Permit Imprint
Permit imprint is the most popular and convenient way to pay for postage, especially for high volume mailings. Instead of using precanceled stamps or a postage meter, the mailer prints postage information in the upper right corner of the mailpiece. This postage block is called an "indicia." Here's a sample of what a permit imprint indicia looks like. The indicia are printed onto each mailpiece.
To use permit imprint, you set up a postage account (called an "advance deposit account") at the Post Office or Business Mail Entry Unit where you'll be depositing your mail. When you bring your mailing to the Post Office the total postage is deducted from your account. It's like having a checking account at the Post Office.
The key to permit imprint is identical weight pieces. Generally, all of your mailpieces must weigh exactly the same. Why? Because you don't have postage affixed, the Postal Service has to verify the number of pieces in your mailing. We do this by weighing individual pieces and your entire mailing to check the number of pieces and calculate the postage you owe.
Permit imprint is simple and convenient - you save time because you're not affixing postage to each piece. You print the permit imprint when you print the rest of your mailpiece. If you already have a mailpiece printed without the permit imprint, you can use a rubber stamp.
Permit imprint is convenient because you don't have to buy postage in advance, remember to reset your meter, or worry about putting the right amount of postage on each piece.
- How to Apply for a Permit Imprint
- How to Design a Permit Imprint Indicia
- Tips for Using Permit Imprint
- Quick Service Guide 604d, Permit Imprint
TIP
- There are special postage payment programs called manifest mailing systems that allow you to mail nonidentical-weight pieces (usually parcels) via permit imprint. The Postal Service can help you decide if manifesting is the right solution for you. If it is, we'll help you set up a system and get started.