Important USPS Postmark Update

Important USPS Postmark Update — What You Need to Know

The U.S. Postal Service has quietly changed how postmark dates are applied, and it matters for anyone mailing time-sensitive documents.

Under the new policy, the postmark date on most mail is now based on when it is first processed by USPS machinery, not the day you drop it in a mailbox or hand it to a clerk. That processing can occur one or more days later, especially during weekends, holidays, or periods of high mail volume.

Why this matters:
If a postmark is used to prove a deadline was met- such as for tax payments, legal filings, ballots, or charitable donations- the date printed on the envelope may no longer reflect when you actually mailed it.

How to protect yourself:

• Ask for a hand-cancelled (manual) postmark at the counter

• Use Certified or Registered Mail and keep the receipt

• Avoid relying on blue collection boxes for deadline-critical mail

Bottom line: If a deadline matters, take the extra step. Don’t assume the postmark will match the day you mailed it.

This change comes directly from updated procedures at the United States Postal Service-and it’s something every resident should be aware of.