140 Postage 141 Stamped Envelopes, Postal Cards, Aerogrammes 141.1 Plain Stamped Envelopes 141.11 Envelopes Available at Post Offices Quantity and Price Each (less Denomi-than KindSizenation500)500 1,000 Regular6-3/4$0.29$0.34$152.40$304.80 101 0.29 0.34 156.00 312.00 Single6-3/4$0.29$0.34$153.00$306.00 Window1010.290.34 157.00 314.00 Double101$0.29$0.34$158.50$317.00 Window Special6-3/4$0.29$0.34$154.00$308.00 Regular21010.29 0.34 157.00 314.00 Nonprofit6-3/4$0.111$62.90$125.80 Regular1010.111 66.50 133.00 Nonprofit 6-3/4$0.111$63.50$127.00 Sngl.Wndw.1010.111 67.50 135.00 1 Applies to all intermediate sizes through 10. 2 Envelopes with a multicolor indicia such as a "Love" stamp or a hologram. 141.12 Sales at Post Offices. Only sizes 6-3/4 and 10 regular and window envelopes are sold in less than full box lots. Boxes contain 500 envelopes. 141.13 Nonprofit Envelopes. Only nonprofit organizations and political committees that have obtained authorizations to mail at the special bulk third-class rates (see 625 and 626) may purchase nonprofit envelopes. Sales are made in full box lots only, except at philatelic outlets (see 141.15). Nonprofit envelopes are precanceled. 141.14 Window Envelopes 141.141 Standard Window Sizes. Standard windows are 1-1/8 inches high and 4-3/4 inches wide and are located 1/2 inch from the bottom edge of the envelope. In size 6-3/4 envelopes, the window is located 7/8 inch from the left edge; in size 10 envelopes, it is 3/4 inch from the left edge. On double window envelopes, the second window (designed for a return address) is located 1/2 inch from the top and left edges, and measures 3/4 inch high and 2-1/2 inches wide. 141.142 Other Window Sizes. Other window sizes and locations occasionally may be produced. Window sizes may not exceed 1-1/2 inches high and 5 inches wide, window locations may not be nearer than 3/8 inch to any edge of the envelope, and must conform to general Postal Service mail-addressing guidelines. 141.15 Envelope Sales at Philatelic Centers. Nonprofit stamped envelopes may be sold at philatelic outlets in less than full box lots of 500. The selling price of a single nonprofit stamped envelope is the price for each appropriate size and type listed in the current issue of Form 3300. Philatelic outlets do not sell full box lots of nonprofit stamped envelopes. 141.16 Envelope Dimensions 141.161 Regular Sizes. Dimensions may vary 1/16 inch, as follows: a. Size 6-3/4: 3-5/8 by 6-1/2 inches. b. Size 10: 4-1/8 by 9-1/2 inches. 141.162 Intermediate Sizes. Intermediate sizes are those between 6-3/4 and 10 (as determined by surface area in square inches). Guidelines include the following: a. Length: No greater than 9-1/2 inches nor less than 6-1/2 inches; b. Height: No greater than 5 inches nor less than 3-5/8 inches; c. Surface Area: No greater than 39 square inches; and d. Length Divided by Height: Between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive. 141.17 Private Printing of Return Addresses. Stamped envelopes may be privately printed in any style, if at least 3-1/2 inches of clear space remains at the right end of the address side of the envelope. 141.2 Personalized Envelopes (Special Request) 141.21 Personalized Envelopes Available by Mail Order Quantity and Price Denomi- KindSizenation50500 1,000 Regular6-3/4$0.29$17.20 $156.40$312.80 101 0.29 17.40 160.00 320.00 Single6-3/4$0.29$17.30 $157.00 $314.00 Window1010.29 17.50 161.00 322.00 Special6-3/4$0.29$17.20$158.00$316.00 Regular21010.29 17.40 161.00 322.00 Nonprofit6-3/4$0.111$66.90$133.80 Regular1010.111 70.50 141.00 Nonprofit6-3/4$0.111$67.50$135.00 Sngl.Wndw.1010.111 71.50 143.00 1 Applies to all intermediate sizes through 10. 2 Envelopes with a multicolor indicia such as a "Love" stamp or a hologram. 141.22 Ordering Procedures. Personalized envelopes, which are stamped envelopes imprinted with a return address, are available only by mail order from the Stamped Envelope Unit, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices). Customers prepare Form 3203 and mail it with the proper remittance to the Stamped Envelope Unit. Payment must be made by check or money order for the full cost of the sizes, types, and quantities of envelopes ordered. Postal employees may assist customers in completing and mailing the order form as necessary. If a customer wants to pay for an order with cash, issue a "no fee" money order and send it with Form 3203 to the Stamped Envelope Unit. 141.23 Style of Printing Return Addresses. All lines of the return address are printed in capital and lowercase letters with flush left margin, using 8-point Helvetica type, with the firm name or main lines printed in bold type, as shown in this sample. Mr. and Mrs. John Doe(bold sans serif) 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW(light Washington, DC 20260-9998sans serif) 141.24 Required Printing 141.241 Local Address. The printed address must include the local address. The adequacy of the address, to ensure return of undeliverable mail, is determined by the postmaster. Any one of the following may be used: a. Street address. b. Post office box number. c. Rural route number and box number. d. Name of building and room number, including street address. e. A street address and a post office box number may be shown in the return address. When both addresses are shown, mail is returned to the address indicated on the line immediately preceding the city, state, and ZIP Code. The ZIP Code must be that of the delivery unit serving the address shown in the line immediately preceding the city and state. 141.242 Name of Post Office. The printed return address must include the name of the post office or branch post office, state, and either the ZIP+4 or the 5-digit ZIP Code. 141.25 Optional Printing 141.251 Name a. The name may be that of an individual, firm, corporation, institution, association, or society. It may include the name and title of an officer of the concern (as John Doe, Treasurer, Washington Educational Association) and such titles as M.D., D.D.S., Rev., and LL.D. b. Descriptive words, such as "Druggist," "Attorney at Law," "Esquire," or "C.P.A." are not considered titles, but represent business or professional names, which may also be printed. Such descriptive words are printed subject to the conditions in 141.252. c. The name of a branch or department of a business may be printed only when necessary to ensure return of undeliverable mail; i.e., when other branches or departments are located at the same post office address. 141.252 Advertising a. A brief statement or descriptive phrase devoted to advertising may be printed either following the name or on one or two separate lines. There may not be more than two such lines devoted to permissible advertising, and these two lines should appear between the name (or main line) and the local address. b. An individual or organization engaged in business, professional, educational, social, cultural, charitable, political, or other endeavors may advertise. The advertisement may describe the nature of the business of the individual or organization, or refer to the goods, services, or works provided by the individual or organization. c. Statements or descriptive phrases which describe the nature of a business and contain a reference to the quality of the goods or services produced, such as "Best Tires in Town" or "Complete Insurance" are permitted. d. Nothing may be printed which would make the envelope nonmailable under 18 USC 1463, which prohibits the mailing of indecent matter on wrappers or envelopes. 141.253 Telephone Numbers. The telephone number of any individual or group may be printed on the envelope and must appear immediately preceding the local address. 