Can vhs tapes be sent media mail?

I learned this the hard way! I tried sending some old Star Wars VHS tapes to a friend via Media Mail to save a few bucks. The package got opened for inspection (which they can do) and I got hit with a postage due notice for like $10 extra. The post office clerk explained that movies even old ones on VHS are considered entertainment not educational media.

The only exception I've heard of is if you're sending educational material that's actually recorded on VHS like a university lecture series or a non-profit's training video. But you'd need documentation. For personal collections yard sale items or eBay sales just use Ground Advantage. It's usually only a dollar or two more and you avoid the hassle and risk of fees. Plus Media Mail can be slow—it's the lowest priority. For fragile old tapes you want them moving through the system faster anyway.

That's a tricky one! According to the United States Postal Service (USPS) regulations VHS tapes generally CANNOT be sent via Media Mail. Media Mail is specifically for educational media like books sound recordings printed music and other materials that are primarily for reading listening or studying. The key requirement is that the content must be educational or informational in nature.

VHS tapes fall into a gray area. If the VHS contains recorded educational content (like a documentary instructional video or lecture series) and is being sent between authorized parties (like libraries schools or educational institutions) it might qualify. However if it's a commercial movie a home recording of TV shows or entertainment content it definitely does NOT qualify. The USPS reserves the right to inspect Media Mail packages and if they find ineligible content they'll charge the higher Priority Mail rate plus extra fees. Honestly it's usually safer and not much more expensive to use First Class Package or Ground Advantage for VHS tapes. Check the official USPS Media Mail page for the latest specifics.