO Box

Post Office

Postal Explorer

PostalPro

Postal Service

Premium Forwarding Service

Priority Mail

Priority Mail Express

Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute

Priority Mail Flat Rate

Priority Mail Open and Distribute

Registered Mail

Return to Sender

Sure Money

The Postal Store

U.S. Mail

U.S. Postal Service

United States Postal Service

US Postage Paid

USPS

USPS Delivery Confirmation

USPS Ground Advantage

USPS Marketing Mail

USPS Signature

USPS Signature Confirmation

USPS Tracking

USPS.com

ZIP

ZIP+4

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-14-24

608

608.8.1

Postal Information and Resources: USPS Contact Information

8.0 USPS Contact Information

8.1 Postal Service

Business Acceptance Solutions

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW, Rm 3616

Washington DC 20260-0911

Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300

Washington DC 20260-3501

Commercial Acceptance

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW, Rm 3658

Washington DC 20260-0846

Commercial Payment

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 3436

Washington DC 20260-4110

Consumer Advocate

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW

Washington DC 20260-2200

Corporate Accounting Manager

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 8831

Washington DC 20260-5241

Customer Service Standardization

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 6816

Washington DC 20260-6816

Domestic Claims

Accounting Services

US Postal Service

PO Box 80143

St Louis MO 63180-0143

Domestic Claims Appeals

Accounting Services

US Postal Service

PO Box 80141

St Louis MO 63180-0141

Domestic Products

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Room 5337

Washington DC 20260-5337

Distribution Operations

Washington DC Post Office

900 Brentwood Rd NE

Washington DC 20066-9704

Engineering

US Postal Service

8403 Lee Hwy

Merrifield VA 22082-8101

Enterprise Analytics

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW

Room 2100

Washington, DC 20260-2100

General Counsel

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW

Washington DC 20260-1100

Integrated Business Solutions, Shipping

Services

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 5149

Washington DC 20260-5149

Licensing

Marketing

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 1P801

Washington DC 20260-0801

Mail Entry and Payment Technology

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW, Rm 3707

Washington, DC 20260-0911

Mail Recovery Center – Atlanta

125 Villanova Drive

Atlanta, GA 30378-2400

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-14-24

608

608.8.1

Postal Information and Resources: USPS Contact Information

National Customer Support Center

US Postal Service

225 N. Humphreys Blvd, Ste 501

Memphis, TN 38188-1001

National Print Center (NPC)

US Postal Service

500 SW Gary Ormsby Dr

Topeka KS 66624-9502

(800) 332-0317

Network Distribution Center Operations

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 7631

Washington DC 20260-2806

Network Integration Support

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 7536

Washington DC 20260-2806

Postal Inspection Service

222 S Riverside Plz Ste 1250

Chicago IL 60606-6100

Postal Inspection Service

PO Box 2613

Jersey City NJ 07303-2613

Postal Inspection Service

225 N Humphreys Blvd

Memphis TN 38120-2149

Pricing

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 4016

Washington DC 20260-4016

(see

8.4.1 for Pricing and Classification

Service Center (PCSC) address)

Pricing Strategy

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 4316

Washington DC 20260-4316

Product Classification (formerly Mailing

Standards)

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 4446

Washington DC 20260-5015

Product Development

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 5012

Washington DC 20260-5012

Prohibitory Order Processing Center

PO Box 1500

New York NY 10008-1500

Recorder

Judicial Officer

US Postal Service

2101 Wilson Blvd Ste 600

Arlington VA 22201-3078

Revenue Assessment and Control

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW Rm 8430

Washington DC 20260-8430

Revenue and Field Accounting

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW, Rm 8831

Washington DC 20260-8831

Senior Counsel

Ethics and Information

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW

Washington DC 20260-1127

Shipping Support, Shipping Services

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW NB Ste 5437

Washington DC 20260-0001

Stamp Fulfillment Services

US Postal Service

8300 NE Underground Dr. Pillar 210

Kansas City MO 64144-0011

Stamp Services

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 3300

Washington DC 20260-3501

Strategic Communications

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW

Washington DC 20260-3100

Transactions and Correspondence

US Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 5621

Washington DC 20260-0230

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-14-24

608

608.8.4.1

Postal Information and Resources: USPS Contact Information

8.2 Federal Agencies

8.3 Other Agencies

8.4 PCSC and District Business Mail Entry Offices Contact Information

The Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC) and the district business

mail entry offices provide guidance on mail classification, prices, and mail

preparation standards. Questions about mail classification and special mail

services should be directed to local postal officials. The PCSC can help local

officials by providing guidance in answer these questions.

