ADS Advertising and Mailing

Ancillary Service Endorsements

The endorsement must be placed in one of these four positions:

1. Directly below the return address.
2. Directly above the delivery address area (which includes an address block barcode and any rleated nonaddress elements such as a keyline, or optional endorsement line).
3. Directly to the left of the postage area and below any rate marking.
4. Directly below the postage area and below any rate marking.

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Overview

Ancillary service endorsements are used by mailers to request an addressee's new address and to provide the USPS with instructions on how to handle undeliverable-as-addressed pieces. The endorsements consist of one keyword: "Address," "Return," "Change," or "Forwarding," followed by the two words "Service Requested." The endorsements are the same for all classes of mail, but the treatment and cost differ by class of mail. Use of an ancillary service endorsement on a mailpiece obligates the mailer to pay any applicable charges for forwarding, return, and separate address notification charges.

General

Proper placement of the endorsement is required. If the endorsement cannot be seen or understood, you might not receive the service requested. A return address must be used and placed in the upper left corner of the address side of the mailpiece or the upper left corner of the addressing area. If a return address is a multiple delivery address, it must show a unit designation (e.g., apartment number). The endorsement and return address must read in the same direction as the delivery address.

Other Physical Standards

An endorsement must be printed in no smaller than 8-point type, and it must stand out clearly against its background. Brilliant-colored envelopes and reverse printing are not permitted. There must be a 1/4-inch clear space around all sides of the endorsement.

The endorsement must be placed in one of these four positions:

Directly below the return address.
Directly above the delivery address area (which includes an address block barcode and any related nonaddress elements such as a keyline, or optional endorsement line).
Directly to the left of the postage area and below any rate marking.
Directly below the postage area and below any rate marking.

For a detailed listing of the endorsements, see chart by clicking here.