Using USPS Presorted Stamps As Postage

Does USPS allow one(without a permit) to use on a single envelope for mailing, a presorted stamp plus adding the additional amount required of regular stamps to makeup difference so that the full required postage is applied, thus using the presorted stamp(s) as a basis to postage needed? Example: The new Scott 4961-63 10c USA Presorted Standard stamps, using 4 of those (4ea x 10c = 40c) plus 3c stamps (3ea 3c = 9c) for a total of 49c for standard one ounce letter?

No. You must have a permit to use presort stamps.

Collectors can apply for a "free" permit (if you can educate your local postmaster on the regulations concerning it), then you must purchase a MPP cancellation device, etc., so for a few presort stamps it's probably just not worth the effort.

The other caveat is that you CANNOT place such mail in collection boxes; they must be presented to the clerk at the post office window where you hold the permit.

I have found you need a precancel use permit from the post office to use ANY precancelled stamps (Presorted stamps are considered precancel by the PO). You can then combine any combination you want on the envelope. You will need a rubbert stamp that so states "Precancel Use Permit, etc. I can send you a scan of mine if you so need one). Te MPP is a seperate device to be used as a private postmark device (I have one of those as well). Both available at PO , fill out forms, and they are free.

Once all that is done you can send them for the rest of your life (and that of the Post Offices!)

Oh yes, you do need to drop them off at the post office of issue on your permits however.

For those interested, there is a guide explaining the whole thing. USPS Quick Service Guide 604b should be available at any postal service counter. It explains how to obtain a first class permit for using precancels.
The actual permit can be obtained by filling out "PS form 3615", also available at any service counter.

Peter

This is not a requirement.



This is not a requirement either, although it's not a bad idea. I have and use such a rubber stamp. What is required is that the mailpiece be endorsed with the type of service being requested, e.g. First Class. I use a rubber stamp purchased at Staples for this.



This is true. However, I frequently mail items franked with precancels with other mail. In many years of doing this, only two or three have been returned to me. In order to minimize the chance of an item being returned, whether mailed at the post office or elsewhere, I always include one low value tagged stamp in the franking. With the current 49c First Class rate, I'm using old 4c Steam Carriage Transportation coil scrap along with 45c in service inscribed stamps. Although newly issued low value stamps are no longer tagged, older tagged ones are easily found for face value or less at stamp shows.