USPS Periodicals Mailing Class
Everything publishers need to know about qualifying for and using the Periodicals mail class.
What Is the Periodicals Mail Class?
Periodicals is a USPS mail class specifically designed for newspapers, magazines, and other publications that are issued at regular intervals. It offers significantly lower postage rates than First-Class or Marketing Mail — but comes with strict eligibility requirements and content rules.
The Periodicals class was formerly known as "Second-Class Mail" and has been a cornerstone of American publishing for over a century. Today it remains the most cost-effective way for publishers to distribute printed periodicals through the mail.
Cornerstone has helped publishers across the Hudson Valley and beyond navigate Periodicals eligibility, application, and ongoing compliance. Our case study with a national magazine publisher is one example of how we help publications optimize their mailing operations.
Who Qualifies for Periodicals Rates?
Not every publication qualifies. The USPS has specific criteria that your publication must meet to be authorized for Periodicals postage:
Regular Issuance
The publication must be issued at stated intervals — at least four times per year. Examples include weekly newspapers, monthly magazines, and quarterly journals. One-time or irregular publications do not qualify.
Paid Circulation or Requester Status
The publication must have a legitimate list of subscribers or requesters. For paid publications, at least 50% of copies must be distributed to paid subscribers. For requester publications, recipients must have individually requested (in writing or electronically) to receive the publication.
Editorial Content Requirement
The publication must contain editorial content — news, articles, opinion, or similar material. It cannot be primarily advertising. The USPS generally requires that advertising not exceed 75% of the publication's content. Publications that are entirely or predominantly advertising are classified as Marketing Mail, not Periodicals.
Not Designed Primarily for Advertising
Even if a publication includes some editorial content, the USPS may deny Periodicals authorization if the publication is primarily designed to promote the products or services of the publisher. The editorial content must serve the reader, not function as a marketing vehicle.
Known Office of Publication
You must maintain a known office of publication — a physical business address where editorial operations are conducted. This address is printed in every issue as required by the USPS.
How to Apply for Periodicals Authorization
Obtaining Periodicals authorization is a multi-step process that involves demonstrating your publication meets all USPS requirements:
Submit PS Form 3510
Application to Mail at Periodicals Prices. This form requires detailed information about your publication, circulation, frequency, and office of publication.
Provide Sample Issues
You must submit copies of recent issues for USPS review. They'll evaluate content mix, advertising ratio, and compliance with formatting requirements.
Document Your Subscriber List
Provide evidence of paid subscriptions or written requests from recipients. The USPS needs to verify that your circulation is legitimate.
Wait for USPS Review
The approval process typically takes 6–12 weeks. During this time, you can mail at Periodicals rates on a pending basis, but the USPS may revoke this privilege if your application is denied.
File PS Form 3526 Annually
Once authorized, you must file an annual Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (PS Form 3526) and publish it in one issue each year.
Periodicals Postage Rates
Periodicals rates are significantly lower than other mail classes, but the pricing structure is more complex. Rates are based on multiple factors:
Per-Piece Charges
- • Flat base rate per piece
- • Varies by presort level
- • Discounts for automation-compatible mail
Pound Rates
- • Advertising content charged by the pound
- • Editorial content charged at a lower pound rate
- • Zone-based pricing for advertising pounds
Because of this dual pricing structure (per-piece + per-pound), the total postage for a Periodicals mailing depends on the weight of the publication, the ad-to-editorial ratio, and how far the mail is traveling. See our postage rates page for current rate tables.
Requester Publications
A "requester publication" is a Periodicals-class publication that is distributed free of charge to recipients who have specifically requested it. Unlike paid-subscription publications, requester publications don't require paid circulation — but they do require documented evidence that each recipient asked to receive the publication.
Requester Publication Requirements
- • At least 50% of copies must go to recipients who individually requested the publication
- • Requests must be renewed at least once every 3 years
- • The publisher must maintain records documenting each request
- • Common for trade magazines, industry journals, and professional association publications
Nonprofit Periodicals Rates
Qualifying nonprofit organizations receive even deeper discounts on Periodicals postage. To be eligible for nonprofit Periodicals rates, the publication must be mailed by an organization that has been authorized by the USPS as a nonprofit mailer (using PS Form 3624) and the publication itself must qualify for Periodicals.
Nonprofit Periodicals rates can be 20–40% lower than regular Periodicals rates — making them among the cheapest postage rates available. See our non-profit mailing guide for details on obtaining nonprofit authorization.
Periodicals vs. Marketing Mail
Many publishers wonder whether they should mail as Periodicals or Marketing Mail. Here's how they compare:
| Factor | Periodicals | Marketing Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Postage rates | Lowest available | Higher than Periodicals |
| Authorization required? | Yes — PS Form 3510 | No — just a mailing permit |
| Content restrictions | Must contain editorial content | No content restrictions |
| Forwarding | Forwarded 60 days | Not forwarded — discarded |
| Annual reporting | PS Form 3526 required | None |
| Best for | Regular publications with subscribers | Promotional mailings, catalogs, flyers |
Need Help With Periodicals Mailing?
Whether you're applying for Periodicals authorization for the first time or looking to optimize your existing periodical mailing, Cornerstone can help. We've worked with publications ranging from local newspapers to national magazines.
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