141.254 Postal Instructions. Only the postal instructions in this section may be included as part of the printed return address. The "request to return" endorsement in 141.254a shall appear above the name and address. All other postal endorsements shall appear below the line with the city, state, and ZIP Code. A combination of endorsements may be used. a. Request to Return. A request to return undelivered mail after a specified number of days (not less than 3 and not more than 30) may be printed. If such a request is printed on envelopes to be mailed at third-class rates, those pieces must bear an authorized endorsement that incorporates the words "Return Postage Guaranteed" (see Exhibit 159.151c through Exhibit 159.151e). Sample printing: AFTER 5 DAYS, RETURN TO b. Address Correction. By use of the endorsement "Address Correction Requested" or incorporation of those words into another endorsement authorized by Exhibit 159.151a, or Exhibit 159.151c through Exhibit 159.151f, a request for address-correction service may be printed on pieces of Express, First-, or third-class mail. (Address-correction service is provided automatically for second-class mail.) The new address of the addressee, or the reason why the piece is undeliverable, is furnished the mailer upon payment of the applicable fee (see 215, 315.2, or 612.2, as appropriate to the specific class of mail). Sample printing: ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED Note: On a mailpiece, this endorsement must be printed in at least 8-point type. c. Third-Class Mail. On single-piece rate third-class mail (see also 629.61), the following must appear: THIRD-CLASS d. Return of Undelivered Third-Class Mail. As provided in 692, a request may be made to return undelivered third-class mail by printing on each piece an authorized endorsement that incorporates the words "Return Postage Guaranteed" (see Exhibit 159.151c through Exhibit 159.151e). Sample printing: FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED Note: On a mailpiece, this endorsement must be printed in at least 8-point type. e. Forwarding Third-Class Mail. As provided in 691, a request may be made to forward third-class mail by printing on each piece an authorized endorsement that incorporates the words "Forwarding and Return Postage Guaranteed" (see Exhibit 159.151c through 159.151e). Sample printing: FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED Note: On a mailpiece, this endorsement must be printed in at least 8-point type. 141.26 Other Requirements a. No line of either required or optional printing may exceed 47 characters and spaces. b. The total number of lines of required and optional printing may not exceed seven. c. The last two lines of printing shall be reserved for the street address or post office box number where mail is to be delivered, and the city, state, and ZIP Code. 141.27 Nonstandard Printing. No printing other than that permitted by 141.24, 141.25, and 141.26 is allowed on printed envelopes unless approved by the Stamp Manufacturing Division. The decision of the Stamp Manufacturing Division, based on production requirements and the acceptability of the requested printing, is final. Requests for nonstandard printing are considered on orders of one million or more identical envelopes and should be sent to the general manager, Stamp Manufacturing Division, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices). 141.28 Rejected Envelopes. Personalized envelope orders may be rejected by the customer because of defective manufacture, mistakes in printing, denomination, size, etc. Postage value only is refunded if it is the purchaser's mistake; full invoice value is refunded if the Postal Service is at fault. 141.29 Refund or Replacement of Rejected Envelopes 141.291 Refunds a. Purchase Error. Postage value only may be refunded. Such a refund may be made at a post office or by returning the envelopes to the Stamped Envelope Unit. Refunds at post offices are processed under 147.24 and 147.32. Rejected envelopes for which a refund has been made are disposed of in the same manner as unused meter stamps as provided in 147.332a(4). b. Postal Service Error. Refunds for the total cost of the envelopes must be made by the Stamped Envelope Unit. The envelopes must be returned to the Stamped Envelope Unit with an explanation of the error. Note: Only customers whose names appear in the return address, or their representatives, may submit rejected personalized envelopes for a refund. 141.292 Replacement a. When the error is the fault of the Postal Service, the customer may request that the envelopes be replaced. Return the envelopes to the Stamped Envelope Unit with an explanation of the errors and sufficient information to provide a corrected replacement order. b. When the error resulted from erroneous information provided on the original order, the customer must remit the manufacturing fee for the replacement order. That fee is the difference between the full selling price of the envelopes and the postage value. c. The customer must enclose a message with the returned order citing the reason the envelopes are rejected and whether a replacement or refund is desired. 141.293 Returning Envelopes. Post offices should assist customers in returning rejected envelopes to the Stamped Envelope Unit under the above conditions. Provide the customer with a penalty label for returning the envelopes. 141.3 Postal Cards Available DenominationDescription $0.19 Domestic regular or commemorative, cut single card $0.19 Domestic regular, sheet of 40 (see note below) $0.38 Domestic regular, double reply-paid card $0.40 International airmail, cut single card Note: qqPostal cards in sheets for use in printing must be cut to regulation size, 3-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches, so that the stamp appears in the upper right corner. Cases of sheet postal cards may be broken for sale. Each sheet sells for $7.60. Return addresses are not printed on postal cards by the Postal Service. 141.4 Aerogrammes. Aerogrammes, also known as air letter sheets, sell for face value at $0.45 each. (See the International Mail Manual.) 141.5 Validity of Postal Stationery. All stamped envelopes, postal cards, and aerogrammes issued by the United States since 1873 are valid for postage from any point in the United States or from any other place where U.S. domestic mail service operates under the conditions for postage stamps in 142.3. 142 Adhesive Stamps 142.1 Availability and Use 142.11 Types. See Exhibit 142.11. Exhibit 142.11 ] PurposeFormDenomination Regular PostageSingle or Sheet (panes of 100)$0.01, .02, .03, .04, .05, .06, .07, .08, .09, .10, .15, .19, .20, .22, .23, .25, .28, .29, .30, .35, .40, .45, .50, .52, .65, .75 Panes of 20$1, $2, $2.90, $5, $9.95 10- or 20-Stamp Booklets$0.19 ($3.80 booklets), $0.29 ($2.90 or $5.80 booklets) Coils of 100$0.19, .25, .29 (Dispensers and stamp affixers for use with these coils also available.) Coils of 500$0.01, .02, .03, .04, .05, .10, .15, .19, .20, .23, .25, .29, $1 Coils of 3,000$0.01, .02, .03, .04, .05, .10, .15, .19, .20, .23, .25, .29 Coils of 10,000$0.29 Precanceled PostageCoils of 500, 3,000, and 10,000Various denominations available only to permit holders (see 143). CommemorativePanes of up to 50$0.29 or other denominations, including airmail, as announced. 20-Stamp Booklets$0.29 ($5.80 booklets) AirmailPanes of 50$0.40, .50 (For international airmail use.) Exhibit 142.11] 142.12 Use. Affix stamps firmly in the upper right corner of the address side of the mail cover. Any stamp partly concealed by an overlapping stamp may not be counted as postage. Postal employees (other than rural carriers as prescribed in 156.41) are not required to affix stamps to mail. 142.13 Perforating. Postage stamps may be identified with a mark composed of perforation holes. The mark may not cover more than 1/4 square inch (1/2 inch by 1/2 inch) of the stamp, and the diameter of the holes may not exceed 1/32 inch. 142.14 Reuse Prohibited. Reuse of stamps with intent to cause loss to the Government or the Postal Service is punishable by fine and imprisonment. 