Eligibility Categories
Discussed below are the various eligibility categories that you can select in
the "Filing Status" section at the top of PS Form 3500. Based on the category
you select, complete the applicable part(s) of PS Form 3500 and any
applicable worksheet(s). Note: You must complete Part A, and you can
complete Part F (request for special rates) in addition to any other part except
Part C (Requester Publication).
General (DMM E212.1)
Complete Parts A and B on PS Form 3500 and the worksheets in
Appendixes A and B.
General publications are paid publications with at least 50 percent of the
publication's distribution going to persons who have paid above a nominal
rate. The amount paid for a valid subscription must be half or more of the
basic subscription price. Newsstand, vending machine, over-the-counter, and
other single-copy sales count as subscriptions. Advertising content is
restricted to no more than 75 percent advertising in more than half the issues
published during any 12-month period.
Requester (DMM E212.4)
Complete Parts A and C on PS Form 3500 and the worksheet in Appendix A.
Requester publications are publications with at least 50 percent of the total
distribution going to individuals who have made a request to receive copies of
the publication. Paid subscriptions may also be included as part of the
qualification for the minimum 50 percent. Advertising is restricted to no more
than 75 percent in any issue. Requester publications are not entitled to
In-County rates or special rates (so on the PS Form 3500 you cannot check
the box for special rates or complete Part F), and each issue must contain at
least 24 pages.
State Departments of Agriculture (DMM E212.3)
Complete Parts A and D on PS Form 3500 and the worksheets in Appendixes A
and B.
State Departments of Agriculture may publish one publication that furthers
the objectives of the department. It must not contain any advertising content.
News Agent Registry (DMM E212.6)
Complete Part A on PS Form 3500 and attach a separate sheet listing the
publications you service and where they are published.
The term "news agent" means a person or concern selling two or more
Periodicals publications published by more than one publisher.
Foreign Publications (DMM E212.5)
Complete Parts A and B on PS Form 3500 and the worksheets in
Appendixes A and B.
Foreign publications originating in other countries may desire domestic
distribution under Periodicals mailing privileges. Foreign publications need to
meet the basic criteria of a domestic Periodicals publication and establish a
known office of publication through an agent or broker in the United States.
The publication must not violate any United States copyright. Only domestic
circulation is considered in determining eligibility as a Foreign publication.
Advertising restrictions also apply to Foreign publications.
Publications of Institutions and Societies
(DMM E212.2)
Complete Parts A and D on PS Form 3500 (or Parts A, D, and E if there is
general advertising) and the worksheets in Appendixes A and B.
Publications of Institutions and Societies must meet the basic requirements of
Periodicals and are published by certain types of institutions and societies.
Advertising in institution and society publications, if any, must be limited to the
authorized publisher's own advertising in some instances and general
advertising in others. (On PS Form 3500, there are separate boxes you can
check for publisher's advertising only or for general advertising.) The type of
approval the publication receives dictates advertising restrictions. Use the
definitions and descriptions in Appendix C to determine your specific needs.
Special Rate Periodicals (DMM E270)
In addition to selecting one of the preceding categories (except Requester)
and completing the appropriate part(s) and worksheet(s) described
previously, you can apply for special Periodicals rates. If you wish to do so,
also complete Part F.
To qualify for special rates, a publication must meet the requirements in
DMM E270, Preferred Periodicals. See Appendix D to determine the
nonprofit category that fits your organization.
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