8.4.1 Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC)

Pricing and Classification Service Center contact information is as follows:

90 Church St Ste 3100

New York NY 10007-2951

Telephone: (212) 330-5300 / Fax: (212) 330-5320

Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms

US Department of the Treasury

1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington DC 20226-0001

Bureau of the Public Debt

US Department of the Treasury

PO Box 1328

Parkersburg WV 26106-1328

Diplomatic Pouch Division

US Department of State

1375 K St NW

Washington DC 20522-0508

Office of the Federal Register

National Archives and Records

Administration

1100 L St NW Rm 8401

Washington DC 20005-0001

Plant Protection and Quarantine Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

US Department of Agriculture

4700 River Rd

Riverdale MD 20737-1228

Postal Regulatory Commission

901 New York Ave NW Ste 200

Washington DC 20268-0001

Superintendent of Documents

US Government Printing Office

732 N Capitol St NW

Washington DC 20401-0003

US Fish and Wildlife Service

US Department of the Interior

18TH and C St NW

Washington DC 20240-0001

American National Standards Institute

11 W 42ND St

New York NY 10036-8002

(212) 642-4900

www.ansi.org

Uniform Code Council INC

7887 Washington Village Dr Ste 300

Dayton OH 45459

(937) 435-3870

www.uc-council.org

Automatic Identification Manufacturers (AIM)

634 Alpha Dr

Pittsburgh PA 15238-2802

(412) 963-8588

www.aimusa.org

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-14-24

608

608.9.2

Postal Information and Resources: Postal Zones

For return receipts mailed under the provisions in 601.8.0 use the following

address:

PCSC, PACT MAILING OFFICE

USPS ELIGIBILITY NO. XX-00-0000

90 Church Street Suite 3100

New York, NY 10007-2951

8.4.2 District Business Mail Entry Offices

For District Business Mail Entry contact information use the District Business

Mail Entry Locator tool available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

9.0 Postal Zones

9.1 Basis

Postal prices for certain subclasses of mail are based on the weight of the

individual piece and the distance that the piece travels from origin to destination

(i.e., the number of postal zones crossed). For the administration of these postal

zones, the centroid (geometric center) of each 3-digit ZIP Code area or

combination of 3-digit ZIP Code areas is calculated. Postal zones are based on

the distance between these units of area. The distance is measured from the

centroid of the 3-digit ZIP Code area serving the origin Post Office to the

centroid of the 3-digit ZIP Code area serving the destination Post Office. The

3-digit ZIP Code areas serving the origin and destination Post Offices are

determined by using Labeling List L002, Column A.

9.2 Application

Zones are used to compute postage on zoned mail sent between 3-digit ZIP

Code areas, including military Post Offices (MPOs), as follows:

a. For purposes of computing postal zone information, except for items 9.2b

and 9.2c, the following table applies to MPOs listed in L002, Column A:

* Chicago IL 606 serves Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage mail destinating to these ZIP

Codes.

b. The postage prices for zoned mail transported between the United States,

the Canal Zone, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territories or possessions, including the

Freely Associated States on the one hand, and MPOs on the other, or,

among the MPOs, are the applicable zone prices for mail between the place

of mailing or delivery and the city of the postmaster serving the MPO

concerned.

c. The postage price for zoned mail mailed at or addressed to an MPO and

transported directly to or from MPOs at Department of Defense expense,

without transiting any of the 48 contiguous states (including the District of

3-DIGIT ZIP CODE PREFIX GROUP SCF SERVING THE DESTINATION OFFICE

090-099* SCF New York NY 100

340 SCF Miami FL 331

962-966* SCF San Francisco CA 940

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-14-24

608

608.9.4.2

Postal Information and Resources: Postal Zones

Columbia), is the applicable local zone price. If such mail transits any area

served by USPS at USPS expense and the distance from the place of

mailing to the embarkation point or from the debarkation point to the place

of delivery is more than Zone 1 for such mail, postage is assessed by the

distance from the place of mailing to the embarkation point or from the

debarkation point to the place of delivery of such mail, as the case may be.

