Postal Service Changes Postmark Policy for Time-Sensitive Mail

The Postal Service has changed its rules so that a postmark now reflects when mail is first processed at a regional facility, not when it is dropped off at a post office or in a mailbox. This shift, effective December 24, 2025, means the postmark date can be one or more days later than the day you mailed a letter, especially in rural areas or around weekends and holidays. For time‑sensitive items that must prove mailing by a deadline (tax returns, legal filings, ballots, etc.), customers are advised to go to a retail counter and request a free hand‑stamped postmark or use services like certified or registered mail.