142.2 Purchase 142.21 Acceptable Form of Payment. Foreign or mutilated money is not acceptable. When the post office cannot make change, the exact amount of the purchase must be paid. Checks are acceptable for all postal supplies and services, except money orders, provided they conform to the Postal Service check-acceptance policy. A charge of at least $10 is levied against a customer whose check is returned by the bank as uncollectible. Where state law permits a charge higher than $10, the postmaster must charge the higher amount. Written notice must be given to the customer that the check was returned by the bank as uncollectible and that the charge plus the amount of the returned check must be promptly remitted. The customer must use a money order or certified check if the amount due is sent by mail. 142.22 Purchase Receipts. If the customer wants a receipt for purchases and has prepared the receipt in advance, the postal employee stamps it upon payment. If the customer has not prepared but wants a receipt for purchases, Form 1096 must be used for postage and other services for which verification of payment is not already provided. The postal employee fills in the total amount of the purchase and then stamps the form upon payment. 142.23 Postage Due. Postage due must be paid in cash. Postage-due stamps may not be used for paying postage. 142.3 Validity of Stamps 142.31 Valid 142.311 General. All postage stamps issued by the United States since 1860, except for those listed in 142.32, are valid for postage from any point in the United States or from any other place where the U.S. domestic mail service operates. 142.312 Airmail. Airmail postage stamps may be used to pay regular postage and fees for special services. 142.313 Unprecanceled Bulk Rate and Nonprofit Rate. Unprecanceled bulk rate and nonprofit rate stamps may be used to pay regular postage and fees for special services if the mailpiece is endorsed above the address and below the postage to indicate the appropriate class of the piece and, if applicable, the special service requested. The total postage affixed must at least equal the postage charge for the class of the mail and, if applicable, the proper fee for the special service requested. 142.314 Nondenominated. All nondenominated postage and make-up rate stamps, including official mail stamps, are valid at the original rates of issue shown in Exhibit 142.314 (p. 1) *viewer dmm136.pcx* and Exhibit 142.314 (p. 2). *viewer dmm137.pcx* Nondenominated postage may be used only for domestic mail. Add Exhibit 142.314. DMM136Exhibit 142.314 (p.1), Nondenominated Postage Showing Values and Dates of Issue] DMM137Exhibit 142.314 (p.2), Nondenominated Postage Showing Values and Dates of Issue] 142.32 Not Valid 142.321 Type. The following types of postage stamps are not valid for U.S. domestic or U.S.-originated international mail: a. Postage-due, special delivery, special handling, and certified mail stamps. b. United Nations stamps, unless on mail deposited at the United Nations, New York. c. Stamps of other countries. 142.322 Condition. U.S. postage stamps are not valid if: a. Mutilated or defaced. b. Cut from stamped envelopes, aerogrammes, or postal cards. c. Covered or coated in such a manner that canceling or defacing marks cannot be imprinted directly on the stamps. d. Overprinted with an unauthorized design, message, or other marking. 142.323 Nonpostage. Nonpostage stamps (such as migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamps, U.S. saving and thrift stamps) are not valid for payment of postage. 142.4 Unlawful Use of Stamps 142.41 By Postal Employees. It is unlawful for postal employees entrusted with the sale or custody of postage stamps to: a. Use stamps in payment of debts or purchase of salable items. b. Sell stamps except for cash. c. Sell stamps for more or less than face value. 142.42 Counterfeit Stamps. Counterfeit stamps must be confiscated and sent to the postal inspector in charge of the division in which the post office is located. A receipt identifying the stamps must be given to persons from whom counterfeit stamps are confiscated. 142.5 Reproduction of Stamps 142.51 Postmasters may not give opinions to the public concerning the reproduction of foreign or domestic postage stamps. 142.52 Persons desiring information concerning reproductions of domestic stamps issued before January 1, 1978, or of any foreign stamps should address their inquiries to the Office of the Director, U.S. Secret Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices). 142.53 Persons desiring information concerning reproductions of domestic postage stamps issued after January 1, 1978, should first review the general reproduction permission provision set out in 166. Further inquiries should be addressed to the chairman, Intellectual Property Rights Board, Office of Procurement, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices). 142.6 Imitations of Stamps and Official Markings 142.61 Postage Stamps. Matter bearing imitations of postage stamps, in adhesive or printed form, or private seals or stickers which are like a postage stamp in form and design, shall not be accepted for mailing. 142.62 Official Markings and Designs. Matter bearing decorative markings and designs, in adhesive or printed form, which imitate the markings and designs used to identify official postal services shall not be accepted for mailing. See Exhibit 142.62. *viewer dmm160.pcx* (NOT SHOWN): ] DMM160Figure 142.62, Prohibited Imitations] 142.63 Permissible Seals and Stickers. Seals or stickers which do not imitate postage stamps by having such characteristics as words, numerals, or other markings which indicate a value may be attached to other than the address side of mail. 143 Precanceled Stamps 143.1 General 143.11 Definition. Precanceling means the cancellation of adhesive postage stamps, stamped envelopes, or postal cards in advance of mailing. Precanceling may be done either by the Postal Service or by the mailer under a postal permit. Since postage-due stamps are not accepted as payment of postage in advance of mailing, they are not precanceled. Precanceled stamps are also sold for philatelic purposes (see 143.3). Precanceled commemorative stamps are not made available because commemorative stamps are sold for only a limited time. 143.12 Methods of Precanceling 143.121 Precanceling by the Mailer. Mailers who meet the requirements of 143.2 may precancel adhesive stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes by using a mailer's precancel postmark. Postal cards are precanceled at the time of printing and do not require a mailer's precancel postmark unless desired by the mailer. 143.122 Precanceling by Postal Service a. All Post Offices. All post offices are authorized to requisition precanceled stamps and stamped envelopes in quantities as described in section 420 of Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures. b. Local Precanceling. Post offices which have precanceling devices, such as an electroplate or hand stamps, may continue to use such equipment to precancel limited quantities of stamps upon request by customers. Requests for large quantities of precanceled stamps are to be filled by requisitioning precanceled stamps, rather than by performing a more costly local precanceling service. 143.13 Use of Precanceled Postage 143.131 Bulk and Discount-Rated Mail. The use of precanceled postage is an optional postage payment method available for use on mailings consisting of discount-rated First-Class Mail and bulk third-class rated mailpieces. See 382.6, 382.7, 661.4, and 661.5 for regulations governing the preparation of ZIP+4 Barcoded rate mailings in which pieces paid by permit imprint are combined with pieces bearing precanceled stamps and/or meter stamps. 