How Does EDDM Work

Step 5 of 7

EDDM Indicia and Address Block Rules

The EDDM Retail indicia is a small printed box that shows postage is paid. It takes the place of a stamp. It goes in the top right corner of the mailing side, above and to the right of the address block, and the address block simply says "Postal Customer".

Last checked against USPS: November 6, 2026

What the EDDM Retail indicia says

USPS provides the indicia as a ready-made image. It reads:

PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
EDDM Retail

What the lines mean:

  • PRSRT STD: presorted standard, the old name for what is now USPS Marketing Mail.
  • ECRWSS: enhanced carrier route walk sequence saturation. In plain terms, the piece goes to every address on the route, in the carrier's delivery order.
  • U.S. POSTAGE PAID: you paid the postage when you placed your order.
  • EDDM Retail: the mailing was entered through EDDM Retail.

Download the image from the EDDM page on usps.com and drop it into your design rather than retyping it.

Size and placement rules

Your message, offerand contact detailsPRSRT STDECRWSSU.S.POSTAGEPAIDEDDM Retail1.625 in1.375 inAddress blockPostal Customer6 x 11 in postcard, mailing side, drawn to scale
The indicia sits top right, inside the dashed zone (1.625 in from the right edge, 1.375 in from the top), with 1/8 in clear along the top and right edges. The address block goes below and to the left of it.
  • Position: above and to the right of the address block.
  • Zone: it should fit within the area 1.625 inches from the right edge and 1.375 inches from the top edge of the piece.
  • Margin: leave an eighth of an inch clear along the top and right edges.
  • Size: there's no fixed size, but it must be larger than 0.5 x 0.5 inches.
  • Type: capital letters, at least 4-point type. USPS's own image is the easiest way to get this right.

The address block

EDDM pieces don't carry names or street addresses. Instead they use a simplified address. The right wording depends on who you're mailing:

WordingWhen to use it
Postal CustomerEvery active address on the route, homes and businesses
Residential CustomerHomes only (the residential-only option in the tool)
Business CustomerOnly for routes that are 100% business addresses

You can add the word "Local", or your Post Office's city and state, on the line below. It's optional for mail you drop off at the delivering Post Office.

Keep the address block clear of busy artwork so the carrier can read it at a glance.

Do you need a return address?

No, USPS doesn't require one on EDDM Retail pieces. Undeliverable EDDM pieces are thrown away, not returned, so a return address won't get anything back to you. Most businesses still print their address, phone number or website, because people need to know how to reach you.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Using a stamp. EDDM Retail pieces use the indicia, not stamps or meter strips.
  • Putting the indicia in the wrong spot. It goes top right, above the address block, inside the measured zone.
  • Shrinking it too far. Smaller than half an inch square, or text under 4 point, is too small.
  • Retyping the indicia with typos. Use the USPS image.
  • Using the Retail indicia on a bulk (BMEU) mailing. Bulk mailings use the permit holder's own indicia. Ask your mail service or BMEU which one applies.

Questions people ask

Do I need a stamp on EDDM?

No. The EDDM Retail indicia printed on the piece shows postage is paid. You pay for postage when you place your order online or at the Post Office.

Can I design my own indicia?

You can place USPS's indicia anywhere inside the allowed zone and size it up, as long as it stays larger than half an inch square with type of at least 4 point. Using the USPS image as-is avoids mistakes.

Does EDDM need a return address?

No, it isn't required for EDDM Retail. Undeliverable pieces are discarded, not returned.

What does "Postal Customer" mean?

It's the simplified address that tells the carrier to deliver to every active address on the route.