PS Form 3877: Firm Mailing Book for Accountable Mail

USPS PS Form 3877 (Firm Mailing Book for Accountable Mail) streamlines the process of sending multiple pieces of certified mail, registered mail, or other accountable items. Instead of filling out individual PS Form 3800 receipts for each piece, you list all items on one consolidated form. This guide explains when to use USPS PS Form 3877, how to fill it out correctly, and what information you need to track your batch accountable mail.

What is USPS PS Form 3877 (Firm Mailing Book for Accountable Mail)?

USPS PS Form 3877, also known as the Firm Mailing Book for Accountable Mail, is a USPS form designed for businesses and individuals who need to mail multiple pieces of accountable mail at once. Accountable mail includes certified mail, registered mail, insured mail, collect on delivery (COD), and merchandise return service. The form provides a single receipt for all items mailed together, with each piece listed individually by tracking number and recipient address. USPS stamps the form as proof of mailing for all listed items.

When to Use PS Form 3877

Use PS Form 3877 when you are mailing:

• Multiple pieces of certified mail at once (common for legal notices, HOA mailings, or business correspondence)
• Batch registered mail for high-value or sensitive documents
• Any combination of accountable mail services in one trip to the post office
• Mail that requires tracking and proof of mailing but would be inefficient to process individually

How to Fill Out PS Form 3877: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Header Information

At the top of the form, fill in:

• From: Your name or business name
• Street Address: Your complete mailing address
• City, State, ZIP: Your return address
• Date: The date you are mailing the items

Step 2: List Each Item

For each piece of mail, fill in the following columns:

• Article Number: The 20-digit tracking number from the barcode label
• Name and Address: Complete recipient name and delivery address
• Service Type: Check boxes for Certified, Registered, Insured, COD, Return Receipt, Restricted Delivery, etc.
• Postage: Total postage for each item (clerk may fill this in)

Step 3: Total the Postage

At the bottom of the form, add up the total postage for all items listed. The postal clerk will verify this amount and collect payment.

Step 4: Submit at Post Office

Bring your completed form and all mailpieces to the post office counter. The clerk will weigh each item, verify postage, stamp the form, and return a copy to you as your receipt. This stamped copy is your proof of mailing for all items listed.

Tracking Your Mail with PS Form 3877

Each item listed on PS Form 3877 has its own tracking number. You can track each piece individually at USPS.com by entering the 20-digit article number. The form itself does not provide consolidated tracking—each piece must be tracked separately. Keep your stamped copy of PS Form 3877 as it contains all tracking numbers in one place.

For detailed tracking instructions, see our certified mail tracking guide.

PS Form 3877 vs PS Form 3800

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right form:

• PS Form 3800: Individual receipt for one piece of certified mail. Used when mailing 1-2 pieces.
• PS Form 3877: Batch receipt for multiple pieces. Used when mailing 3 or more accountable items at once.

Both forms provide legal proof of mailing and tracking numbers. PS Form 3877 saves time when mailing in bulk. For more details on individual certified mail receipts, see our PS Form 3800 guide.

Fees and Costs

USPS provides the form itself at no cost, though certain certificate and firm-book services or duplicate copies may have associated fees. You pay standard USPS fees for each service (approximate as of January 2025):

• Certified Mail: $5.35 + First-Class postage
• Registered Mail: Varies based on declared value (starting around $17.80)
• Return Receipt (green card / PS Form 3811): $4.50 per item
• Electronic Return Receipt: $2.85 per item
• Restricted Delivery: $10.90 per item

Total postage is calculated per piece and totaled on the form. USPS prices change regularly, so verify current rates at usps.com or your local post office before mailing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing tracking numbers: Every item must have a unique article number from the barcode label
• Incomplete addresses: USPS requires full recipient addresses; abbreviations are acceptable but complete information is required
• Not keeping a copy: Always get your stamped copy back from the clerk as proof of mailing
• Mixing service types without noting them: If some items are certified and others registered, mark each one correctly
• Illegible handwriting: Print clearly so tracking numbers and addresses are readable

FAQs

Related Guides

• How to Fill Out PS Form 3800
• How to Fill Out PS Form 3811 (Green Card)
• What is Certified Mail?
• What is Registered Mail?
• How to Track Certified Mail