A Service Type IDentifier (STID) is a unique three-digit code that indicates the service type for an individual mailpiece. The service code denotes the mail class, address correction option, and whether Informed Visibility® Mail Tracking and Reporting (IV®-MTR) is being used.
As part of the Intelligent Mail® barcode (IMb®), STIDs offer mailers near-real-time tracking visibility on both outbound and return Ballot Mail. STIDs also provide the Postal Service™ with enhanced tracking capabilities that allow us to quickly identify and process on-hand ballots throughout the mail network. This helps the Postal Service ensure the expeditious processing and delivery of Ballot Mail.
Use of the appropriate STIDs allows for IV-MTR to identify mailpieces, with all expected service combinations, during mail processing. These STIDs are for use only on Ballot Mail. Ballot Mail consists of any mailpiece sent to or from an authorized election official containing a live ballot that may be used to cast a vote in an election.
For other Election Mail (e.g., voter registration applications, polling place locations, absentee applications, and sample ballots), use the appropriate STID for the mail class, ACS™ and IV®-MTR services desired that are identified for First-Class Mail® or USPS Marketing Mail® on the STID Table on PostalPro. The Election Mail attribute in eDoc (electronic documentation) should be used to identify a mailing that contains any type of Election Mail.
