What is a Policy Envelope and What is it Used For?

What is a Policy Envelope

A policy envelope is an envelope that opens on the short side and are typically the same as numbered business sized envelopes. They are larger than coin envelopes, which also open on the short side, but smaller than open ended envelopes. Policy envelope sizes are: #10 (4 1/8 x 9 ½) #11 (4 1/2 x 10 3/8) #12 (4 3/4 x 11) #14 (5 x 11 ½) #16 ( 5 7/8 x 12) Find all sizes and colors here.

What Are Policy Envelopes Used For

Policy envelopes are typically used for business mailing and important documents. Many businesses use them for mailing documents, such as mortgage & legal papers and insurance documents. However, they can be used for other things as well. Some have even used them for wedding invitations.

Addressing a Policy Envelope

When addressing a policy envelope it is better to address the envelope horizontally (like a typical letter) rather than vertically. The USPS charges an additional postage fee for vertically addressed envelopes (typically $0.20) because it is deemed nonmachinable. "For a letter-size piece that is 5 inches by 8 inches, if the address is parallel to the 5-inch (shorter) dimension, the piece is 5 inches long and 8 inches high. The aspect ratio of this piece is 0.625, which is not within 1.3 to 2.5, so it is mailable as a nonmachinable letter" Section 1.5 of the USPS 601 Mailability Standards. [caption id="attachment_4313" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Vertical Policy Envelope Address[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4312" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Horizontal Policy Envelope Address[/caption] So to offer up a quick recap of what a policy envelope is: They are open ended envelopes that are used for business mailing and should be addressed horizontally, not vertically, to avoid additional charges.