​​Date:   January 20, 2026
To:        All Licensees
Re:       USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode

The purpose of this Bulletin is to clarify whether the United States Postal Service Intelligent Mail Barcode https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/intelligent-mail-barcode satisfies the requirements of "first-class tracking method" as defined in 1-101 (m-1) of the Insurance Article.
 
First–class mail tracking method is defined as:

1. a mail tracking method that provides evidence of the date that a piece of first–class mail was accepted for mailing by the United States Postal Service.
   
   
2. “First–class mail tracking method" includes:
   (i) a certificate of mail; and
   (ii) an electronic mail tracking system used by the United States Postal Service

​The USPS Intelligent Barcode Mail system “is a 65-bar Postal Service™ barcode used to sort and track letters and flats. It allows mailers to use a single barcode to participate in multiple Postal Service programs simultaneously, expands mailers' ability to track individual mailpieces, and provides greater mail stream visibility."  It may be used for certified mail, first class mail, standard mail and periodicals.  It may not be used for registered mail.  As such, it may be used when a first-class tracking method or certificate of mailing is required under the Insurance Article.