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Postcard Mailing Requirements: What You Need to Know

Written By: Elisha Yvonne Velasco | Published on December 11, 2024

Whether for personal or professional use, postcards are a timeless and cost-effective way to communicate with people. However, there are specific guidelines to follow so that you can avoid returned mail or additional fees and ensure your postcards qualify for mailing.

Size Requirements

Size matters when it comes to postcard mailing, as it can affect mailing efficiency and cost. If a postcard is oversized or undersized, it can cause processing delays or result in extra fees. Below are the size requirements for postcards:

  • Minimum – Postcards should be at least 3.5” x 5” to be eligible for mailing. If your postcard is smaller, there’s a higher chance that it will get lost in the mail.

  • Maximum – Standard postcards should have a maximum dimension of 4.25” x 6”. If your postcard is larger but smaller than 6.12” x 11.5”, it would be classified as a “letter” and have additional charges.


Shape Specifications

While unique shapes can be eye-catching, they can lead to higher postage rates and make sorting and handling complicated. To qualify for standard mailing rates, make sure that your postcards are rectangular with either square or rounded corners.


Paper Quality and Thickness

Postcards should be made of durable cardstock to ensure it reaches the recipient intact. Using flimsy paper can get damaged or jam USPS machines, which can cost you time and money. To qualify for mailing, postcards should be at least 0.007” thick and should not exceed 0.016” in thickness.


Addressing Guidelines

Follow this guide when writing addresses on your postcards:

  • Always place the address on the right-hand side of the postcard.
  • Remember to leave enough space (about 4.25” x 1.5”) for the USPS to apply barcodes and postmarks.
  • Write legibly and clearly. Do not use decorative styles, as they can be difficult to read.
  • Use block letters or a clean, simple font.


Postage Requirements

Some postcard stamps are cheaper compared to regular letter postage. Always check the current rates before mailing out your postcards to ensure proper postage. Using the wrong postage can cause your postcards to be delayed or returned, especially if they exceed the size or weight limit.


Design and Content Guidelines

Remember to adhere to these mailing regulations when sending out postcards:

  • Avoid any offensive or inappropriate content. Keep it friendly and polite to not get disqualified.

  • Keep your design simple and clutter-free. Do not cover up important areas where addresses or barcodes will be placed.

  • Do not use glossy finishes on address areas. If you’re using glossy postcards, make sure areas where the address and barcode will be placed stays matte to keep them scannable and readable.


Weight Limitations

Postcards must weigh no more than 1 ounce. If your postcards exceed the standard weight, they may be subject to additional postage or a special mailing service. To avoid any delays, weigh your postcard before sending it.


Tips to Ensure Compliance

Check out these tips to ensure your postcards meet postal regulations:

  1. Use a design template. Some printers, like 48HourPrint.com, offer free design templates for postcards. This helps your postcards print without any issues and will make sure that you won’t miss out on any important details.

  2. Consult professionals. If you’re unsure how to design postcards for mailing, you can seek the help of experts to guide you. This could be anyone from your local postal office, a mailing professional, or a trusted printer offering mailing and postcard printing services.


Conclusion

Meeting postcard mailing requirements is essential to ensure a smooth delivery and avoid unnecessary costs. From size and shape to paper quality and addressing standards, we hope this guide has helped you pay close attention to details when sending out postcards.


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