Printer's Tip

Applying for a Standard Mail Permit

Many strive for Periodicals-class status, but if you are unable to meet all the requirements, mailing at Standard-class can be very beneficial as well. While the advantages of Standard-class may not be as great as Periodicals, they do exceed those of First-Class. For example, Standard Mail can cost less than half as much as retail First-Class for regular letters. And while First-Class rates increase for every additional ounce, Standard-class allows the same rate for up to three ounces. But before you can begin mailing at Standard Mail rates, you must first obtain a Standard Mail permit.

There are several steps involved to compete this process. First, you will need to fill out Form 3615: Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile, available from your local Post Office or online at www.usps.com. When filling out this form, make sure to include a correct address, telephone number, and contact name. The Post Office will use this information to contact you about your mailing or about changes in postal procedures or mailing standards.

The Standard Mail permit carries with it a one-time set-up fee as well as an annual Standard-class fee. The annual fee gives you permission to mail Standard-class mail from that specific postal facility for one year. A check for these fees will need to be given to your Post Office. Also required are copies of two forms of identification such as a driver's license, passport, etc.

Once the Post Office receives these three items from you, within 2-3 days a permit account will be set up for you and a permit number will be assigned. Any other piece of Standard Mail can be mailed from that Post Office using this permit number.

Filling out Application Form 3615
Section A:

1. Applicant's name and company name
2. Date
3. Signature
4. E-mail address
5. Address
6. Other business name (if applicable)
7. Check how you can be contacted
8a. Driver's license number
8b. Enter second ID number
9. Enter Federal Agency Cost Code (if applicable)
10. Ignore this question
11. Name of person you want the USPS to contact
12. Telephone number

Section B:

Just check the Standard Mail box on the left-hand side.

Please contact your local Post Office for more information on obtaining a Standard-class permit.