Postal stationery is a mail-ready paper item bearing a prepaid postage indicium. Common forms include stamped envelopes, postal cards, letter sheets and wrappers. Ordinary writing paper, an empty envelope and a loose adhesive stamp are not postal stationery by themselves.
Main types
| Type | Physical form | Postage feature |
|---|---|---|
| Stamped envelope | Envelope manufactured with an indicium | Prepaid imprint is part of the envelope |
| Postal card | Card issued with prepaid postage | Not the same as a privately printed postcard requiring a stamp |
| Letter sheet | Foldable writing sheet designed to become its own mailpiece | Indicium printed on the sheet |
| Wrapper | Paper wrapper intended for mailed matter | Prepaid indicium incorporated into the wrapper |
Identification checklist
- Locate the printed indicium and identify the issuing postal authority.
- Record denomination, service wording or non-denominated indicator.
- Identify object type, paper, size, color and any watermark or inscription.
- Determine unused, cancelled or commercially used condition.
- Transcribe postmarks and routing evidence separately from the stationery design.
Postal value and collector value
The prepaid amount or service determines postal use under the applicable rules. Collector value depends on the exact issue, variety, condition, scarcity and postal history. A seller’s asking price is not evidence of either value.
Using old postal stationery
Do not assume an old indicium equals a current Forever stamp. Identify it in an official or recognized catalog and ask USPS when current usability is uncertain. Rare or intact used pieces may be worth preserving as covers.
Related guides
Sources and verification
Facts on this page were checked on August 31, 2026. Dynamic inventory, prices and USPS rules can change.
Four meanings of “envelope stamp”
| Object | Meaning | Postal effect |
|---|---|---|
| Stamped-envelope indicium | Postage printed into official postal stationery | Represents the stated/current applicable value; extra may be required |
| Adhesive postage stamp | A separate valid stamp attached to an envelope | Adds its applicable postal value |
| Rubber-stamp impression | Ink applied by a hand stamp | Normally no postage value |
| Decorative or charity seal | Nonpostal label used for design or fundraising | No postage value |
Weigh and classify the completed envelope. A printed indicium or one adhesive stamp does not guarantee that all weight, shape, destination and service charges are covered.
If you are using an ordinary envelope with adhesive postage, follow the complete steps for how to mail an envelope through USPS.