Postal Explorer > Publication 417 - Nonprofit Standard Mail Eligibility > 4 Qualified Mailings > 4-3 Individual Mailings

4-3 Individual Mailings

4-3.1 General Standards

An authorized organization may enter an individual mailing at the Nonprofit Standard Mail (nonprofit) rates if all these standards are met:

• The mailing is made up of Standard Mail matter only.

• The mailing meets the standards for Presorted Standard Mail - i.e., it contains at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces.

• The mailing is prepared according to standards in the Domestic Mail Manual.

• The mailing is the organization's own mail. (See chapter 5.)

• The mailing does not contain products or advertising ineligible for mailing at the nonprofit rates. (See chapter 6.)

• The mailing is accompanied by the appropriate postage statement.

4-3.2 Identification of Mailpieces

4-3.2.1 Organization Name

All matter mailed at the nonprofit rates must identify the authorized organization. The authorized organization's name and return address must appear in at least one of two places:

• On the outside of the mailpiece - e.g., in the return address.

• In a prominent place on the material mailed - e.g., on the letterhead or elsewhere on the material inside the mailing envelope or wrapper.

Note: If a return address is included on the mailpiece, it must be a complete return address of the authorized nonprofit organization. (See CSR PS-140.)

4-3.2.2 D.B.A. or A.K.A. Names

Organizations may mail using a d.b.a. (doing business as) or a.k.a. (also known as) name if the name is shown on the authorization to mail at the nonprofit rates.

If an organization that is currently authorized to mail at nonprofit rates requests to have the name on the authorization changed to a d.b.a or a.k.a. name, the USPS requires a copy of the certificate from the state that recognizes the use of the d.b.a. or a.k.a. name and a letter from the organization requesting a name change to the d.b.a. or a.k.a. name.

Alternately, the organization may maintain its authorization in its incorporated name and obtain a separate authorization to mail at nonprofit rates in its d.b.a. or a.k.a. name. To do so, the organization must file a PS Form 3624, Application to Mail at Nonprofit Standard Mail Rates (PS Form 3624), in the d.b.a. or a.k.a. name. The application must include the information listed in 3-1; a copy of the certificate from the state that recognizes the use of the d.b.a. or a.k.a. name; and a letter from the organization requesting to use the d.b.a. or a.k.a. name.

An organization that is not currently authorized to mail at nonprofit rates may request authorization under a d.b.a. or a.k.a. name. To do so, the organization must file a PS Form 3624 application in the d.b.a. or a.k.a. name. The application must include the information listed in 3-1; a copy of the certificate from the state that recognizes the use of the d.b.a. or a.k.a. name; and a letter from the organization requesting to use the d.b.a. or a.k.a. name. (See CSR PS-124.)

4-3.2.3 Return Address Required

A return address is required on the outside of the mailpiece when postage is paid by precanceled adhesive stamps or a company permit imprint.