9.3 Zone Charts

The USPS Official National Zone Chart Data Program is administered from the

National Customer Support Center (NCSC) in Memphis, TN. Single-page zone

charts for originating mail are available at no cost online at pe.usps.com. Zone

chart data for the entire nation can be purchased in electronic formats. For more

information or to purchase zone charts, call the Zone Chart program

administrator at 800-238-3150 or write to the NCSC (see 8.0 for address).

9.4 Definition

9.4.1 Local

“Local” applies to USPS Connect Local and USPS Connect Local Mail pieces

deposited at any Post Office for delivery to addresses within the delivery area of

that Post Office. For various types of Post Offices, “Local” applies to all mail that

both originates and destinates within:

a. The 5-digit ZIP Code area(s) assigned to the same Post Office.

b. Any of the 5-digit ZIP Codes that are part of any unique 3-digit ZIP Code

prefix(es) or other separate 5-digit ZIP Code(s), as applicable, assigned to

the same Post Office.

9.4.2 Zones

Zones are defined as follows:

a. The Zone 1 price applies to pieces mailed within the same 3-digit

origin/destination (O/D) pairs. The Zone 1 price also includes pieces mailed

with different 3-digit O/D pairs, whose centroids are up to 50 miles in

distance.

b. Zone 2 includes all units of area outside zone 1 lying in whole or in part

within a radius of about 150 miles from the center of a given unit of area.

c. Zone 3 includes all units of area outside zone 2 lying in whole or in part

within a radius of about 300 miles from the center of a given unit of area.

d. Zone 4 includes all units of area outside zone 3 lying in whole or in part

within a radius of about 600 miles from the center of a given unit of area.

e. Zone 5 includes all units of area outside zone 4 lying in whole or in part

within a radius of about 1,000 miles from the center of a given unit of area.

f. Zone 6 includes all units of area outside zone 5 lying in whole or in part

within a radius of about 1,400 miles from the center of a given unit of area.

g. Zone 7 includes all units of area outside zone 6 lying in whole or in part

within a radius of about 1,800 miles from the center of a given unit of area.

h. Zone 8 includes all units of area outside zone 7.

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-14-24

608

608.10.2

Postal Information and Resources: Postal Zones

i. Zone 9 includes the destinations listed in DMM 2.2 (Republic of Palau,

Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of the Marshall Islands).

9.4.3 Delivery Unit (Office)

The delivery unit price applies to mail destinating within the delivery area of the

delivery unit at which it is deposited by the mailer.

10.0 Forms of Identification

10.1 General

This section describes the products and services that require forms of

acceptable identification, the number of forms of acceptable identification

(primary and secondary), the acceptable forms of primary and secondary

identification, and forms of unacceptable identification as follows:

a. Section 10.2 provides a table of the products and services that require

forms of acceptable identification and the number of forms (primary and

secondary) required.

b. Section 10.3 provides a description of primary forms of acceptable

identification and a table of which forms are acceptable for each product

and service.

c. Section 10.4 provides a description of secondary forms of acceptable

identification.

d. Section 10.5 provides examples of forms of unacceptable identification.

10.2 Products and Services Requiring Acceptable Identification

Certain products and services may require forms of acceptable identification in

the application process, and/or receipt of an item. When identification is

required, the identification presented must be current. Exhibit 10.2 provides a list

of the products and services requiring forms of identification and the number of

required forms of acceptable identification (primary and secondary). In certain

instances (e.g., COA) when an acceptable primary form of identification does not

contain acceptable address identification, the Postal Service may require an

acceptable secondary form of identification.

