What is a DPID Barcode? Here are the essential need to knows

22nd July 2014 Direct Mail

Are you sending bulk mail that needs a DPID barcode? You may have a few questions like, what are those strange lines and are there requirements if I use one?

The answers to these questions are fairly straight forward, just follow Australia Post rules and you will be in postal discount heaven. Here are the essential need to knows:

What is a DPID Barcode? 

Simply put – DPID stands for Delivery Point IDentifier and is a unique barcode assigned to most street addresses in Australia. The barcode allows sorting machines within Australia Post to quickly and accurately read addresses on envelopes.
Why would I use a DPID Barcode? 

Australia Post looks favourably on barcodes because it streamlines their processing. Barcoding will allow your mail to be posted at a discounted rate. Barcodes can be used on pre-sort mail, charity mail, print post, acquisition mail and clean mail.
Where do the barcodes come from? 

DPID are generated from Australia Post’s Post Address File. Barcodes can be generated with the purchase of an address matching software program. These programs are costly so many organisations engage bulk mail houses who already have the required technology.
When should I use a DPID barcode? 

DPID barcodes are required when sending pre-sort letters, charity mail, acquisition mail and reply paid envelopes. The minimum amount for the most common mail services, pre-sort, is 300 barcoded addresses. If you are sending more than 300 letters then speak to your bulk mail house about which discount would best suit your mailout.

What are the requirements when using a DPID?

There are a few restrictions and guidelines around quiet zones and envelopes. Here are the essential need to knows.

  • Barcode Window Face Envelopes – Barcode mailer envelopes are window faced envelopes that have a slightly larger window to allow extra space for the barcode. It is important to note these dimensions when designing envelopes to make sure design elements don’t creep into the window space. These envelopes are DLX, which is slightly larger than a DL. This gives inserting machines more room to operate and allows a DL to be inserted inside.
    • The Quiet Zone  – Barcodes require a quiet zone around them so that they can be easily read by scanners. This means that logos, addresses or graphics cannot enter this space. The quiet zone extends 2mm above and below the barcode and 6mm left and right of the barcode.

Image courtesy of Australia Post

  • Address and barcode placement – For small letters, such as DLX or smaller, the addressing block must be placed parallel to the long side of the envelope. For medium or large letters, such as C5, C4 or B4, the orientation can be portrait or landscape.

So next time you send envelope artwork off to your printer or mailing house, remember these little tips and get your job out faster. Find our more about our direct mail, unaddressed mail and transactional mail services. We can design, print and deliver all your communication needs. 

Still confused or just want to chat about your next great campaign? Give us a call on 08 9493 0477 or email enquiries@quickmail.com.au