The U.S. Postal Service is rolling out changes to how mail is postmarked in 2026, a shift that could have significant consequences for people sending time-sensitive documents such as election ballots, tax returns, and bill payments.
For decades, a postmark has served as legal proof that an item was mailed on time. Traditionally, that mark reflected the date a letter was dropped into a mailbox or handed over at a post office counter. Under the new rule, however, the postmark will reflect the date an envelope is first processed by an automated USPS sorting machine — which could be days after it was actually mailed.
The change is part of the Postal Service’s broader Delivering for America initiative, a modernization effort that includes consolidating mail processing operations and updating infrastructure as the volume of paper letters declines and package deliveries continue to rise.
The revised postmark definition could pose challenges for people who rely on mailing deadlines. Items such as tax payments, charitable donations, legal filings, rent checks and utility bills that depend on postmark dates may now risk being considered late, potentially triggering fees, penalties or delinquency notices.
The issue also has implications for voting. Many states allow mail-in ballots to be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day. With processing sometimes occurring far from where a letter is mailed, a ballot dropped on time could receive a later postmark, raising concerns about whether it will be accepted.
USPS officials advise customers sending time-sensitive mail to allow several extra days before a deadline. Another option is to go inside a post office and request a hand-stamped manual postmark dated the day the item is mailed. Using certified mail or other tracked services can also provide proof of mailing.
The postmark change comes alongside other updates at the Postal Service in the new year. While the cost of a First-Class Mail stamp will remain at 78 cents for now, shipping rates for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select are set to increase starting Jan. 18, with hikes ranging from about 5% to nearly 8%, depending on the service.
USPS is also pushing ahead with plans to modernize post office lobbies nationwide. Redesigned spaces are expected to include smart lockers available around the clock, upgraded self-service kiosks, mobile app features for package drop-off, digital displays, and expanded government service options such as passports and identity verification.
Source: USA Today