Abstract: An improvement to an automatic document handling machine of the kind having at least one processing station and possibly a guide track to hold and transport documents to the processing station. The processing station or the guide track includes an entry port for documents and a unit insertion means for inserting one of said documents into the processing station or the guide track. The insertion means comprising a support means for the document which includes an exit port for documents, a drive means capable of making contact with the document in the said support means to feed the document towards the exit, and an engaging means which is adapted to produce relative movement between support means and the drive means. The insertion means is arranged close to the processing station or the guide track and is positioned in such a way that the document exit port faces the document entry port at least when the said engaging means is operated.