39 USC § 3203 - Endorsements on penalty covers

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3203"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "39 USC § 3203 - Endorsements on penalty covers"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
section_number: "3203"
section_name: "Endorsements on penalty covers"
chapter_number: 32
chapter_name: "PENALTY AND FRANKED MAIL"
part_number: "IV"
part_name: "MAIL MATTER"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-03-26"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 752.)"
---


# § 3203. Endorsements on penalty covers

**(a)** Except as otherwise provided in this section, penalty covers shall bear, over the words “Official Business” an endorsement showing the name of the department, bureau, or office from which, or officer from whom, it is transmitted. The penalty for the unlawful use of all penalty covers shall be printed thereon.

**(b)** The Postal Service shall prescribe the endorsement to be placed on covers mailed under clauses (1)(E), (2), and (3) of section 3202(a) of this title.

---

**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 752.)

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Section effective , pursuant to Resolution No. 71–9 of the Board of Governors. See , set out as a note preceding .