9-2.2 Special Materials on Which Postmarks Are Requested

The materials described in this section may be postmarked as indicated as long as they bear unused postage stamps at the applicable First–Class Mail rate.

1. Plain Cards, Slips of Paper, and Blank Envelopes. Postal Service personnel may place postmarks for customers on plain slips of paper, plain cards, or blank envelopes provided that such items bear unused postage stamps at the applicable First–Class Mail rate.
2. Picture Postcards (Maximum Cards). Picture postcards with the stamp placed on the face of the card rather than on the address side are known as “maximum cards.” Postal personnel may postmark these cards and hand them back to the person presenting them at the day of the event.
3. Posters, Portfolios, and Other Memorabilia. These items may be postmarked when presented in person for hand–back service provided that such items bear unused postage stamps at the applicable First–Class Mail rate. However, such items cannot be submitted and returned through the mail.
4. Already Canceled Stamps/Multiple Cancellations. Items bearing previously canceled stamps and postmarks are acceptable for additional postmarking only when they bear unused postage stamps at the applicable First–Class Mail rate. The new postmark must strike the unused postage. The previously canceled stamps or postmarks also may be hit with the same stroke.
5. Currency. Currency, or items bearing currency, having stamps at the applicable First–Class Mail rate affixed or adjacent thereto may be canceled when presented in person for hand–back service. However, such items cannot be submitted and returned through the mail. The Postal Service does not accept responsibility for currency in its possession in conjunction with philatelic services.
6. Backs of Envelopes. Envelopes having canceled stamps on the front can still be postmarked if they bear on the back unused stamps at the applicable First–Class Mail rate. These items may be postmarked when presented in person for hand–back service. However, such items cannot be submitted and returned through the mail, even when outer envelopes are provided. Such a postmark denotes only that the item was presented to the temporary philatelic station or philatelic outlet for postmarking on that date; it does not denote that the envelope was carried by the Postal Service.
7. Foreign Postage Stamps. Unused foreign postage stamps may be canceled with a U.S. Postal Service postmark only when unused U.S. postage stamps at the applicable First–Class Mail rate is canceled with the same stroke.
8. Photo Stamps, Personalized Postage; PC Postage; Postage Validation Imprinter Strips; Bulk, Nonprofit, and Presorted First–Class Stamps; or Metered Postage. Items may be canceled with a U.S. Postal Service postmark only when unused U.S. postage stamps at the applicable First–Class Mail rate is canceled with the same stroke.