143.132 Single-Piece Rate Mail. Precanceled stamps affixed on single-piece rated mail must be canceled or postmarked at mail processing units in accordance with the Postal Operations Manual, 423. 143.133 Prohibition. Precanceled postage stamps may not be used on matter mailed in boxes, cases, bags, or other containers designed to be reused for mailing purposes. 143.14 Mailing Permit Required a. Customers who desire to prepay mailings by using stamps and stamped envelopes precanceled by the Postal Service must complete Form 3620 and file the form at the post office where the precanceled mailings are to be deposited. b. The postmaster approves or disapproves the application. If approved, the postmaster issues the permit on Form 3620 to the applicant. Each permit must be dated and numbered consecutively beginning with No. 1 for the first permit issued at the post office. 143.15 Place of Mailing. Mail bearing precanceled postage must be presented to authorized postal employees at weigh units, window units, or detached mail units of the post office where the permit is held. Deposit of mail bearing precanceled postage in street collection boxes is not permitted. 143.16 Revocation of Mailer's Permit 143.161 Permits may be revoked if used in operating any scheme or enterprise of an unlawful character, or for the purpose of purchasing or acquiring stamps or mailer's precancel postmarks for other than mailing purposes, or for any noncompliance with the format requirement or the instructions on the permit (Form 3620). 143.162 The postmaster at the post office that issued the permit must notify the permit holder by letter, stating that the permit is to be canceled and giving the reason for cancellation. The permit holder is allowed 10 days to file a written statement showing why the permit should not be revoked. 143.163 When no answer is filed, the postmaster must cancel the permit. If an answer is filed, the postmaster forwards the answer, along with a statement of the facts, to the MSC manager/postmaster, who determines whether the permit should continue in effect. Notice of decision must be given the permit holder through the postmaster. 143.17 Precanceling Techniques. The Postal Service uses three techniques to precancel stamps (see 143.171, 143.172, and 143.173). 143.171 Stamps Precanceled by Bars Only a. Endorsement. Stamps requisitioned with a precancel imprint must have one highly visible line across their faces. Except for stamps precanceled locally, the precancel imprint no longer bears parallel lines and types showing the post office of mailing or its two-letter state abbreviation (see 143.172). b. Illustrations. See Exhibit 143.171b. *viewer dmm163.pcx* (NOT SHOWN): ] DMM163Exhibit 143.171b] 143.172 Stamps Precanceled with City and State a. Endorsement stamps precanceled by post offices must have two highly visible parallel lines across the face of each stamp. The name of the post office of mailing and its two-letter state abbreviation must appear between the two parallel lines. Permanent black ink must be used. b. Illustration. See Exhibit 143.172b. *viewer dmm164.pcx* (NOT SHOWN): ] DMM164Exhibit 143.172b] 143.173 Stamps Precanceled with Rate Designations a. Endorsement. Precanceled stamps can be requisitioned with the rate category preprinted as the precancellation device (see 143.174). Precancellation is accomplished by the printed legend as opposed to the legend and parallel horizontal lines as in the past. These stamps are intended for use on matter mailed as part of a qualifying mailing of the rate category shown on the stamps. Mailpieces bearing a rate category precancellation legend must include the return address. If the return address is not within the delivery area of the post office of mailing, the mailer must place a cancellation endorsement on the piece or submit information to the post office shown in the return address as required by 143.177. b. Illustration. See Exhibit 143.173b. *viewer dmm165.pcx* (NOT SHOWN) ] DMM165Exhibit 143.173b] 143.174 Availability of Stamps Precanceled with Certain Rate Categories. Stamps precanceled with rate categories are printed in various denominations, corresponding with the first unit of postage for the particular category. Additional information on available denominations may be obtained from the postmaster. 143.175 Other Uses of Stamps Precanceled with Rate Category. Stamps precanceled with rate category (see 143.174) may be used to pay single-piece rated postage on mail, provided the mail is endorsed to show the proper class such as "First-Class Mail" or "Third-Class Mail." The endorsement must be placed immediately below the postage. 143.176 Overprinting. If precanceled postage on a single piece is over $1, the precanceled stamps must be overprinted or hand-stamped in black ink by the mailer with the mailer's initials and the numerical abbreviations of the month and year for use; for example, "A. B. Co. 9-78." Precanceled stamps overprinted in this way are acceptable on mail during the month shown, and through the 10th of the following month. 143.177 Return Address. In all instances, mailpieces bearing any precancel imprint must include a complete domestic return address. If the return address is not within the delivery area of the post office of mailing, the mailer must (a) place a cancellation endorsement to the left of the postage showing city, two-letter state abbreviation, and ZIP Code of the post office where mailed; or (b) submit, at the time of mailing, a duplicate of the mailing statement and a sample mailpiece, both in an envelope stamped and addressed to the postmaster at the post office shown in the return address; or (c) use a cancellation endorsement which states "Mailed from ZIP Code," followed by the 5-digit ZIP Code assigned to the postmaster at the office of mailing. See Exhibit 143.177. *viewer dmm167.pcx* ] DMM167Exhibit 143.177] 143.18 Requisitioning Stamps 143.181 Small Quantities Precanceled by Hand Stamp. Small quantities of regular-issue stamps may be precanceled by hand stamp designed to precancel 10 stamps at each impression. 143.182 Ordering Precanceled Adhesive Stamps and Stamped Envelopes. Post offices must requisition precanceled adhesive stamps and stamped envelopes in the same manner as other adhesive stamps and stamped envelopes. 143.2 Precancellation by Mailer 143.21 Authorization 143.211 Application. A mailer must use Form 3620 to apply for authorization to preprint rate markings on precanceled stamps (see 143.23) or to use a mailer's precancel postmark on adhesive stamps, postcards, and stamped envelopes (see 143.22). The mailer must submit Form 3620, accompanied by a specimen mailpiece illustrating the method of preprinting or the proposed precancel postmark, to the postmaster of the post office where mailings are to be made. (If more than one preprinted marking is to be prepared, or if more than one format is to be used, a specimen showing each must be submitted.) The Form 3620 must be endorsed "Preprinting of Rate Markings" or "Mailer's Precancel Postmark," or both, as appropriate. The postmaster must review the application for completeness and accuracy and, if appropriate, forward it and the specimen mailpiece to the MSC/division manager, mailing requirements, for final review. 