Fill Out Your Usps 1500 Form

What is the USPS 1500 Form?

The USPS 1500 Form is an application used for obtaining a Prohibitory Order or for being added to the USPS list of individuals who do not wish to receive sexually oriented advertisements. It’s particularly useful if you receive unwanted sexually explicit mailings and want to take action against specific mailers.

Who can apply for a Prohibitory Order?

You can apply for a Prohibitory Order if you are the addressee of an advertisement that you find erotically arousing or sexually provocative. If you are a parent, you can also apply on behalf of a minor child residing with you. Additionally, if you're managing the mail for a deceased person to whom the advertisement was sent, you may apply in that individual's name.

How do I complete the form for a Prohibitory Order?

To complete the Prohibitory Order section, fill out pages 2 and 3 of the USPS 1500 Form. Sign and date the application. Importantly, you must attach the entire opened mailpiece that you consider objectionable along with the application before submitting it to any Post Office.

What information do I need to provide about children?

If applicable, you need to include the full names and birth dates of any minor children under the age of 19 who reside with you. If there is not enough room on the form, use additional pages to continue the list and ensure you sign them as well.

What happens after I submit my application?

Once your application is processed, you will be notified of the effective date of your order or listing. Additionally, you will receive information on how to report any violations of your protected status should you receive further unwanted mail.

Can I be removed from mailing lists immediately after applying?

No, submitting the application does not guarantee immediate removal from all mailing lists. Your name and address must remain on the list for more than 30 days before mailers are prohibited from sending you sexually oriented advertisements. The process takes time.

What if I receive unwanted mail even after applying?

If you continue to receive unwanted mail after your name has been on the list for 30 days, it constitutes a violation. You should contact your Post Office and follow the instructions in your notification letter to report the incident and possibly pursue enforcement action.

Is there any cost associated with filing the USPS 1500 Form?

Completing the USPS Form 1500 can be a straightforward process when you're aware of the common pitfalls that can hinder your application's progress. One critical mistake people often make is not providing complete and accurate information. The application requires precise details, including your name, address, and the specifics about your minor children, if applicable. Inaccuracies or missing information can lead to delays or even the outright rejection of your application.

Another frequent error involves the submission of improper documentation. It's essential to attach the entire original mailpiece that you find objectionable. Sometimes, applicants mistakenly send a photocopy of the mailpiece instead of the original. This mistake is particularly important because the Postal Service requires the original to process the request properly. If you submit a photocopy, the application may be deemed incomplete, and your request for a Prohibitory Order could be denied.

People also often neglect to sign and date the application. This might seem minor, but without your signature and the date, the application is not valid. The USPS must ensure that the request comes from the actual recipient, and a lack of proper authorization can stall the entire process. Therefore, always double-check that your application is signed and dated before submission.

Lastly, failing to follow the instructions regarding the Protection List is another common mistake. If you are applying for a listing, remember that you do not need to submit an advertising mailpiece. This can be confusing, and applicants sometimes mistakenly include unwanted mail when they are simply trying to have their names removed from distribution lists. Understanding the requirements for each option on the form ensures that your application is correctly processed and helps you avoid unnecessary complications.

When applying for measures to limit unwanted sexually oriented advertisements through the USPS Form 1500, the following additional forms and documents may be useful. Each serves a unique purpose in ensuring your requests are processed efficiently.

• USPS PS Form 1501: This form is a request for service updates on your Prohibitory Order or Listing status. It allows you to check on the progress of your application, ensuring you stay informed about your rights and protections.
• PS Form 3526: This is specifically intended for reporting violations of the Prohibitory Order. If you receive an unwanted mail piece after your application has been approved, this form helps initiate action against the offending mailer.
• USPS Form 2856: This form allows individuals to appeal decisions made regarding their Prohibitory Order or Listing. If your request is denied, this document serves as a means to present your case to a higher authority within the postal system.
• PS Form 3077: If you are applying for a Prohibitory Order on behalf of a minor, this form can be used to provide additional information about the child involved. It ensures that all relevant details are included, leading to a more thorough review.
• USPS Prohibitory Order Listing Update: This document allows you to update your information on the list if you have moved or if there are any changes in your status. Keeping your details current is essential for maintaining the effectiveness of your protections.

These forms and documents work in conjunction with the USPS Form 1500 to fortify your request for protection against unwanted sexually oriented advertisements. Ensure that you have all necessary information ready to facilitate an efficient application process.

