Do You Need a Licence for a Franking Machine?

In the UK a franking machine must be supplied and inspected through Royal Mail’s authorised network, and it runs on a Royal Mail franking account that you top up with postage credit. You do not need a separate personal licence, but the machine itself has to come from a Royal Mail authorised supplier. Mailcoms is a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of postal franking machines (since 2008).

How franking machine authorisation works

Franking machines are regulated by Royal Mail. They are supplied, inspected and maintained through Royal Mail’s authorised network, and each machine is linked to a Royal Mail account so postage can be added and accounted for.

Setting up a franking machine

To start franking, you get a machine from an authorised supplier such as Mailcoms and set up a Royal Mail franking or Mailmark account. From there you load postage credit and frank mail directly from your premises.

Inspection and maintenance

Royal Mail requires franking machines to be maintained by authorised inspectors. Mailcoms is a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of postal franking machines and an approved service agent for Quadient, Frama and Pitney Bowes machines.

Thinking about a franking machine? See our franking machines, request a quote, or call 01543 572 776.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to use a franking machine? You do not need a separate personal licence, but the machine must come from a Royal Mail authorised supplier and run on a Royal Mail franking account.

How do I set up a franking machine? Get a machine from an authorised supplier such as Mailcoms and set up a Royal Mail franking or Mailmark account, then load postage credit.

Who can service a franking machine? Royal Mail requires authorised inspectors. Mailcoms is a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of postal franking machines since 2008.