143.212 Approval or Denial a. Authorizing Official. After the MSC/division manager, mailing requirements, has reviewed the application and specimen mailpiece and provided a recommendation, the MSC/division manager/postmaster approves or denies the application. b. Approval. If the application is approved, the Form 3620 and the specimen mailpiece are returned to the postmaster. When received, the approved application must be dated and assigned a unique permit number, using the next number in a sequential series (beginning with 1) used exclusively for mailers' precancel permits held at that post office. A permit to use precanceled stamps or envelopes is issued on Form 3620 and endorsed to indicate "Mailer's Precancel Postmark." Only one permit number is issued for all formats approved for the same mailer. c. Denial. If the application is denied, the Form 3620 and the specimen mailpiece, accompanied by a written explanation of the reasons for the denial, are returned to the postmaster who provides written notice of the denial to the mailer. The denial may be appealed to the rates and classification center serving the mailer's post office as provided by 133. 143.213 Amendment of Approved Precancellations. Mailer precancellation under 143.22 or 143.23 is authorized only for what was illustrated in the specimens accompanying the application. A new Form 3620 and specimen mailpiece must be submitted and approved in advance for each new precancel postmark format or preprinted marking to be used thereafter by the mailer. A new permit number is not assigned. 143.214 Revocation a. Grounds. Permits may be revoked if used in operating any scheme or enterprise of an unlawful character, or for the purpose of purchasing or acquiring stamps for other than mailing purposes, including resale, or for any noncompliance with the format requirements or the instructions on Form 3620 for the precancel permit. b. Initial Determination. The postmaster at the post office where the permit is held must provide written notice of revocation of the permit to the permit holder. That notice must fully describe the reasons for revocation and advise the permit holder that, within 10 days of the mailer's receipt of the notice, a written appeal may be filed with the rates and classification center serving that post office as provided by 133. c. Final Action. Revocation is effective, and the postmaster must cancel the permit, at the end of the 10-day period if an appeal is not filed. Revocation is otherwise effective, and the permit must be canceled, upon the postmaster's receipt of the final agency decision on an appeal that is filed and denied. 143.22 Preparation of the Mailer's Precancel Postmark 143.221 Content a. Date. The date of mailing is required if the precancel postmark is used on First-Class Mail. The month and year of mailing may be shown on third-class mail. b. Permit Number. The precancel postmark must show the words "Mailer's Postmark" followed by the permit number and have sufficient lines to fully deface (cancel) the postage. c. Place of Mailing. The precancel postmark must show the city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code of the post office where the precancel permit is held and the mailing is to be deposited. (As an alternative, the mailer may replace the city and state with the words "Mailed from ZIP Code" followed by the 5-digit ZIP Code of the office of mailing.) If that post office is assigned more than one 5-digit ZIP Code, the precancel postmark must show the 5-digit ZIP Code assigned to the postmaster (see Publication 65, National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory). d. Rate Marking. The precancel postmark may include the words or authorized abbreviations of the rate marking required by 362 (for First-Class Mail) or 629.6 (for third-class mail), as applicable. Alternatively, mailers may preprint the rate marking as provided by 143.23. 143.222 Cancellation. Black ink must be used for cancellation and must provide adequate indelibility and sufficient contrast to prevent reuse of the stamps. The precancel permit number must not be obscured by the cancellation lines. 143.223 Required Formats. Mailers must use one of the designs shown in Exhibit 143.223 *viewer dmm161.pcx* as Format A, except that Format B may be used by mailers previously authorized to do so and who presently have the necessary die. New authorizations must not be granted, nor new dies produced, for Format B. Either format may be amended to accommodate the rate marking permitted by 143.222d. Other formats and other modifications may not be authorized for a mailer's precancel postmark. NOT SHOWN ] DMM161Exhibit 143.233, Formats for Mailer's Precancel Postmarks] 143.23 Preprinted Rate Markings. Mailers may preprint the rate markings required by 362 or 629.6, as applicable, on adhesive stamps to be used for mailings at the corresponding rates upon specific approval as provided by 143.211. The preprinted marking must be in uppercase letters of not less than 6-point type, and printed in black indelible ink in a location on the stamp where optimum contrast is possible. A preprinted rate marking applied by the mailer, whether used alone or with a precancel postmark, must not obscure other printing on the stamp (e.g., the "USA," the denomination, or other marking incorporated in the stamp as part of the Postal Service's design). 143.3 Philatelic Sales 143.31 Nonpermit Holders. Stamp collectors may buy precanceled postage for philatelic purposes, that includes collecting and exchanging philatelic items. However, collectors may not mail matter bearing precanceled postage if they do not have a permit to use precanceled postage at the post office where the mail is presented. 143.311 There is no limitation on the sale to collectors of sheet stamps or full coils of stamps of each of the precanceled denominations available at a post office. Purchases may be made in person or by mail by nonpermit holders for collection purposes only. Complete rolls of precanceled coil stamps may not be broken for philatelic sales except at authorized philatelic outlets. Instructions for selling plate blocks are in 163.5. 143.312 Precanceled stamps are available at post offices which have them on hand or have a hand stamp for precanceling purposes. Post offices may not acquire a precancel hand stamp solely to meet philatelic demand. Precancellations may be applied only to regular-issue stamps, not commemoratives, and only to those denominations which see legitimate use by local mailers. The creation of philatelic oddities, or the precanceling of issues or denominations which would not otherwise see legitimate mail use, is not permitted. Hand stamps, once acquired, may be retained by post offices to fill requests from philatelists. 143.313 Postmasters must comply with requests for imprints of a precanceling device on their own stamp stock, but not for imprints on blank sheets of paper or on stamps submitted by a collector or other individual. Care should be exercised when precanceling stamps for collectors to ensure legible and well-centered impressions. Permanent ink must be used for precanceling. 143.314 Each mail order must be accompanied with a stamped, self-addressed envelope for use in returning the stamps to the purchaser. 143.32 Permit Holders. Collectors who have a permit to mail matter bearing precanceled postage at the post office where their mail is presented may buy precanceled postage for philatelic purposes or for the purpose of paying postage. Precanceled stamps may be purchased for the purpose of paying postage or for philatelic purposes. 