---
kind: "section"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3403"
title: "39"
title_heading: "Postal Service"
number: "3403"
heading: "Matter for blind and other handicapped persons"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/39/3403"
units:
  - "Part IV — Mail Matter"
  - "Chapter 34 — Armed Forces and Free Postage"
---

# §3403. Matter for blind and other handicapped persons

- (a) The matter described in [subsection (b)](#b) of this section (other than matter mailed under [section 3404 of this title](/usc/39/3404.md)) may be mailed free of postage, if—
  - (1) the matter is for the use of the blind or other persons who cannot use or read conventionally printed material because of a physical impairment and who are certified by competent authority as unable to read normal reading material in accordance with the provisions of sections [135a](/usc/2/135a.md) and [135b](/usc/2/135b.md) of title 2;
  - (2) no charge, or rental, subscription, or other fee, is required for such matter or a charge, or rental, subscription, or other fee is required for such matter not in excess of the cost thereof;
  - (3) the matter may be opened by the [Postal Service](/usc/39/102.md?p=1) for inspection; and
  - (4) the matter contains no advertising.
- (b) The free mailing privilege provided by [subsection (a)](#a) of this section is extended to—
  - (1) reading matter and musical scores;
  - (2) sound reproductions;
  - (3) paper, records, tapes, and other material for the production of reading matter, musical scores, or sound reproductions;
  - (4) reproducers or parts thereof, for sound reproductions; and
  - (5) braille writers, typewriters, educational or other materials or devices, or parts thereof, used for writing by, or specifically designed or adapted for use of, a blind person or a person having a physical impairment as described in [subsection (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 91–375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 757.)

## Notes

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Section effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 71–9 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.