Getting the Stamp of Approval

Of the 25.5 billion stamps, stamped envelopes and stamped cards produced in fiscal year 2010, 6.3 percent were commemorative stamps.

Most ideas for the commemorative stamp program come from the American public. Each year, 50,000 people send in proposals for consideration by the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, a cross section of designers, historians and educators, who narrow the selection of stamp subjects to be issued. The committee reviews the suggestions and makes recommendations to the Postmaster General for final approval.

The Stamp Selection Process Stamp proposals are to be submitted in writing to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee. This allows everyone the same opportunity to suggest a new stamp subject. Subjects should be submitted at least three years in advance of the proposed date of issue to allow sufficient time for consideration and for design and production, if the subject is approved. All eligible subjects are reviewed by the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee regardless of how they are submitted, i.e., stamped cards, letters or petitions. Stamp proposals are to be submitted in writing to the following address: Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, c/o Stamp Development, U.S. Postal Service, 1735 North Lynn St., Suite 5013, Arlington, VA 22209-6432.