Ancillary Service Endorsements
Ancillary service endorsements are used by mailers to request an addressee's new address and to provide the USPS with instructions on how to handle undeliverable-as-addressed pieces. The endorsements consist of one keyword: "Address," "Return," "Change," or "Forwarding," followed by the two words "Service Requested." The endorsements are the same for all classes of mail, but the treatment and cost differ by class of mail. Use of an ancillary service endorsement on a mail piece obligates the mailer to pay any applicable charges for forwarding, return, and separate address notification charges.
Proper placement of the endorsement is required. If the endorsement cannot be seen or understood, you might not receive the service requested. A return address must be used and placed in the upper left corner of the address side of the mail piece or the upper left corner of the addressing area.
An endorsement must be printed in no smaller than 8-point type, and it must stand out clearly against its background. Brilliant-colored envelopes and reverse printing are not permitted. There must be a 1/4-inch clear space around all sides of the endorsement. The endorsement and return address must be read in the same direction as the delivery address. See example below.
The time frames listed below (i.e., months, days) refer to the time elapsed since the addressee filed a change of address with the postal service.
Priority & First-Class Mail
Address Service Requested
- Months 1-12 the mail piece is forwarded at no charge. A separate notice of new address is returned and the ADDRESS CORRECTION FEE is charged (currently $.60).
- Months 13-18 the mail piece is returned with new address attached at no charge.
- After month 18, or if undeliverable, the mail piece is returned with reason for non-delivery attached at no charge.
Forwarding Service Requested
- Months 1-12 the mail piece is forwarded at no charge.
- Months 13-18 the mail piece is returned with new address attached at no charge.
- After month 18, or if undeliverable the mail piece is returned with reason for non-delivery attached at no charge.
Return Service Requested
Mail piece is returned with new address or reason for non-delivery attached at no charge.
Change Service Requested
This option is only available through electronic Address Change Service (ACS) and only for letters and sealed parcels and postal and postcard subclasses. It is not available for Priority Mail or mail with special services (e.g., certified or registered mail). A separate notice of new address or reason for non-delivery is provided. In either case the ADDRESS CORRECTION FEE is charged (ACS is currently $.20) and the mail piece disposed of by the USPS.
No endorsement
Mail piece is handled the same as Forwarding Service Requested.
Periodicals
Address Service Requested
- First 60 days the mail piece is forwarded at no charge.
- After 60 days, or if undeliverable, the mail piece is returned with address correction or reason for non-delivery attached. The appropriate Standard Mail single-piece rate is charged.
Forwarding Service Requested, Return Service Requested and Change Service Requested are not available for Periodicals.
No endorsement
- First 60 days the mail piece is forwarded at no charge.
- After 60 days, or if undeliverable, a separate address correction or reason for non-delivery is provided and the ADDRESS CORRECTION FEE is charged. The mail piece is disposed of.
Standard Mail (A)
Address Service Requested
- Months 1-12 the mail piece is forwarded at no charge. A separate notice of the new address is provided and the ADDRESS CORRECTION FEE is charged (currently $.60).
- Months 13-18 the mail piece is returned with the new address attached subject to the "WEIGHTED FEE." The WEIGHTED FEE is the appropriate First-Class or Priority Mai Rate multiplied by a factor of 2.472 and rounded up to the next whole cent.
- After month 18, or if undeliverable, the mail piece is returned with reason for non-delivery attached, subject to the WEIGHTED FEE (above).
Forwarding Service Requested
- Months 1-12 the mail piece is forwarded at no charge.
- Months 13-18 the mail piece is returned with the new address attached, subject to the WEIGHTED FEE.
- After month 18, or if undeliverable, the mail piece is returned with the reason for non-delivery attached, subject to the WEIGHTED FEE.
Return Service Requested
The mail piece is returned with the new address or reason for non-delivery attached, subject to return postage at the First-Class or Priority Mail rate.
Change Service Requested
No forwarding or return. New address address notification provided. Manual notice $.50 each. Electronic notice $.25 each.
No endorsement
If not deliverable as addressed the mail piece is disposed of.
Sample for Placing Endorsements
In addition to the current location under the return address (1), the service endorsements may be placed above the delivery address (2), to the left of the postage area, if using a permit imprint (3), or below the postage area (4). Remember to leave 1/4" clearance and us minimum type or font size of 8 points.
