Postmarks record different postal steps

USPS’s November 24, 2025 final rule consolidated postmark definitions, effective December 24. A processing-facility postmark records the first automated processing date, which can follow collection. The rule clarified existing practices rather than changing postmarking operations. It distinguished postal custody on a stated date from proof of the first day USPS accepted an item. ^[1]

The operational history predates that rule. A July 2008 Postal Bulletin revision described routine local-office cancellation as largely displaced by mechanised processing. It made a dedicated lobby drop for local postmarks optional, while retaining requests at the retail counter. That history explains why depositing mail and having it postmarked were already separate steps. ^[2]

USPS’s January 2, 2026 clarification said transportation adjustments could keep some collected mail from reaching processing facilities that day. It also said manual counter postmarks remained free when requested while tendering mail. An absent or illegible postmark did not establish that USPS never accepted custody. ^[3]

About this item: Retrospective report. No first-hand reporting or independent testing is claimed. Corrections policy.