Title 39 — Postal ServiceRelease 119-73
§3203 Endorsements on penalty covers
Title 39 › Part PART IV— - MAIL MATTER › Chapter CHAPTER 32— - PENALTY AND FRANKED MAIL › § 3203
Summary
Penalty covers must have a marking above the words "Official Business" that names the department, bureau, office, or officer sending them. The cover must also show the penalty for unlawful use. The Postal Service must decide the exact endorsement wording for covers mailed under clauses (1)(E), (2), and (3) of section 3202(a).
Full Legal Text
Title 39, §3203
Postal Service — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Except as otherwise provided in this section, penalty covers shall bear, over the words “Official Business” an endorsement showing the name of the department, bureau, or office from which, or officer from whom, it is transmitted. The penalty for the unlawful use of all penalty covers shall be printed thereon.
(b)The Postal Service shall prescribe the endorsement to be placed on covers mailed under clauses (1)(E), (2), and (3) of section 3202(a) of this title.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 71–9 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
39 U.S.C. § 3203
Title 39 — Postal Service
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73