144 Postage Meters and Meter Stamps 144.1 Postage Meters 144.11 Use of Meter Stamps 144.111 Postage may be paid by printing meter stamps with a postage meter on any class of mail, except second-class. Metered mail is entitled to all privileges and subject to all conditions applying to the various classes of mail. 144.112 Meter stamps may be used to prepay reply postage on (a) Express Mail; (b) Priority Mail when the rate is the same for all zones; (c) First-Class postcards, letters, and flats up to a maximum of 11 ounces; (d) single-piece special fourth-class; and (e) library rate mail, under the following conditions: a. The meter stamps must be in an amount sufficient to prepay the appropriate postage in full, at the next higher whole cent postage amount, or at another rate as provided by 380, 660, or 780. b. Meter stamps may be printed directly on the envelope, postcard, or flat or on an address label which bears the delivery address of the meter license holder. Labels must be produced so that, once applied, they cannot be removed in one piece. c. Postage on Priority Mail over 11 ounces, single-piece special fourth-class rate or library-rate mail may only be paid with meter-stamped address labels. d. Any photographic, mechanical, or electronic process, or any combination of such processes, other than handwriting, typewriting, or hand-stamping, may be used to prepare the address side of reply mail prepaid by meter stamps. The address side must be prepared as to both style and content in the following form, without the addition of any matter other than a return address, except facing identification marks (FIMs) or barcodes: (NOT SHOWN): (Meter stamp without date to be placed here) NO POSTAGE STAMP NECESSARY POSTAGE HAS BEEN PREPAID BY JOHN DOE COMPANY 123 TREMONT STREET NEW YORK NY 10010-0001 e. Reply mail prepaid by meter stamps is delivered only to the address of the meter license holder. If the address is altered, the mail must be held for postage. f. The date must not be shown on meter postmarks used to prepay reply postage. 144.113 Postage meter stamps for zero postage must not be affixed to items delivered by other carriers, since this would give the impression of Postal Service delivery. 144.12 Description of Meters. Postage meters are made to print single, several, or all denominations of postage. They contain in one sealed unit the printing die or dies and two recording counters. One adds and keeps a total of all postage printed by the meter. The other subtracts and shows the balance of postage remaining in the meter, after the use of which it locks. From time to time, mailers take the meter to the post office to have this counter set for additional postage, which is added to the balance remaining. Payment must be made for each additional setting. 144.13 Meter Manufacturers. Postage meters may be leased from authorized manufacturers who are held responsible by the Postal Service for the control, operation, maintenance, and replacement, when necessary, of meters manufactured and distributed by them. The following manufacturers are presently authorized to lease meters to mailers: Manufacturers Authorized to Lease Meters POSTALIA INC 1423 CENTRE CIRCLE DRIVE DOWNERS GROVE IL 60515-1087 FRIDEN ALCATEL 30955 HUNTWOOD HAYWARD CA 94544-7005 PITNEY BOWES INC WALTER H WHEELER JR DRIVE STAMFORD CT 06926-0001 ROCKAWAY CORPORATION, doing business as: INTERNATIONAL MAILING SYSTEMS DIVISION OF BETTER PACKAGES INC 19 FOREST PARKWAY SHELTON CT 06484-0903 144.14 Possession. No one, other than the manufacturer, is authorized to have possession of a postage meter without both a valid postage meter license and a rental agreement with the meter manufacturer. Anyone who fails to satisfy both requirements must surrender the meter to the manufacturer upon request. 144.2 Meter License 144.21 Application 144.211 Procedures a. Application Form. A customer who wishes to use a postage meter must obtain a license to do so by preparing and submitting Form 3601-A (or a comparable form supplied by the meter manufacturer that contains the same information in the same format). A single application covers all meters to be licensed by the same post office. b. Where to Apply. The application for licensing must be submitted to the post office where the customer is to deposit the metered mail. Separate application must be made to each post office by whom the mailer wishes to be licensed to use a postage meter. Metered mail may be deposited at post offices other than where the mailer is licensed only as provided in 144.522, 144.523, and 144.8. c. Fee. There is no fee for this application and license. d. Agreement. By submitting an application, a customer agrees that the license is to be immediately revoked, and the meter immediately removed from service by the manufacturer, if the meter is used in operating any fraudulent scheme or enterprise of an unlawful character. 144.212 Approval. After approving an application, the licensing postmaster issues a license and one Form 3602-A for each meter placed in service. The customer must present the Form 3602-A with the meter each time the meter is reset. Additional copies of Form 3602-A are provided to the customer upon request. 144.213 Refusing to Issue a Meter License. A postmaster may refuse to issue a meter license under any of the following circumstances: a. The customer has submitted a falsified application for a license. b. Within 5 years immediately preceding submission of the application, the customer violated a regulation relating to the care or use of a meter, resulting in revocation of a meter license. c. There is substantial reason to believe that the meter is to be used in violation of the regulations governing the use of postage meters. 144.214 Notification of Refusal to Issue. When a postmaster refuses to issue a meter license pursuant to 144.212, the postmaster must notify the customer in writing, stating the reason. 144.215 Appeal Procedures. To appeal the refusal to issue a meter license, a customer must file a written statement of objection within 10 days after notification. The appeal is sent to the field division manager, mailing requirements, for resolution. The field division general manager/postmaster or the rates and classification center (if the original decision was made at the division level) must notify the customer of the decision through the postmaster. The postmaster must note the date of the decision on the appeal on the Form 3601-A. Where the refusal to issue a license is sustained, a copy of the decision must be retained for 1 year. 144.22 Responsibilities of Licensee 144.221 After a meter has been delivered to a licensee, he must keep it in his custody until it is returned to the authorized manufacturer or to the post office. A customer may not have a meter in his possession unless it has been checked into service by the Postal Service. Avoiding the payment of postage through tampering with or misusing a meter is punishable by law. 144.222 Although licensees are not required to maintain a Form 3602-A they are encouraged to do so, since use of this form hastens the discovery of meter malfunctions and helps protect the customer. The customer must, however, bring the Form 3602-A to the post office with the meter when it is reset. If at any time the sum of the two figures does not equal the total entered in the Form 3602-A at the last setting, the meter should be taken immediately for examination at the post office, station, or branch where it was set or last examined. The post office provides a Form 3602-A when the meter is initially checked into service. Additional copies are provided as necessary. The customer must present the Form 3602-A with the meter when it is reset. Customers using CMRS meters and electronic meters should record the register readings and control total on Form 3602-A each day the meter is used. 144.223 The meters in the custody of the licensee and his records relating to meter transactions or latest Form 3603 must be immediately available for examination and audit by the Postal Service or meter manufacturer, upon request (see 144.962). 144.224 If a meter is not reset within a 6-month period, it must be presented, together with related Form 3602-A or latest Form 3603, for examination at the post office, station, or branch where it is regularly set. (For CMRS meters, see 144.383 and 144.976.) 