Customer Support Ruling

Identification Cards
July 2005

PS-227 (233.2.3)

This Customer Support Ruling determines whether computer-generated "identification cards" contain “personal information” and are mailable only at First-Class Mail or Express Mail rates.

This ruling pertains to the classification of computer prepared plastic identification cards that are mailed by a company that provides health insurance.

Each identification card contains an identification number, the name of the subscriber, the name of the member and his or her relationship to the subscriber, in addition to a toll free telephone number.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 233.2.3*, prescribes that matter containing personal information must be mailed as First-Class Mail (or Express Mail).  Personal information is any information specific to the addressee.

Since each computer generated identification card contains the name of the member and his or her relationship to the subscriber, who is the addressee, it contains personal information.  Therefore, the cards, so prepared, are subject to the First-Class Mail or Express Mail rates of postage.

(Signed)
Sherry Suggs
Manager
Mailing Standards
United States Postal Service
Washington DC 20260-3436