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-14-24

608

608.10.3

Postal Information and Resources: Postal Zones

Exhibit 10.2 Products and Services Requiring Acceptable Identification

10.3 Acceptable Primary Forms of Photo Identification

To be accepted as a primary form of identification, the identification must include

a clear photograph of the individual bearer. Postal Service customers may

provide the following as acceptable primary forms of photo identification:

a. U.S. Government I.D.: U.S. government I.D. may be federal-, state-, or

tribal-issued. Customers may provide the following:

1. State-, territory-, or tribal-issued driver’s license.

2. State, territory, or tribal non-driver’s identification card.

3. U.S. Department of Defense Common Access card (CAC).

4. Uniformed Service ID card.

5. U.S. permanent resident or other identification card issued by U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Services.

6. U.S. certificate of citizenship or naturalization.

7. Identification card issued by a federally or state recognized tribal nation

(tribal identification card).

8. U.S. government-issued U.S. Access card, including a USAccess card

or Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card.

PRODUCTS/SERVICES PRIMARY ID SECONDARY ID

Caller Service

 

Certified Mail Services



Change-of-Address (COA)



Collect on Delivery (COD)



Commercial Mail Receiving Agency

 

Firm Holdout



Hold For Pickup



Hold Mail



Insurance Services



Money Order



PO Box

 

Premium Forwarding Service

 

Priority Mail Express



Registered Mail Services



Sure Money (DineroSeguro)



USPS Signature Services



Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-14-24

608

608.10.3

Postal Information and Resources: Postal Zones

b. Passport: This includes a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, or foreign

passport.

c. Matricula Consular (Mexico): A Matricula Consular card is an identification

card issued by the Government of Mexico through its consulate offices to

Mexican nationals residing outside Mexico.

d. NEXUS (Canada): NEXUS is a joint Canada Border Services Agency and

U.S. Customs and Border Protection operated trusted traveler and

expedited border control program. Customers may provide a NEXUS card

as a form of identification for money orders. To be accepted, the NEXUS

card must contain an identification number.

e. Corporate Identification: For many services specified in Exhibit 10.3

customers may provide a corporate identification card of a corporation

located and organized in good standing in the United States.

f. U.S. University Identification: For some retail products and services

specified in Exhibit 10.3 customers may provide a public or private U.S.

university identification card as an acceptable form of photo identification.

Exhibit 10.3 Acceptable Primary Forms of Photo Identification per Product

and Service

Exhibit 10.3 lists products and services that require a valid primary form of

identification and which primary forms of identification the Postal Service will

accept per product or service.

PRODUCTS/SERVICES

U.S.

GOV’T

U.S./

FOREIGN

PASSPORT

MATREICULA

CONSULAR

MEXICO

NEXUS

CANADA

U.S.

UNIVERSITY

U.S.

CORP.

Caller Service

     

Certified Mail Services

    

Change-of-Address (COA)

    

Collect on Delivery (COD)

    

Commercial Mail Receiving

Agency

    

Firm Holdout

    

Hold For Pickup

    

Hold Mail

    

Insured Mail Services

    

Money Order

   

PO Box

     

Premium Forwarding

Service

   

Priority Mail Express

    

Registered Mail Services

    

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-14-24

608

608.10.5

Postal Information and Resources: Postal Zones

10.4 Acceptable Secondary Forms of Identification

As provided under 10.2, to verify the validity of the address the customer

provided when applying or requesting certain products and services, the Postal

Service requires an acceptable secondary form of identification that is traceable

to the bearer. Customers may provide as an acceptable secondary form of

identification an additional acceptable primary form of identification.

Customers may also provide an acceptable non-photo form of current

identification, such as the following:

a. A lease, mortgage, or deed of trust.

b. Voter or vehicle registration card.

c. Home or vehicle insurance policy.

d. Form I-94, Arrival and Departure Record.

10.5 Unacceptable Forms of Identification

As specified under 10.0, acceptable forms of identification provide sufficient

proof of identity and validation of an address. Therefore, the Postal Service does

not accept Social Security cards, birth certificates, credit cards and other similar

items as primary or secondary forms of identification.

Sure Money

(DineroSeguro)

   

USPS Signature Services

    

PRODUCTS/SERVICES

U.S.

GOV’T

U.S./

FOREIGN

PASSPORT

MATREICULA

CONSULAR

MEXICO

NEXUS

CANADA

U.S.

UNIVERSITY

U.S.

CORP.

Domestic Mail Manual • Updated 7-14-24