Story perspectives

USPS Changes Postmark Rules, Risks Delayed Mail Deliveries

1/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Postal Service will apply a rule called "Postmarks and Postal Possession" making mail postmarked when processed, not when dropped off, effective December 24, 2025, in California.
The change could delay time-sensitive items such as election ballots and tax returns by postmarking at processing rather than at drop-off.
The Regional Transportation Optimization initiative will reduce mail pickup to once daily in some areas and may slow timely delivery.

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Story summary

The U.S. Postal Service will apply a rule called "Postmarks and Postal Possession" making mail postmarked when processed, not when dropped off, effective December 24, 2025, in California.
The change could delay time-sensitive items such as election ballots and tax returns by postmarking at processing rather than at drop-off.
The Regional Transportation Optimization initiative will reduce mail pickup to once daily in some areas and may slow timely delivery.