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Additional Resources

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

The DMM contains the official standards governing domestic mail services; descriptions of the mail classes and special services, and standards for rate eligibility and mail preparation.

You can view an electronic version of the Domestic Mail Manual on the Postal Explorer Home Page.

Publication 95, Quick Service Guide

This publication contains a collection of 56 individual Quick Service Guides. Each Quick Service Guide provides a 2-page summary of the standards in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM). The Quick Service Guides summarize the mailing standards for a particular class of mail or preparation option and links to the DMM. You can view electronic versions of the Quick Service Guides on the Postal Explorer Home Page.

The following QSGs contain mailpiece design information. Click on links to view the PDF or HTML files:
Physical Standards
  1. 201 Physical Standards for Commercial Letters and Postcards
  2. 201a Designing Letters and Postcards for Automated Processing
  3. 201b Using Tabs, Wafer Seals, and Glue Strips
  4. 201c Physical Standards for Commercial Flats
  5. 201d Designing Flats for Automated Processing
  6. 201e Physical Standards for Commercial Parcels
  7. 201f Designing Parcels for Automated Processing
Extra Services
  1. 505 Business Reply Mail
  2. 505a Courtesy Reply Mail
  3. 604e Meter Reply Mail

Plastic Templates

Notice 67, Automation Letters Template

A multipurpose template for determining automation-compatibility for letter-size mailpieces. This clear plastic overlay simplifies address placement, identifies the barcode clear zone, and includes positioning marks for facing identification mark (FIM) patterns and character height and spacing gauges. Notice 67 is available through your Business Mail Entry Office and some large post offices.

Notice 3A

Use Notice 3A to determine if your mailpiece meets the dimensions for letter-size mail. A handy "slot" on the template measures maximum thickness. The template also provides the aspect ratio (length divided by height) requirements for automated processing. Notice 3A is available through your Business Mail Entry Office and some large post offices.