144.225 If the meter's printing or recording mechanism is in any way faulty, it must be immediately taken to the post office, station, or branch where it is regularly set or examined to be checked out of service. The faulty meter must not be used under any circumstances. 144.226 A licensee must notify the licensing post office whenever the name, address, or telephone number on Form 3601-A changes. 144.227 Licensees who deposit mail under 144.8 at post offices other than the licensing post office must comply with the additional preparation, documentation, and other requirements in that section. Failure to comply with those requirements may be grounds for revocation of the meter license (see 144.23). 144.23 Revocation 144.231 A license is revoked if a meter is used in operating any scheme or enterprise of an unlawful character, for nonuse during any consecutive 12 months, or for any failure of the licensee to comply with the regulations governing the use of postage meters. 144.232 The postmaster must notify the meter license holder if the license is, or is to be, revoked and must provide the reasons for revocation. Form 3604 may be used if revocation for nonuse is being considered. See 144.215 for appeal procedures. 144.233 The postmaster must notify the licensee's meter manufacturer of the revocation to permit prompt compliance with 144.952i by the manufacturer. 144.3 Setting Meters 144.31 Requirements 144.311 A customer may not have any postage meter in his possession until it has been set, sealed, and checked into service by the Postal Service. The manufacturer must bring the meter to the post office where it is to be regularly set for setting and sealing prior to delivery to the customer, unless it is serviced in accordance with 144.35. A postage meter should show a zero in the descending register before being checked into service. If the meter has not been adjusted to zero, the initial payment must include the residual amount which the locked-out meter could not imprint. For example, a meter with $9.94 remaining in the descending register should read $109.94 in the descending register; $109.94 in postage must be purchased since the dollars and cents wheels cannot be changed. There is no requirement to record the ascending and descending registers before the initial setting. 144.312 Post offices must not set any meters not licensed at that post office, except as specified in 144.34. In the event a customer moves from one post office to another, the meter must be checked out of service in accordance with 144.36 and it, or other meters, must be licensed at the new post office before the meters are reset or initial settings are made in any new meters. This does not apply to branches or stations within a post office (see 144.345). 144.313 Post offices must retain, and promptly arrange for inspection or examination by the manufacturer, any meter presented for setting or examination a. after it has been reported as lost or stolen, or b. after it or the meter holder has been reported by the manufacturer as not locatable for purposes of its semiannual manufacturer's inspection, or c. if it has not been authorized for use under a meter license. 144.32 Place. Meter settings, including checking meters in and out of service, must be done only by designated employees in the post office, station, or branch where the metered mail is to be deposited, except as provided in 144.35. Postal employees are not sent out of the post office to set meters except under the on-site meter-setting program as provided in 144.35. Contract stations and branches are not authorized to set meters. Meters under the computerized remote postage meter resetting system may be checked into service as provided in 144.381. 144.33 Payment 144.331 Payment must be made for postage when the meter is set. Payment may be made by cash, check, money order, or by a withdrawal from an advance deposit account previously established with the post office for that purpose. See Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, 311, regarding the acceptance of checks. Advance deposit accounts may be established when the monthly mailing of a license is $500 or more. No activity in the account over a 60-day period is grounds for the postmaster closing the account and returning the funds to the mailer. 144.332 Receipts for payment to a post office advance deposit account must be made on Form 3544. The original is given to the customer, the duplicate sent to the office maintaining the account book, and the triplicate retained by the employee setting the meter. Advance deposit account transactions must be recorded on Form 25 kept on the individual account by the employee setting the meter. Daily totals of the money received for such funds must be listed on Form 1412-A or Form 1412-B. 144.333 Receipts for individual meter settings must be made on Form 3603. 144.334 Refer to 144.35 for payment procedures under the on-site meter-setting program. Refer to 144.38 for payment procedures under the computerized remote postage meter resetting program. 144.34 Examination and Setting 144.341 Examination a. When meters are brought in for reset or examination in accordance with 144.224, they must be examined to determine whether they operate properly or have been tampered with (see 144.62). b. Meters not reset within a 6-month period must be examined, if practicable, by an employee not assigned to setting postage meters, using the following procedures (see 144.62): (1) Contact the customer by telephone or certified letter. Tell the customer that the meter must be reset by the Postal Service or examined each 6 months, and it must be presented for resetting or examination within 15 days. Contact customers not responding within 15 days, preferably by personal contact. (2) If there is no response within the second 15-day period, the postmaster must notify the licensee that the meter is to be removed from service and/or the meter license is to be canceled and all meters used by the customer must be removed from service. The postmaster must instruct the manufacturer's representative to remove the meters from service within 15 days. c. Meters must be examined to determine whether the seal, register windows, breakoff screws, top cover, lock cover, or other visible parts have been broken or tampered with, and whether the die hub or meter drum is locked in home position. If evidence of tampering or breakage is found, retain the meter and promptly notify the postal inspector-in-charge. d. Serial numbers must be checked to see that they agree with those listed on Form 3610 and that the total of the two registers equals the last entry in column eight of Form 3610. If the meter is not registering properly, it must be checked out of service in accordance with 144.36. Serial numbers of meters must be checked against the lost or stolen meter book, where available. e. When only an examination is made (but no reset), the date of the examination must be listed in column one of Form 3610, the appropriate register readings are to be listed in columns three and four, the word "examined" entered in column five, the control total in column eight, and the initials of the examining employee are to be entered in column nine. 144.342 Setting a. Prior to setting, meters must be examined in accordance with 144.341. b. Record descending and ascending register readings before reset and their sum on Form 3603, prepared in triplicate. Verify that the sum agrees with the last entry in column eight of Form 3610 and column C of Form 3602-A. c. Set the meter in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. d. When applicable (see 144.92d), seal the meter using official USPS sealing pliers furnished by the manufacturer. Ensure that the seal is properly affixed and thoroughly compressed. After sealing, the lead seal must be checked to make sure it cannot move on the wire. e. Record descending and ascending register readings (after setting) on Form 3603 and complete the form. f. If payment is to be made by withdrawal from an advance deposit account, record the transaction on Form 25 maintained for that account by the employee setting the meter. g. Post information from Form 3603 to Form 3610, and complete the Form 3610 entry. Record register readings and the control total on Form 3602-A, and date and initial the entry. h. Give the original copy of the Form 3603 and the Form 3602-A to the customer with the meter. Copy 2 of Form 3603 must be sent to the holder of the account book, and copy 3 must be kept in the receipt book by the meter setter. i. When a meter manufacturer's representative brings a meter to the post office for withdrawal, or reports a meter lost, stolen, recovered, or found, he must provide a copy of an appropriate form. This must be forwarded to the post office where the meter files are kept (see 144.37). 