Precanceled stamps can be used for:
Presorted First-Class Mail®
Presorted Standard Mail®
Nonprofit Standard Mail
Permit
Before using precanceled stamps, you must apply for a precanceled stamp permit. There is no application fee associated with this permit. After you have received your permit number and receipt, you may purchase and use precanceled stamps.
Postage Statement
When preparing your mail, you’ll need to fill out a postage statement to determine how much postage you still owe when you drop off your mail at the Post Office™.
Payments
Some mailers establish an advance deposit account to pay the postage they still owe on their precanceled stamp mailings.
Requirements
- Your mailpiece must have a complete domestic return address, preferably in the upper-left corner.
- Mail bearing precanceled stamps should be brought to the Post Office™ where you hold your permit. They can’t be dropped in a collection box or given to a carrier.
Things to Consider
- Precanceled stamps are available in coils of 500, 3,000, and 10,000. Just like with regular stamps, there are no savings for buying large quantities of precanceled stamps.
- You can’t return unused stamps to the Post Office.
- Some smaller Post Offices don’t keep a large supply of precanceled stamps, so call ahead if you are buying a large quantity.
- Self-adhesive are stamps available.
- Precanceled stamps are just like regular stamps. Some letter shops and presort bureaus have machines that apply precanceled stamps to mailpieces, so precanceled stamps are still an option even if you have someone else prepare your mail.
- Precanceled stamps must be placed in the upper right corner of the mailpiece. If you’re using precanceled stamps on a flat (large envelope), place the stamp in the upper right of the delivery address.
- Precanceled stamps cannot be used on reusable containers such as boxes or tubes.