(a) The application notice for a program sets a deadline date for the transmittal of applications to the Department.

(b)-(c) [Reserved]

(d) If the Secretary allows an applicant to submit a paper application, the applicant must show one of the following as proof of mailing by the deadline date:

(1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.

(2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service.

(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier.

(4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary.

(e) If an application is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service, the Secretary does not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:

(1) A private metered postmark.

(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.

Note:

The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, an applicant should check with its local post office.

[45 FR 22497, Apr. 3, 1980, as amended at 51 FR 20824, June 9, 1986; 69 FR 41201, July 8, 2004; 89 FR 70320, Aug. 29, 2024]