Sending a postcard is a simple, quick, and thoughtful gesture that offers a personal touch often missing in digital communication. The process is straightforward, requiring only a few steps to transform a blank card into a piece of mail ready for delivery. This physical correspondence allows you to share a moment or a memory with someone in a tangible way.
Addressing and Writing Your Postcard
The back of a standard postcard is typically divided into two distinct sections by a vertical line. The left side is reserved for your personal message, while the right side is dedicated to the recipient’s address and the postage stamp. Since the space is limited, keep your message concise, focusing on a brief anecdote or a heartfelt greeting. Write clearly and legibly, ensuring the ink does not bleed through the card’s material.
The recipient’s information must be placed on the right side of the dividing line, occupying the lower half of that section. This area requires the recipient’s full name, complete street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Include a small return address in the upper left corner of the address side so the postcard can be returned to you if it proves undeliverable.
The upper right corner of the postcard is specifically designated for the postage stamp. The adhesive stamp must be affixed here to cover the mailing cost. Placing the stamp anywhere else may delay delivery or cause the postcard to be returned, as it can confuse the sorting machinery.
Understanding Postcard Postage
The cost to mail a postcard is generally lower than the rate for a standard letter, reflecting the item’s smaller size and lighter weight. As of July 2024, the domestic First-Class Mail postcard rate is 56 cents. This rate applies only to postcards meeting specific size requirements: they must be at least 3.5 by 5 inches and no more than 4.25 by 6 inches.
If your postcard exceeds the maximum dimensions or is too thick, it will no longer qualify for the special postcard rate. In such cases, the item requires the higher First-Class Mail letter rate. The card’s thickness must fall between 0.007 and 0.016 inches to be processed efficiently.
For sending a postcard outside of the country, a different international rate applies, which was $1.65 as of July 2024. You can purchase a specific international stamp or use a Global Forever stamp, which remains valid even if the international rate increases. Stamps are commonly available at Post Office locations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and online through the postal service’s website.
The Final Step: Mailing It
Once the postcard is fully addressed, written, and the correct postage is affixed, the final step is introducing it into the mail stream. The most common method is dropping the postcard into a blue collection box found on street corners or outside Post Office buildings. When using a collection box, ensure the postcard is fully inserted into the slot to prevent it from being missed or damaged.
You can also deposit the postcard into the mail slots located in the lobby of any Post Office. Another option is to hand the postcard directly to your mail carrier when they are delivering mail. Regardless of the drop-off location, the postcard will be collected and begin its journey to the recipient.