Do you need a franking machine licence?

Yes. In the UK you must have a Royal Mail licence to use a franking machine. The licence authorises a specific machine, linked to a postage account, to print postage onto your outgoing mail – and you do not deal with Royal Mail directly: your authorised supplier (such as Mailcoms) arranges it for you.

What a franking machine licence is

A franking machine licence is an agreement between your business (or an authorised supplier on your behalf) and Royal Mail, giving you permission to use a franking machine to print postage. It authorises a specific machine model, tied to a postage account, to apply postage impressions to your mail. Without it, you cannot use a franking machine to post mail in the UK.

Who issues and arranges it

Royal Mail issues and manages the licence, but businesses do not apply to Royal Mail directly. Instead it is arranged through a Royal Mail authorised supplier like Mailcoms, who set up the licence and link it to your machine when you order.

Ready to get set up? See our franking machines or call 01543 572 776 – we are a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of franking machines.

FAQs

Do you need a licence for a franking machine in the UK? Yes. You must have a Royal Mail licence to use a franking machine to print postage in the UK.

Who issues the franking machine licence? Royal Mail issues and manages it, but you do not deal with Royal Mail directly – your authorised supplier, such as Mailcoms, arranges it for you.

Can I use the machine before the licence is issued? No. Wait until the licence is in place before using a new franking machine.