Does all mail get postmarked
In the United States, the answer is generally yes, but there are some exceptions. Here's what you need to know:
Most mail gets postmarked:
- First-Class Mail, including letters, postcards, and greeting cards, typically gets a postmark (also known as a cancellation mark) when it's processed at a post office or a mail processing facility.
- Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and other expedited mail services usually receive a postmark as well.
Exceptions:
- Some types of mail may not receive a postmark, including:
- Metered mail: Mail that's paid for with a postage meter or a digital postage service doesn't typically get a postmark.
- Online postage: Mail that's paid for online using a service like Stamps.com or Endicia may not receive a postmark.
- Mail sent from a private mailbox or a mail center: Mail sent from a private mailbox or a mail center may not receive a postmark, as it's not processed through the traditional postal system.
- Mail sent via a courier service: Mail sent through a courier service, like UPS or FedEx, may not receive a postmark, as it's not processed through the postal system.
Why postmarks matter:
- Postmarks serve as proof of mailing and help track the delivery of mail.
- They can also be used as evidence of the date and time of mailing, which can be important for legal or business purposes.
In summary, while most mail gets postmarked, there are some exceptions, such as metered mail, online postage, mail sent from private mailboxes or mail centers, and mail sent via courier services.