USPS EDDM Specifications & Regulations: Complete Guide
Everything you need to meet USPS Every Door Direct Mail requirements: size and weight rules, postage, artwork specs, carrier routes, facing slips and bundling, and the difference between EDDM Retail and EDDM Standard (BMEU).
Key EDDM facts
- Postage: flat $0.245 per piece (pass-through USPS Marketing Mail saturation rate)
- Minimum size: 6.25" longest side, 3.5" shortest side; Retail max 6.5" × 12", Standard max 12" × 15"
- Volume: EDDM Retail up to 5,000 pieces per post office per day; larger volumes use EDDM Standard (BMEU permit)
- No mailing list required — choose USPS carrier routes; every address on the route receives your piece
- Artwork: press-ready PDF, 300 DPI, CMYK, 0.125" bleed, EDDM indicia + matte/uncoated address side
EDDM2GO Full Service handles route selection, printing, bundling, facing slips, PS Form 3587, and USPS drop-off for you. Compare options on EDDM Full Service and EDDM Print Only, download EDDM templates by size, or read EDDM vs. targeted direct mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is EDDM?
- EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) is a USPS mailing service that lets businesses send marketing materials to every address along selected postal carrier routes. There is no need to purchase or maintain a mailing list, and no postage permit is required for the Retail version. EDDM is delivered to every residential address, and optionally every business address, on each chosen route — making it the most cost-effective way to reach a defined local area.
- What is the minimum size for EDDM?
- EDDM pieces must be at least 6.25 inches on the longest dimension and at least 3.5 inches on the shortest dimension. The minimum thickness is 0.007 inches, which 14PT cardstock meets. Pieces smaller than the 6.25-inch minimum will not qualify for EDDM postage rates.
- Do I need a permit for EDDM?
- No permit is required for EDDM Retail, which allows up to 5,000 pieces per post office per day. For larger volumes you must use EDDM Standard (also called EDDM BMEU), which requires a USPS Bulk Mail permit and an advance deposit account. EDDM2GO Full Service uses BMEU for larger campaigns, so customers do not need to obtain their own permit.
- What is PS Form 3587?
- PS Form 3587 is the USPS form used to submit an EDDM Retail mailing. The form lists each carrier route, the number of pieces per route, and the total postage due. It is filled out by the mailer (or by EDDM2GO for Full Service orders) and submitted at the local post office along with the bundled mailpieces and payment for postage.
- What is an EDDM facing slip?
- An EDDM facing slip is a USPS-required label that identifies the carrier route number and ZIP code for each bundle of EDDM pieces. One facing slip is required per bundle and must be placed on top of the bundle so the route information is clearly visible to USPS staff.
- How many pieces per EDDM bundle?
- EDDM pieces must be bundled in groups of 50 to 100 with a rubber band. Each bundle must be from a single carrier route, with a facing slip on top identifying the route. EDDM2GO handles all bundling, banding, and facing-slip preparation for Full Service customers.
- Can I target specific addresses with EDDM?
- No. EDDM is delivered route by route, not address by address. When you select a carrier route, your mailpiece goes to every household on that route — and optionally to every business as well. If you need to mail to a specific list of addresses, you would need a Marketing Mail or First Class campaign with a mailing list instead of EDDM.
- What is EDDM Retail vs EDDM Standard?
- EDDM Retail is for smaller mailings up to 5,000 pieces per post office per day. No permit is required, payment is made at the post office counter, and the maximum piece size is 6.5 by 12 inches. EDDM Standard (BMEU) is for larger mailings, requires a USPS Bulk Mail permit, is dropped at a Business Mail Entry Unit, and allows piece sizes up to 12 by 15 inches.
- What file format do I need for EDDM?
- Press-ready PDF is the preferred file format for EDDM. Files must be 300 DPI minimum, in CMYK color mode, with a 0.125-inch bleed on all four sides. The address side must include the EDDM indicia in the upper right corner and must use an uncoated or matte finish so USPS staff can write on it.
- How long does EDDM delivery take?
- Plan on roughly 10 to 12 business days from artwork approval to in-home delivery. Printing typically takes 3 to 5 business days, USPS drop-off adds 2 to 3 business days, and USPS in-home delivery is usually the next regular mail day for the route. USPS does not guarantee specific delivery dates for EDDM.