Can you mail cardstock as a postcard

What an interesting question!

In general, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has specific guidelines for what can be mailed as a postcard. According to their website, a postcard must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be rectangular in shape
  2. Have a maximum size of 6 inches high x 4.5 inches wide x 0.016 inches thick
  3. Weigh no more than 1 ounce
  4. Have a single piece of writing on one side (the "address side")
  5. Have a return address on the address side
  6. Be mailed at the postcard rate (currently $0.35 per postcard)

Now, regarding cardstock: while it's a type of paper, it's typically thicker and heavier than regular paper. Cardstock is often used for crafting, scrapbooking, and other projects where a sturdy, rigid paper is needed.

Unfortunately, cardstock does not meet the USPS's size and weight requirements for a postcard. Cardstock is usually thicker than the maximum allowed thickness of 0.016 inches, and it may also exceed the maximum weight of 1 ounce.

However, you can still use cardstock to create a postcard-like item, as long as you follow these guidelines:

  1. Cut your cardstock to the maximum postcard size (6 inches high x 4.5 inches wide).
  2. Make sure your cardstock is not too thick or heavy. You can use a lighter weight cardstock or add a thin layer of paper or cardboard to reduce the weight.
  3. Design your cardstock with a single piece of writing on one side (the "address side").
  4. Add a return address on the address side.
  5. Mail your cardstock at the regular letter rate (currently $0.55 per letter).

Keep in mind that your cardstock may not be eligible for the postcard rate, and you may need to pay the regular letter rate. Additionally, some postal services or countries may have different regulations regarding what can be mailed as a postcard, so be sure to check with your local post office or the destination country's postal service for specific guidelines.