For bulk mailings of identical-weight pieces paid with ordinary stamps, meter stamps, PC Postage, or permit imprint, mailers may optionally use PS Form 3606, Certificate of Bulk Mailing. This form is used only at the time of mailing, to verify the number of identical-weight pieces mailed. The form must not be used as an itemized list, and it does not provide evidence that a piece was mailed to a particular address. The fee paid for a certificate of mailing does not insure the item against loss or damage, and the Postal Service does not retain copies of PS Form 3606. The Postal Service certifies each PS Form 3606 by postmark (round-date) at the time of mailing and then returns it to the mailer as the mailer’s receipt.
A customer may purchase a certificate of bulk mailing when sending the following identical-weight items:
- Postcards.
- Unregistered First-Class Mail International items.
- Unregistered First-Class Package International Service items.
- Free Matter for the Blind.
- Airmail M-bags.
A certificate of bulk mailing cannot be obtained in combination with Registered Mail items or insured parcels.
To obtain a duplicate copy of PS Form 3606 after mailing, the mailer must present the original postmarked certificate and an additional certificate endorsed “Duplicate” or a copy indicating the original dates of mailing. The Postal Service postmarks (round-dates) the additional certificate to indicate the current date.
In addition to the correct postage, the mailer must pay the applicable certificate of bulk mailing fee for mailings of identical-weight pieces reported on PS Form 3606 by affixing ordinary (uncanceled) stamps, meter imprints, or PC Postage imprints to PS Form 3606. Mailers paying for the postage with a permit imprint may also pay the fee at the time of mailing using the same permit imprint account. For a separate fee, the mailer may request a duplicate copy of PS Form 3606 after mailing (see 312.22). See Notice 123, Price List, for all applicable fees.
The mailer may present requests for certificate of bulk mailing to a Post Office facility, business mail entry unit (for items paid with a permit imprint), or other location authorized by the Postal Service. The mailer may pay the fee by ordinary (uncanceled) stamps, meter stamps, or PC Postage stamps by affixing the postage to PS Form 3606. The Postal Service certifies each PS Form 3606 by postmark (round-date) at the time of mailing and then returns it to the mailer as the mailer’s receipt.
