How to Apply for Nonprofit Status with USPS

How to Apply for Nonprofit Status With the USPS

Applying for nonprofit mailing authorization with the United States Postal Service (USPS) allows eligible organizations to access deeply discounted USPS Marketing Mail rates. These lower postage costs can substantially reduce fundraising and outreach expenses for nonprofits.

This guide walks you step-by-step through the current application process using PS Form 3624 and the Business Customer Gateway (BCG). [pe.usps.com]

1. Create a Business Customer Gateway Account

All online USPS nonprofit applications begin in the Business Customer Gateway (BCG) at:

• https://gateway.usps.com

If you do not already have an account, select Sign Up and complete the registration process.
Once logged in:

• Go to Mailing Services
• Select Postal Wizard
• Look for Form 3624 (Application to Mail at Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail Prices)

This step is confirmed across several USPS and mailing-industry sources. [pe.usps.com], [uspspostalone.com]

2. Gather the Required Documentation

Before filling out the form, collect all required organizational documents. USPS requires:

• Formative documents (articles of incorporation, charter, constitution)
• IRS determination letter proving 501(c)(3) status or other qualifying nonprofit exemption
• Operational documents, such as:
  • brochures
  • minutes from meetings
  • financial reports (balance sheet, income statement)

Additional helpful evidence includes:

• Past 12 months of organizational activities
• Last year's financial statement and this year’s budget

These documentation requirements are explicitly outlined in USPS guidance. [pe.usps.com]

3. Complete PS Form 3624 (Application for Nonprofit Mailing Prices)

PS Form 3624 is the heart of your application. Here’s what you’ll do:

• Enter organization name and physical address
• Select one qualifying nonprofit category (religious, educational, scientific, philanthropic, etc.)
• Confirm the organization is not for-profit
• Declare whether it has held nonprofit mailing privileges before
• Sign and date the form

USPS emphasizes that all information must match your supporting documents. [about.usps.com]

4. Submit the Application Online (Recommended)

Submitting Form 3624 through the BCG is faster than mailing a hard copy.

Steps in the Postal Wizard:

1. Choose Form 3624
2. Provide general organization information
3. Upload electronic versions of your supporting documents
4. Review and submit

Accepted file formats include: PDF, JPG, GIF, DOC, RTF, TXT, and more. [uspspostalone.com]

5. What Happens After Submission?

Here’s what to expect after submitting:

Application Review

• The USPS reviews your application and may request additional information.
• Online applications typically move faster than paper submissions.
• Hardcopy approvals often take about two weeks. [pe.usps.com]

Mailing While Pending

You can mail while your application is pending, but you must pay regular USPS Marketing Mail rates until approval.
If approved, you can request a refund of the difference using PS Form 3533. [pe.usps.com]

After Approval

USPS will issue your Nonprofit Authorization Number (NPA), which is linked to your CRID in BCG.

Maintaining Your Status

You must make at least one nonprofit mailing every two years, or your authorization may be revoked. [pe.usps.com]

Conclusion

With the right documentation on hand and a Business Customer Gateway account set up, applying for USPS nonprofit mailing privileges is straightforward. Completing PS Form 3624 online is the fastest route, and once approved, your organization can benefit from significantly reduced postage costs.