39 USC § 3403 - Matter for blind and other handicapped persons

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3403"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "39 USC § 3403 - Matter for blind and other handicapped persons"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
section_number: "3403"
section_name: "Matter for blind and other handicapped persons"
chapter_number: 34
chapter_name: "ARMED FORCES AND FREE POSTAGE"
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. 757.)"
---


# § 3403. Matter for blind and other handicapped persons

**(a)** The matter described in subsection (b) of this section (other than matter mailed under section 3404 of this title) may be mailed free of postage, if—

**(1)** the matter is for the use of the blind or other persons who cannot use or read conventionally printed material because of a physical impairment and who are certified by competent authority as unable to read normal reading material in accordance with the provisions of sections 135a and 135b of title 2;

**(2)** no charge, or rental, subscription, or other fee, is required for such matter or a charge, or rental, subscription, or other fee is required for such matter not in excess of the cost thereof;

**(3)** the matter may be opened by the Postal Service for inspection; and

**(4)** the matter contains no advertising.

**(b)** The free mailing privilege provided by subsection (a) of this section is extended to—

**(1)** reading matter and musical scores;

**(2)** sound reproductions;

**(3)** paper, records, tapes, and other material for the production of reading matter, musical scores, or sound reproductions;

**(4)** reproducers or parts thereof, for sound reproductions; and

**(5)** braille writers, typewriters, educational or other materials or devices, or parts thereof, used for writing by, or specifically designed or adapted for use of, a blind person or a person having a physical impairment as described in subsection (a)(1) of this section.

---

**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 757.)

## 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 .