USPS Postmarking Changes

In August of this year, the US Post Office announced a new rule that included a change regarding when letters are postmarked. Under this new rule, most letters will no longer be postmarked on the day the letter is received by a post office but instead postmarked a day later when the letter is processed at a regional mail processing facility. This means deadlines tied to mailing dates (for example, legal filings, claims, or notices) could be missed if you rely on a standard postmark.

To protect yourself, ask for a hand-stamped postmark when mailing time-sensitive items. Use certified mail or other proof-of-mailing options. Or allow extra time or consider electronic or courier delivery when deadlines are strict. For more information, please click here.¹

¹ This article was first published on WisLawNOW, a Wisconsin legal blogger website, and authored by Victor Forberger. Reprinted with permission.