Abstract: A system and method for marking mailpieces for postal fee and tracking purposes is described. The system greatly increases security now obtainable with conventional postage meters and postage stamp affixation. A central control computer under the control of a postal service enables the system. Host computers under the control of customers and the postal service are used to control and audit the printing of indicia marks on mailpieces. Mailpieces can be scanned with remote field readers at any step in the mail distribution process, thereby providing information to the postal service and to the customers. Real time analysis of the scanned indicia marks is used to reduce problems associated with counterfeiting of mailpiece indicia and mailpiece diversion. Information security is provided so that proprietary information of the postal service and the users of the system is maintained at all times.