Stamps

Postage Stamps Valid for Use

All postage stamps issued by the United States since 1860, unless listed in 1.3, are valid for postage from any point in the United States or from any other place where U.S. Mail service operates. Precanceled stamps may be used to pay regular postage and fees for extra services if the mailpiece is endorsed under the standards for the class of mail and service requested. Precanceled postage may be used only by permit holders authorized under 3.0. Unless excepted by standard, the total postage affixed must equal at least the postage charge for the class of the mail and, if applicable, the fee for the extra service requested. All nondenominated postage and makeup price stamps, including official mail stamps, are valid at the original prices of issue.

Postage Stamps Invalid for Use

The following are not valid to pay postage for U.S. domestic or U.S.-originated international mail:

1. a. Postage due, special delivery, special handling, and Certified Mail stamps.
2. b. Stamps of other countries.
3. c. United Nations stamps, unless on mail deposited at the United Nations, NY.
4. d. U.S. stamps that are mutilated or defaced; cut from stamped envelopes, aerogrammes, or stamped cards; covered or coated in such a manner that canceling or defacing marks cannot be printed onto the stamps; or overprinted with an unauthorized design, message, or other marking.
5. e. Nonpostage stamps, such as migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamps, U.S. saving and thrift stamps.

Imitations of Stamps

Matter bearing imitations of postage stamps, in adhesive or printed form, or private seals or stickers resembling a postage stamp in form and design, is not acceptable for mailing.

Imitations of Markings

Matter bearing decorative markings and designs, in adhesive or printed form, resembling the markings and designs of official postal services, is not accepted for mailing.

Prohibited Imitations

Stamp Reproduction

Postmasters may not advise the public about the reproduction of foreign or domestic postage stamps. Such information is available from Stamp Development, USPS Headquarters (see 608.8.0 for address).

Position of Stamp on Mailpiece

Stamps must be affixed firmly in the upper right corner of the address side of the mail cover. Any stamp partly concealed by an overlapping stamp may not be counted as postage.

Reuse of Stamps

Reuse of stamps with intent to cause loss to the government or the USPS is punishable by fine and imprisonment.

Perforating Stamps

Postage stamps may be marked with perforation holes. The mark may not cover more than 1/4 square inch (1/2 inch by 1/2 inch) of the stamp, and the diameter of the holes may not exceed 1/32 inch.

Additional Standards for Forever Stamps

Forever stamps are sold for the price of the current First-Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter price. The postage value of each forever stamp is the current First-Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter price. Forever stamps may be used only on single-piece price mail.

Additional Standards for Semipostal Stamps

Semipostal stamps are subject to the following special conditions:

1. a. Semipostal stamps are stamps sold for a price that exceeds the postage value of the stamp. The difference between the price and postage value (also known as the "differential") less an offset for reasonable USPS costs, as determined by the USPS, is contributed to a specific cause. Semipostal stamps are offered for sale for a limited time as provided by law or by the USPS.
2. b. The following semipostal stamp is available: The Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp. The difference between the purchase price and the First-Class Mail nonautomation single-piece first-ounce letter price in effect at the time of purchase constitutes a contribution to breast cancer research and cannot be used to pay postage. Funds (net of reasonable USPS costs) raised in connection with the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp are transferred to the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health.
3. c. The postage value of each semipostal stamp is the First-Class Mail nonautomation single-piece first-ounce letter price, that is in effect at the time of purchase. Additional postage must be affixed to pieces weighing in excess of 1 ounce, pieces subject to the nonmachinable surcharge, or pieces for which extra services have been elected. The postage value of semipostal stamps purchased before any subsequent change in the First-Class Mail nonautomation single-piece first-ounce letter price is unaffected by any subsequent change in that price. The purchase price is listed in 1.1.

Paying for Stamps

Payment may be made in U.S. currency. Foreign or mutilated money is not acceptable. The USPS may require payment of the exact amount of the purchase. Checks are acceptable subject to USPS check-acceptance policy and the assessment of charges to the customer for an uncollectible check returned by the bank. The customer must use a money order or certified check if the amount due is sent by mail.

Seals and Stickers

The nonaddress side of mail may have seals or stickers, if they do not imitate postage stamps and do not have words, numerals, or other markings indicating a value.