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NOTE: Envelopes with gummed flaps may be sealed. Ask first if unsealed needed. Official mail envelopes,
also known as penalty mail envelopes, are envelopes used by U.S.
government agencies and authorized organizations to send official
government business through the U.S. Postal Service without pre-paying
postage. These envelopes are marked with specific indicia to show they
are for official use, and using them for private matters is illegal and
carries a penalty. Key Characteristics *Government Use: Only authorized government agencies, departments, and officials can use these envelopes. *No Postage Required: The law allows these envelopes to be carried in the mail system without immediate postage payment. *Penalty for Private Use: A specific penalty is enforced for using penalty mail envelopes for non-official business. *Accountability: Distinctive designs and meters help track official mail and establish accountability for each department. *Examples: U.S. government departments, agencies, corporations, and commissions are authorized to use penalty mail. How to Identify an Official Envelope *Indicia: Look for specific stamps, meter indicia, or printed markings on the envelope that clearly indicate official government use. *Return Address: The sender's address will typically be that of a government agency. Why Are They Used? *To Avoid Abuses: The practice began to curb abuses of the former "franking privilege," where officials could send government mail for free using only their signature. *For Official Correspondence: The unique envelopes allow for accountability and official tracking of government-related correspondence. American Philatelic Society dealer member |
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