Publications that are mailed on a regular basis, like magazines, newsletters, and newspapers, may qualify for Periodicals postage rates. Periodicals rates are generally cheaper than rates for other kinds of mail.

Q. What are Periodicals mailing privileges?

A. Periodical publications must be authorized by the Postal Service, and you must prepare mailings in a certain way. These guidelines are spelled out in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), which is available on the Postal Explorer Web site at http://pe.usps.gov.

Q. Does my publication meet the basic criteria for Periodicals?

A. All Periodicals must meet several basic criteria, plus additional criteria that depend on the type of publication and publisher. Specifically, all Periodicals mailers must intend to publish issues indefinitely with common elements from issue to issue. The purpose must be to transmit information. Issues must be published at least four times a year at a regular frequency and must be formed of printed sheets. All Periodicals mailers must maintain an office where normal business of the publication is conducted during posted hours. You can find additional criteria that apply to your type of publication in DMM section E200.

Q. How do I apply to mail at Periodicals rates?

A. Call your local post office or visit www.usps.com for Form 3500, Application for Periodicals Mailing Privileges. Form 3500 is a new form (see page 4) that allows mailers to apply for any Periodicals authorization category. Fill out the application completely, following the instructions on pages 3 and 4 of the form.

Take the application to the post office that serves your publication’s business address (called your "known office of publication"), along with two copies of your publication that are marked to show which portion is advertising and which portion is not. Pay the application fee (currently $350) when you are there. You can pay by cash, check (payable to "Postmaster"), or credit card.

If you are not sure where to take the application, call 1-800-ASK USPS and give them your ZIP Code.

Q. Can nonprofit organizations mail at special Periodicals rates?

A. Yes, if your type of organization is eligible under DMM E270. Complete Part F on Form 3500 and attach the supporting documentation as requested.

Q. How does the Postal Service handle my application?

A. The Postal Service reviews your application and schedules a date and time to review your publication’s circulation. You can expect a decision shortly after the review (about four weeks after you apply). If the application is approved, your authorization may take effect on the date you applied or, in some cases, a subsequent date based on qualification.

Q. Can I mail at Periodicals rates while my application is pending?

A. No, you cannot pay postage at Periodicals rates while your application is pending. However, if you prepare your publication as Periodicals mail and pay postage using an advance deposit account, you may be entitled to a refund for the difference between the rate of postage you paid and the rate you would have paid for a Periodicals mailing.

Q. What should I do once I am approved to mail at Periodicals rates?

A. Add an identification statement to your publication that includes all of the elements listed in DMM E211.10.0. Prepare your mail according to the specifications in DMM M200. Deposit your mail at the authorized mailing post office. Pay for postage through an advance deposit account that you’ve set up beforehand.

Q. What if I want to deposit my mail at a different location or at more than one location?

A. Call your post office or visit www.usps.com for Form 3510, Application for Additional Entry, Reentry, or Special Rate Request for Periodicals Publication. Complete the form and take it to your authorized original entry post office. You can turn in Form 3510 and Form 3500 together when you first apply for Periodicals privileges, or you can file Form 3510 later. You must pay a separate application fee for Form 3510, currently $50.

Q. Can I change the title of my publication or frequency of issues, or move my office to a new location, without reapplying for mailing privileges?

A. Yes. Apply for these changes on Form 3510.

Q. Who can I call for help or more information about Periodicals mail? Is information available on the Internet?

A. The Postal Service’s Web site, www.usps.com, can answer almost any mailing question. You can search the Domestic Mail Manual or the entire site by keyword. You can also call your local post office or Business Mail Entry unit. You can get these numbers by calling 1-800-ASK USPS and giving them your ZIP Code.

New Forms 3500 and 3510 for Periodicals Mailers

Form 3500, Application for Periodicals Mailing Privileges, is a new form that mailers can use when applying for any Periodicals authorization category. Instructions for applicants and postal employees are printed on pages 3 and 4 of the form. Form 3500 consolidates and replaces old Forms 3501, 3501-A, 3502, and 3511.

Form 3510, Application for Additional Entry, Reentry, or Special Rate Request for Periodicals Publication, is revised to simplify the application process and to reflect current procedures.

Both forms are dated November 2001 and are available on www.usps.com (click on "Forms" at the top of the page).

Postal units should exhaust existing supplies of Form 3510 before distributing the November 2001 version to mailers. Forms 3501, 3501-A, 3502, and 3511 are obsolete, and mailers must begin using the new Form 3500 immediately.

— Mail Preparation and Standards