US Postal Service Warns Mail May Not Be Postmarked Same Day It’s Turned In

The US Postal Service is warning Americans who rely on postmarks for ballots, tax returns, and other time-sensitive mail to plan ahead, as a new rule clarifies that mail may not be postmarked the same day it is turned in.

Postmarks are often used as proof that a piece of mail was submitted by a legal deadline. However, under the new rule that went into effect last week, a postmark does not necessarily reflect the date the Postal Service first took possession of the mail.

According to the USPS, most postmarks are applied at regional mail-processing centers rather than at local post offices. As part of a major operational overhaul, the agency has reduced the number of daily transportation trips between post offices and processing facilities. This change can lead to delays between when mail is dropped off and when it is postmarked, especially in rural areas located far from processing hubs.

The Postal Service says its postmarking practices have not changed, but the rule was issued to clarify what a postmark actually represents.

Mail-in voting, which expanded significantly during the pandemic, accounted for about 30 percent of ballots cast in the 2024 election, according to federal data. Fourteen states, including Nevada, allow ballots to be counted after Election Day if they are postmarked on or before Election Day. Several states, however, have recently eliminated grace periods for late-arriving ballots.

Election officials in states such as California and Oregon have already warned voters to mail ballots earlier than usual to avoid potential postmark delays. The Postal Service continues to recommend mailing completed ballots at least one week before they are due.

USPS officials say customers who want to ensure a postmark can take their mail to a post office counter and request a manual postmark. Certified or registered mail options are also available for an added fee.

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