• Do Not Contact Registry: Similar to the USPS 1500 form, this registry allows individuals to opt-out of unwanted communications, including telephone calls and messages from telemarketers. This is designed to protect personal preferences regarding unwanted solicitations.
• National Opt-Out Registry for Credit Offers: Like the USPS 1500 form, this registry lets consumers choose not to receive unsolicited credit offers. It aims to give individuals control over what types of financial advertisements they want to receive.
• Mail Preference Service (MPS): This service allows individuals to reduce unwanted advertising mail. Similar to the USPS 1500 form, it provides a means to limit the types of advertisements received based on personal preferences.
• National Do Not Call Registry: This government-run registry is intended to stop telemarketing calls. It functions like the USPS 1500 by giving individuals the option to limit unwanted outreach to their personal phone numbers.
• Unsubscribe Request for Email Marketing: Many companies provide the option to unsubscribe from email lists. This is akin to the USPS 1500, as it allows individuals to remove themselves from unwanted communication lists.
• Consumer Fraud Reporting Tools: While not directly similar, both tools empower consumers. Reporting tools allow individuals to document and prevent unauthorized or disturbing communications and advertising.
• Privacy Shield Framework: This agreement helps protect consumer data and preferences internationally. It serves a purpose like the USPS 1500 in safeguarding personal information and restricting certain types of advertisements.
• Spam Reporting Tools: Similar to the USPS 1500, these tools enable consumers to report unwanted or unsolicited messages, which can deter further unsolicited communications.
• Opt-Out Provision for Auto-Renewal Services: Many subscriptions allow users to opt-out of automatic renewals. This is similar, as it puts control back in the hands of consumers regarding ongoing service agreements and advertisements.
• Direct Mail Preference Service: This service allows individuals to specify the types of direct mail they wish to receive or not receive, echoing the protective intent of the USPS 1500 form.

When filling out the USPS 1500 form, it's important to follow some basic guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts:

• Do read all instructions carefully before completing the form.
• Do use the name and address you normally receive mail with.
• Do make sure the application is clear and easy to read.
• Do include the entire opened advertising mailpiece with your application if applying for a Prohibitory Order.
• Do include full names and birth dates for children, if applicable.

• Don’t submit a photocopy of the mailpiece; it must be the original.
• Don’t forget to sign and date the application.
• Don’t leave any required sections blank.
• Don’t assume your name will be removed from all mailing lists just by being on the USPS list.
• Don’t submit the form without keeping pages 1 and 3 for your records.

1. Misunderstanding the Form's Purpose: Many believe that the USPS 1500 form is solely for reporting offenders. In reality, it is both an application for a prohibitory order against a specific mailer and a way to be placed on a list to prevent future unsolicited sexually oriented ads.

2. Assumption of Immediate Action: Some people think that once they submit the form, they will immediately stop receiving unwanted mail. However, the form initiates a process that may take some time, as it involves verification and communication with the mailer.

3. Belief That All Mail Will Stop: It is a common misconception that the application guarantees no future mail from all sources. While it provides a notable deterrent, it does not eliminate the possibility of mailings from other advertisers.

4. Confusion About Including Children: Some individuals are unaware that they can include their minor children on the application. If the adult does not specify this, their children might continue receiving unwanted advertisements.

5. Incorrect Handling of the Mailpiece: A significant number of applicants mistakenly submit a photocopy of the offending mailpiece instead of the original. The application specifically requires the entire opened mailpiece to be included in the submission.

6. Ignoring the Registration Deadline: Many individuals wrongly assume that once on the list, they are protected indefinitely. However, protections may need to be reaffirmed if more than 30 days pass without receiving any new advertisements from the same mailer.

Here are some essential takeaways for completing and using the USPS 1500 form:

• Protection Against Unwanted Mail: The USPS 1500 form helps you stop receiving unwanted sexually oriented advertisements at home or work.
• Two Programs Available: You can apply for a Prohibitory Order or request to be placed on a list that prevents you from receiving such advertisements.
• Complete the Application: Fill out the form accurately. Provide complete names and birth dates of any eligible minor children you wish to protect.
• Open Mailpieces Required: If you're applying for a Prohibitory Order, you must submit the entire opened mailpiece along with your application.
• Submit at Your Local Post Office: Once completed, take your application to any Post Office for processing. Keep the first and last pages for your records.
• Wait for Notification: After processing, the USPS will inform you of your application's effective date and how to report potential violations.
• Violate Protected Status: Any further mailings from the same mailer will be considered a violation if you receive them 30 days after the order took effect.
• Privacy Matters: Your information will only be used for the purposes of these requests and will not be shared with others without your permission, except when legally required.