- What are all the different barcodes on my mail?
- What is the difference between 2-Part and 3-Part labels?
- Where can I get 2-Part and 3-Part labels?
- Are there any dedicated printers that print Mailing labels?
- Why do I need to use fluorescent labels on envelopes?
- Can I print postage on labels without a fluorescent stripe and use them on envelopes?
- What will happen if I use labels without a fluorescent stripe on envelopes?
- Can I use fluorescent labels on flats or packages?
- When would I use non-fluorescent labels?
What are all the different barcodes on my mail?
Every mailpiece has at least two barcodes on it – most contain four! These barcodes help your mail get processed more rapidly and efficiently through the U.S. Postal Service’s mail processing systems. Here is a guide to the four barcodes:
 
- FIM – Also known as the Facing Indication Mark, the FIM barcode helps the scanning equipment determine which way is up or down, front or back.
- Postage Indicium – This is the most important barcode as it contains information about the class of mail you are sending, the date and the postage amount. This is generally located in the upper right corner of an envelope, just like a regular postage stamp.
- PLANET – If you are using Stamps.com version 4.0 or higher, you will see this barcode printed on your First-Class Mail® envelopes, flyers and postcards. The PLANET barcode is a new mail tracking feature from the USPS and is used by Stamps.com to enable our customers to make electronic postage refund requests (e/Refunds) without having to mail in physical proof. The barcode looks nearly identical to a POSTNET code (#4), but contains a unique identifier similar to that of the Delivery Confirmation™ service.
- POSTNET – This barcode is used primarily for final destination sorting, as it contains specific carrier routing information for the destination delivery point.
What is the difference between 2-Part and 3-Part labels?
There are multiple labels available to assist you in printing Internet Postage, specifically:
You can also consult our comprehensive Label Advisor to assist you in your label selection.
Where can I get 2-Part and 3-Part labels?
You can purchase a variety of labels directly from the Stamps.com Store. Choose from Shipping and Internet Postage label sheets, or label rolls for use with dedicated label printers.
Are there any dedicated printers that print Mailing labels?
Yes. Stamps.com offers the Stamps.com LabelWriter made especially for Stamps.com by DYMO™. The Stamps.com LabelWriter and other thermal LabelWriters by DYMO (EL60, LW320, LW330, LW330 Turbo, CoStar XL Plus, CoStar XL Turbo) support printing 3-Part (30383) and 2-Part (30384) Multi-Purpose Label Rolls and 4-Part (30387) Shipping Label Rolls. Please see our Postage Printers FAQs for more information.
Why do I need to use fluorescent labels on envelopes?
The fluorescent stripe replaces the Facing Identification Mark (FIM) on traditional envelopes. The FIM is the little barcode object next to the postage on all metered mail, and tells the USPS® automatic feeding equipment if the envelope is upside down or right side up. If an envelope is upside down, the equipment turns it around so the automatic address reading equipment can determine the delivery address. The FIM must always be printed no greater than 1/8" from the top edge of the envelope, but the fluorescent stripe can be more than 1/8" from the envelope's edge and the equipment will still work. Because labels could be placed more than 1/8" from the envelope's edge, they need to have the fluorescent stripe.
Can I print postage on labels without a fluorescent stripe and use them on envelopes?
No, labels without a fluorescent stripe cannot be used on First-Class Mail® envelopes. In order to process mail properly, envelopes printed with PC Postage indicia are required to have a “facing identification mark” (FIM). There are two types of facing marks that are allowed with envelopes: a label with a fluorescent stripe or the small vertical bars that print just to the left of the indicium when printing directly on an envelope. Note that this requirement does not apply to packages or flats.
What will happen if I use labels without a fluorescent stripe on envelopes?
In order to process mail properly, First Class Mail® envelopes printed with PC Postage indicia are required to have a “facing identification mark” (FIM). Fluorescence is considered to be an acceptable FIM. If your envelope does not contain a FIM, your mail may be returned or held for investigation. Note that this requirement does not apply to packages or flats.
Can I use fluorescent labels on flats or packages?
Yes. You can use fluorescent labels on flats and packages but it is not a mandatory requirement like it is for envelopes.
When would I use non-fluorescent labels?
The use of non-fluorescent labels is restricted to flats and packages ONLY.
If the solution(s) provided in this page failed to solve your issue, please use our search form or return to our Support Home Page or contact Customer Support.
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