144.343 Transfer of Units. When units are transferred from one meter to another, a note must be made after the entries on Form 3610, as required by 144.342, indicating the value of the units transferred and the serial number of the postage meter from/to which the units were transferred. When additional units are purchased at the time of transfer, a receipt Form 3603 must be prepared for the additional units purchased in accordance with 144.342. 144.344 Setting Meter for Use at Another Post Office. The postmaster who serves the place where a mailer is located may set a meter to be used in paying postage on mail presented at another post office when it is a convenience to the mailer. Before doing so, the following requirements must be met: a. The postmaster must obtain confirmation from the management sectional center facility where the post office of mailing is located that the post office of mailing has adequate facilities for handling the mail. This is intended to improve coordination between the Postal Service and the mailer as to which point of mailing can provide the best service by virtue of acceptance and transportation facilities. The postmaster must request this confirmation by memorandum, describing the nature of the material to be mailed (letter-size, flats, etc.), volume, classes, frequency of mailing, and the desired place of mailing. b. The mailer must obtain a meter license from the post office where the mailing is to be presented. When the license is received, it must be presented to the mailer's local post office with the meter for setting. The license is to be returned to the licensee. c. The postmark die must show the name of the post office of mailing. A separate meter must be used for each post office. d. Payment for each meter setting must be made by check or money order, payable to the postmaster at the post office where mailings are to be made. (See Handbook F-1, 311, regarding acceptance of checks.) Checks must be presented to the local post office when the meter is set. Postal trust funds must not be used to pay for setting such meters. e. The employee setting the postage meter completes Form 3618 in duplicate. The original of this form with the check and a stamped, self-addressed envelope (furnished by the mailer for return of Form 3603) is sent in a post office penalty envelope to the postmaster where the mailings are to be made. The duplicate is retained by the employee setting the meter. A record of each setting must be entered on Form 3610 at the office where the mailings are made and the completed Form 3603 is then sent to the mailer. f. Mail must be presented at a designated receiving point in the post office by the mailer's representative. It may not be consigned to the post office in bulk by freight, express, or other carrier. The postmaster may not act as the mailer's representative, and the Postal Service has no responsibility for the articles until they are actually accepted in the mail. g. Matter sent to other post offices for mailing must be shipped in private containers. Post offices must not furnish mail sacks for this purpose. The total weight of containers such as cartons and crates may not exceed 70 pounds. h. When the use of a meter is discontinued, the meter must be presented to the post office where it was set for checking out of service. Any postage adjustment is made by the postmaster where the mailings have been made. 144.345 Changing Place of Setting Meter a. When the place of setting is changed to a different branch or station of the same post office, Form 3610 must be retained by the office, branch, or station which previously set the meter. The readings on the registers and the office, branch, or station where future settings are to be made must be recorded on Form 3610 and a horizontal line drawn under this last entry. Form 3610 must be retained for 3 years. b. A new Form 3610 must be prepared and sent to the office which is to make future resets. It must have one entry stating office, branch, or station which previously did resets and the register readings when transferred. When appropriate, the second office can obtain this information by telephone and prepare the new Form 3610. 144.346 Reporting Receipts. In filling out Form 1412-A or Form 1412-B, stations, branches, and main office window-unit personnel must list the total of payments received for deposit in metered postage advance deposit accounts as advance deposit account receipts. The total of cash receipts for meter resets is reported on AIC 111, Postage Meter Customer. Duplicate copies of the corresponding Forms 3603 and Forms 3544 must be submitted with the Form 1412-A or Form 1412-B. Advance deposit account transactions must be recorded on Form 3083, Trust Accounts Receipts and Withdrawals, and forwarded with the Form 1412-A or Form 1412-B to the accounting unit (or person designated to keep the account book) with copies of corresponding Forms 3603. 144.347 Meter-Setting Supplies. The manufacturer furnishes the postmaster with instructions for setting various types of meters and provides keys to the locks on the recording mechanism, a stylus (used in setting meters), lead seals, and a sealing device. Protect these items to prevent their use by unauthorized persons. Keep the instructions in the binder holding Forms 3610. Requisition additional copies of the manufacturer's setting instructions from the nearest branch or headquarters office of the meter manufacturer. Requisition additional supplies of lead seals from the headquarters office of the meter manufacturer. Requisition the following forms from your supply office when the first application for a postage meter license is received at your office: Form #Form Name 3083Trust Accounts Receipts and Withdrawals 3601-AApplication for a Postage Meter License 3602-ARecord of Meter Register Readings 3603Receipt for Postage Meter Settings 3604Nonuse of Mailing Permit or Meter License 3610Record of Postage Meter Settings 3616Report of Quarterly Verification of Metered Mail 3977Duplicate Key Inventory 144.348 Custody of Meter-Setting Keys. Post offices must maintain accurate custody records of meter keys. Keep duplicate keys in envelope Form 3977 and safeguard them in accordance with the instructions on the envelope. Make a semiannual verification of the keys. Initial the entry for each key, and date it as evidence of verification. Investigate the loss of any key, report it to the meter manufacturer immediately, and make a permanent record. The record of the loss must include the meter manufacturer's name, key serial number, the date, location, and details of the loss. Destroy the record if the key is recovered. Send outdated keys and emergency requests for meter-setting keys to the management sectional center.